SZA has even more new music coming out, she promises. That was probably why Cosmopolitan gave her February cover, to coincide with her new album, which will come out at some point. SZA is pretty laid-back about it though – at the age of 30, the pandemic year has taught her to be more chill. Things will happen when they happen, that kind of thing. SZA chatted with Cosmo about her lack of Grammys, the pandemic, figuring out what to do during a pandemic, and a lot more. Some highlights:
Stand still: “I’m trying to learn how to stand still and be in it—and be okay with that. But I’m not meant to be still.”
Almost four years since her album Ctrl. “The subject matter, I guess, ended up seeming like this highly curated journey through female adolescence and adulthood. That was not intentional. I was just talking my sh-t.”
SZA is fine with her lack of Grammys: “I’m just a girl from the ’burbs. I never had dreams of being nominated for a Grammy. I thought I was going to be a gymnast and a f–king business accountant somewhere. Or working at Nike corporate or some sh-t in Portland. Who knows, but something that involved a power suit. So it’s not a heavy burden. Once you’ve been nominated and lost, you’re very much free because you’re not concerned. I passed that threshold years ago—it’s an old energy to me. Why would I be mad?”
New music: “Sometimes you just want to make something f–king awful just to rage against the system, but that’s not where I’m at. In this space, I just want to do what I want without any pressure, without any hyper-conversation about it. This album is going to be the sh-t that made me feel something in my…here and in here,” she continues, laying one hand on her heart and the other on her gut. “That’s what’s going to go on the album. I’m making all different types of sh-t every day from different places in my spirit.”
Her self care routine: It involves crystals (which she diligently charges), DIY intention oils (“I mix rose-hip, hemp, jojoba, and evening primrose”), daily exercise, and a couple of go-to astrologers (her favorite: @iJaadee. “I love her,” SZA says. “She’s mean as hell—she’s from Memphis—but she’s a lovely girl and she keeps it funky.”).
The pandemic year: “2020 definitely affected my ability to create and just the way I see everything. It forced me to restructure. I’m bored as f-ck when I’m not overwhelmed. Right now, more than ever, I’m just figuring it out—who I am and what I want that to be. Before, it was more about letting people know that I was a good writer and that I shouldn’t be counted out. And now it’s more, You have power; you can shape the world based on the things you genuinely care about.”
I kind of enjoy when someone is unapologetic about being into stuff like crystals, astrologers, intention oils and such. It’s a fine line for me – like, when a celebrity is really into crystals and talks about the importance of crystals, I roll my eyes. But just a simple mention of all of the sh-t they like – crystals, oils, astrology – in passing, it just seems like a fun quirk. Anyway, SZA sounds like the kind of person who enjoys being busy and does her best work on a deadline, so the past year was probably a major adjustment for her, but she’s handling it with grace.
Cover courtesy of Cosmo.
I worked near Glastonbury for a while. Mention the slightest ache and everyone would whip out their crystals or try to lay hands on you. Or you could rest in the specially blessed yurt that lurked in practically every back garden. It was very pretty, they were kind hearted, but I couldn’t stand it for long.
I snort laughed at “Mention the slightest ache and everyone would whip our their crystals or try to lay hands on you” I’ve a theory that the believe in this magical thinking /believes is a bit dangerous.
Fun quirk. Alright.
She doesnt sound far from gooptown.
I’ve never heard of *intention* oils, and I don’t get how people still believe in esoteric quackery like astrology in this day and age.
As long as people aren’t antivaxx, I guess…
There is a cultural ancestry of this sort of practice among afro/latinx people which I myself have found fascinating the more I dig into it. The Goopers have essentially gentrified ancestral spiritual practices, which isn’t actually representative of its history. I’m going to give Sza the benefit of a doubt here.
I know it’s easier to live when one separates the art from the artist, but when I like someone’s music and then hear magical cr*p like this, it does turn me away from their work. Different caliber, for sure, but it’s the same for me with movies and sexual predator directors/actors – used to love Woody Allen’s work and now I can’t stomach his films.
Having personal beliefs like this compared to a sexual predator like Woody Allen is ridiculous, “different caliber” ref or none. I have no issue with someone not liking an artist for their personal beliefs but this comparison is, again, ridic.
Um, I’m sort of speechless that you find her extremely innocuous beliefs as offensive as sexual predation. As Chlo says, that’s seems really ridiculous. Seems to me that maybe you weren’t really into her work anyway, maybe.
Except she didn’t compare her beliefs to Allen, but her reaction to their art, and she amended it wasn’t the same type of reaction.
But do not miss a chance to be outraged.
Who needed you to bring up Woody Allen in comparison to a young Black woman practicing self care? Like how does that comparison even arise in your mind?
I also can’t possibly deal with his stuff anymore but how are crystals or oils even remotely comparable? She’s harming literally no one. That comparison was weird and yes it was offensive. She didn’t rape a child and she doesn’t deserve to be compared even glancingly to a pedophile.
How do you ‘charge’ a crystal? asked no-one ever.
Many people charge crystals, Andrew.
I know you’re joking, but: putting them under the full moon or the new moon, depending on what kind of energy you’re looking to charge them with.
Source: have crystal friends, don’t see the harm in it. I guess it’s like goop in that it’s woo but the crystals they buy are like $4, so much cheaper than her woo.
In moonlight or burying them in the soil, iirc. That’s how crystals are charged
You can also charge crystals with Reiki.
I’m not familiar with intention oils but I have become reacquainted with aromatherapy using essential oils during the pandemic. It helps my sleep and overall energy a lot. Same with exercise. Good for her for doing whatever she needs to do to achieve stress relief and peace.
Comments are already weird, Not everyone is a WASP, folks. Diaspora and Indigenous practices exist and are valid.
Stop centering whiteness in the spiritual paths of others, thank you.
Pfft. Lots of WASPs fall for this crap. Charged crystals – not a thing.
Definitely a thing Maggie. Black and brown people continue to exist, and not all of us are Christian.
Not everyone worships what some refer to as a sky-daddy while practicing ritualistic transmogrification of food on certain sabbath days.
I’m mystified why you started talking about Black and brown people in relation to crap like astrology and charged crystals. Do you know why?
Black and brown people can land a robot on Mars, lead a covid-19 vaccine research team and be kick ass, renowned MDs, scientists and engineers.
This is pseudo-science BS and it’s ok to call it what it is
@ Arpeggi I find it odd that you’re arguing against points that no one has made here, and presuming that people in the comments are ignorant about the contributions of Black and brown people in STEM.
My comments are related to diverse (and in some cases, ancient) *spiritual* practices, which has nothing to do with pseudo-science.
Call it whatever you wish, but people are out here practicing in myriad ways that are valid, and deeply integrated in cultural paths that reject colonized norms.
It is very strange that this bothers you.
Have a good day, everyone.
@Maggie – I’ve done “energy” work, mostly with Reiki, for about a decade. The majority of my work was through volunteering at a cancer wellness centre. I worked with patients and their families to relieve stress, counter some of the negative effects of chemo/radiation and pain from surgery. While I didn’t use crystals during my sessions, I firmly believe in being able to transmit positive energy and create feelings of peace and positivity during a Reiki session and believe me, I had MANY people get off my table feeling much, MUCH less stressed. Some tried to pay me they were so amazed, but I refused. All that to say that some of the more esoteric treatments have derived from other cultures (think smudging from First Nations peoples), and Reiki’s origins are Japanese. Before you call it all “crap that white people have fallen for” you should do a little research on its efficacy.
@Maggie
Some people believe that a middle Eastern virgin gave birth to the son of God who then died so they won’t go to hell. 2,000 years later they talk to this dude in their head and make music to praise him. It makes them feel good.
Some other people get that same good feeling by charging crystals and reading the stars.
You have to be shamelessly bigoted to be bitching about one and not the other. Maybe live and let live.
Sincerely,
An atheist.
Come thru, Julie! lol, you dropped that wisdom like a draw four card, and I am LIVING. 😀
Maggie, what you are missing is that astrology and crystal work are foundational to some and certain spiritual practices that are specific to Black and Brown cultures. So your outright dismissiveness reveals your cultural ignorance. Furthermore, by virtue of your reading and commenting on this post, you can access the internet and can therefore research these things to lessen your ignorance. Ideally you would have done this before commenting. But ask yourself these things: Why did it not occur to you to hold space for what you clearly don’t know? Why did you double down on your ignorance?
@Maggie – you may want to address that giant chip on your shoulder. Try putting a crystal on it…I recommend bloodstone for reducing anger.
Agreed Athyrmose. People are being really weird and seem to misunderstand that crystal work and intention setting are important to black and indigenous people and have been for hundreds of years. But I guess it’s just easier to mutter about science and Goop. Things don’t lose their importance just bc some white women started cashing in on it smh.
Well stated Athyrmose! I see people making fun of ‘woo’ on here a lot and most of those practices that are joked about have roots in other (nonwhite) cultures.
Centering whiteness and white culture while othering practices that don’t align with that center is gross.
I’m a high Priestess in my tribe. They knowledge is passed from generation to generation. I do side-eye when I see the bastardizing of traditional practice from any group of people no matter their race.
@Petra – I respect the spiritual knowledge your tribe encompasses. Let me ask you, does it bring peace and happiness to your people? Does it create an atmosphere of love, support and caring for your tribe? If so isn’t it worth sharing with other peoples in the hopes that it brings them equal happiness and makes the world a better place? That’s what I was taught when I became a Reiki practitioner and teacher – it’s evolved from the original Japanese teachings of Mikao Usui and as far as I’m concerned the more Reiki practitioners there are in the world the better. One thing that we are taught during our training is to make Reiki our own, that we don’t master it, it masters us and that we can put our own personal stamp on it as long as how we are guided follows the original principles which are:
– Just for today I will not anger.
– Just for today I will not worry.
– Just for today I will be grateful.
– Just for today I will do my work honestly.
– Just for today I will be kind to every living thing.
Think about it.
I love crystals and I can’t wait to get some more for my home! I’ve never really gotten into astrology but people that really study it seem to have a connection and understanding of it and if not helps them then why not?! She is absolutely stunning so I’ll take any tips she is giving!
I love it all lol. Not because I believe in it. Any of it. But I’m in love with the history, the stories, how beliefs have shaped our civilizations. I find it fascinating what people choose to open their minds to. I burn sage sticks because I absolutely love the smell and hey, who wants undesirable lingering spirits. I have chakra crystals hanging from my rearview mirror (alongside a dreamcatcher and a vegan leather sunflower)… it’s important to maintain a healthy chi when driving.
Everything means something to me because it’s meaningful to others. Practices which can run 30,000 years old are theme park rides in my world 😁. I’d have been burned at the stake during the witch trials. Speaking of witches, Wiccan is very cool and earthy. Satanism is living large and enjoyment without bone crushing guilt. The light we see from stars is millions, some billions, of years old, Perseverance sent first pics from Mars and someone somewhere is laying out their crystals for recharge next to their mobile phone. Fantastic.
Glad to see that SZA is smiling and thriving. She’s spoken out about anxiety in the past and she is one of those artists like Rihanna and Frank Ocean that fans constantly pester about new music. Glad she’s putting her wellbeing first
Black people can be scientists and spiritual too. Some of us practice belief systems we’ve managed to maintain through slavery, some of our beliefs are a mix of new and old that help us get through and stay healthy while dealing with discrimination. None of these things have to be justified to people outside of these cultures.
Thank you. Dismissing things as ‘woo’ has always felt icky and racist to me. I appreciate your comment.
Hear hear Jane Doe! How am I meant to deal with endless microagressions from white people at work/in public if I can’t come home and vent to my ancestors about it over some good smelling incense and oils?
💯
This so much. There are some really nasty and ignorant comments here.
The Roman Catholic Church still uses anointing oils, holy water, and incense, etc. Their sacraments are rituals. Full disclosure – grew up Catholic and attended Catholic school 1st thru 8th grades.
+1000
Thanks Chimney and Athyrmose. Comments like Maggie’s are the exact type of microaggresion that makes affirming practices all the more necessary when existing while Black.
You’re welcome, bb. I’ve been here on CB, mostly very quietly, since 2007. As a rule, I usually don’t enter into arguments or debates with them online, but I’ve noticed the racism and bigotry jumping out more often in the blog’s comments.
Always enjoy reading your posts, and glad that there are other BW holding it down over here. <3
Thank you ladies, I’ve noticed a few fishy comments here and there as well. Black women deserve to safeguard our sanity anyway we can <3!
@JaneDoe
And white.
Thanks to all here who are defending “woo.”
Crystals are rocks…it doesn’t matter what your race is. If you believe they have powers….that’s fine, just know it’s not real & for fun.
Anti-science is dangerous. You really tryna make calling out anti-science as RACIST? Good grief, it’s not about race, it’s about believing literal ROCKS are medicine. Anybody of any color who believes crystals have healing properties beyond their own psychosomatic benefit is anti-scientific.
Hey man, you can be wrong if you wanna be. Nothing dangerous about putting crystals on your windowsill. No one is forcing you to believe anything.
*angry Mayo noises*
Athyrmose: 💀🤣
I don’t really get how it’s anti-science though. Just because something can’t be scientifically proved doesn’t mean it can’t be metaphysically or spiritually real to someone. There have been so many things throughout history that weren’t known before but are now proven. Or we didn’t know how they worked before but we now we do. So many “magical” herbal remedies that turned out to the be the basis of our current Rx medications. We’ve proven that things like meditation can lower your heart rate and clear your mind. That certain magical foods actually do help people with the problems they were being used to address magically. I think it’s kind of presumptuous to assume that all the knowledge we have now is the be-all end-all of what we can know. And honestly, how many scientific studies are being done on whether crystals are effective? Maybe if it was a research priority, we might learn more about if things really work, how, and why. But it seems dismissive to say “we haven’t done any real studies on this but we just know it’s not real because it sounds weird.” Just because we can’t prove something with the science we have now doesn’t mean it can’t be real. And as long as it’s not actively harmful to the user or anyone else, who cares?
A lot of things like crystals and spells and candles and incense and oils work for people because 1) they believe they will work so they’re putting themselves into a more positive headspace and they may more actively work on the mundane things that will make the situation better. Like affirmations seem to work for people. People seem to accept that prayer also works. Like for getting a job, they might do a spell or crystal work, and that may spur them on towards applying for more jobs or being more positive and less anxious for the interview because they feel like they’re being helped by “the universe” or the goddess or energy currents or whatever. 2) Sometimes just the ritual of doing a thing like lighting a candle or using some oil or incense acts as a cue to their brain that “we are now committed to beginning this thing.” They do the candle spell as a kick off to whatever the mundane thing they need is—like getting a job. If you charge your crystal to help you find a job, or light a candle, you still have to start looking. The idea is that it just slightly stacks the odds in your favor. And even if it’s all psychological help, who cares? That’s still help. 3) Sometimes people like to feel like they’re doing something when they feel otherwise powerless. The ritual itself might be calming, forcing them to calm down and think about the problem, forcing them to breathe, and all of those things are good. It makes them feel better whether they know it will solve the problem or not.
Thinks like being anti vaccine is anti-science. Anti-vaccine theories CAN be scientifically disproved. Flat earth is anti-science because it can absolutely be disproved. Thinking that bleach will cure covid can be scientifically disproved. But just because we can’t scientifically prove that something is real, does not automatically mean it has been disproved. Unless it has actually been disproved: like flat earth or anti-vax. “Cannot currently prove that this is real” is not the same as “this is not real.”
@Griefet
Nobody here is saying rocks are medicine.
Some very disappointing comments here. I urge some of you to expand your breadth of knowledge and don’t be dismissive of what you don’t know- especially if it challenges what you already know. Understand that indigenous and black communities have chaffed against the commodification of our spiritual beliefs – a lot of the the things you know as “hoky” or weird are actually grounded in cultural beliefs that span thousands of years. Most of which have been interrupted by slavery and colonialism. The new generation is reclaiming their ancestral beliefs and don’t turn up your nose at it because it doesn’t fit YOUR cultural paradigm.
THIS
Why is Maggie so over the top aggressive? What’s going on here?
Exactly. In no way is SZA telling people not to trust science. People can follow these practices and not be anti-science. And do people here understand the history of mistreatment of BIPOC by science and western medicine? Even if a Black person is wary of science and western medicine, they have damn good reason to be!
Someone needs to sage this whole damn comment section.
Sza can believe whatever she wants. She’s not hurting anyone and if it makes her feel good to recharge a crystal or sniff some oils for good vibes then let the woman live. Geez.
Exactly.
And I notice a whole lot of people wear carbon crystals on the ring finger of their left hand. And ears, and necklaces. That qualifies as a social bonding/self care thing, right? And I notice a whole lot of rituals around the wearing and presenting of these crystals. Sometimes for the self to mark accomplishments, sometimes between people to mark commitment, events. Sometimes ‘because pretty’
The Grammys continue to miss.
Maggie is banned and some of her perseveration has been deleted however I have left some of her comments for context. I’m really sorry that this was allowed to continue as long as it did. It’s Sunday and we’re not working as much on the weekends, but I wish we caught it sooner.
Oh, wow. Thank you, CB.
Thanks CB!
Astrology is great tool for self-understanding. Being able to interpret your own birth chart takes years of study, but a good astrologer can do it for you. There are also synastry charts and composite charts for relationships (partner or parent/child). There is far, far more to someone than a brief sun sign description.
SZA is quite the Plutonian with her Sun & Mercury tightly conjunct Pluto in Scorpio. Her Mars and Midheaven are also in Scorpio. Combined with that perceptive Pisces moon, I’m not surprised she is open to this energy.
[*Magnetic indeed.*]
Thanks CB. The ban helps. Important to note though that multiple people on this comment thread were really rude and dismissive when a few Black women on here dared to speak on claiming our own imaginations, spirituality, mindfulness, and belief systems as a wellness practice. Some people need to think on that.
Also Indigenous people have the right to gatekeep their cultures, colonizers. There is no obligation to share after the last 500 years!