APRIL 02, 2020
The Sheaf Publishing Society
VO L . 1 1 1 , I SS UE 27 The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis.
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YOUR UNI VE R S I T Y O F SAS K ATC H E WA N ST UDE NT NE WS PA P E R S I N C E 1 9 1 2
Getting the message across: A tight race in uncertain Public health campaigns in the time times: The 2020-21 of COVID-19 USSU election results The goal is to spread the message, not the virus.
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While physical distancing postponed the celebrations, the new executive is ready to lead during this crisis. –in News NOAH CALLAGHAN STAFF WRITER
With the campus shut down and physical distancing measures in effect, this year’s election happened mainly online. However, the circumstances did not stop 1,804 students from voting for who they wanted as next year’s executive committee of the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union.
The USSU executive coordinates core services and they speak on behalf of students at the University of Saskatchewan. Every spring, an election is held to determine who will fill the four executive positions. These student leaders are a crucial part of the University Students’ Council, which works in the interest of all U of S undergraduate students. Here is your 2020-21 USSU executive:
President: Autumn LaRose-Smith
A public health message is displayed in front of Oskāyak High School on March 24, 2020 | Erin Matthews/ Opinions Editor
Public health messages have been used to combat disease and alter behaviours for over 150 hundred years. Posters were the medium of choice in the early 20th century, with eye-catching illustrations and pointed messages used to outline health risks. While posters and billboards are still frequently used for the dissemination of public health warnings and messages, a new kind of delivery system is also being implemented — the internet. We are currently experiencing the first major pandemic in the age of social media and platforms from Twitter to Instagram are now participants in the spread of public health campaigns.
The strategies haven’t really changed in the past century, with a mixture of ‘calls to action’ and public shaming, hoping to curtail the behaviour that is responsible for spreading disease. COVID-19 has ushered in new vocabulary and catchphrases, but is the messaging effective enough? Flatten the curve This phrase has only been a part of the zeitgeist since early March, but “flatten the curve” has now become a battle cry for medical professionals and citizens trying to do their part. The curve we need to flatten is the exponential growth of COVID-19 cases, which skyrocket if we do nothing to slow the spread of infection. The more cases of the virus, the higher the curve and risk hitting the ceiling of our healthcare system. When the
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ERIN MATTHEWS OPINIONS EDITOR
U of S students adapt to online classes
NEWS
Huskie Courtney Hufsmith happy to embrace uncertainty
SPORTS & HEALTH
curve gets too high, the system collapses, and becomes overwhelmed with patients. If we flatten the curve, we are not necessarily preventing cases but we are spreading out the number of people who will get sick over a longer period of time. Our hospitals can treat the patients who come in because the influx isn’t as great. People still get sick, but they have access to care that may not be available if everyone gets ill at once. The message appears to be effective. It’s catchy and it can be visualized — an angry red peak being flattened to a blue hill — which helps make it a tangible strategy for many. But the core of the message might have been lost.
Supplied | Autumn LaRose-Smith
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Food not Bombs: Local initiative delivers groceries to those in need
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COVID-19 brings people together... while staying apart
OPINIONS
NEWS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nykole King editor@thesheaf.com NEWS EDITOR Ana Cristina Camacho news@thesheaf.com SPORTS & HEALTH EDITOR VACANT sportshealth@thesheaf.com CULTURE EDITOR Tomilola Ojo culture@thesheaf.com OPINIONS EDITOR Erin Matthews opinions@thesheaf.com STAFF WRITER Noah Callaghan staffwriter@thesheaf.com COPY EDITOR J.C. Balicanta Narag copy@thesheaf.com LAYOUT MANAGER Aqsa Hussain layout@thesheaf.com PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Victoria Becker photo@thesheaf.com GRAPHICS EDITOR Shawna Langer graphics@thesheaf.com WEB EDITOR Minh Au Duong web@thesheaf.com OUTREACH DIRECTOR Sophia Lagimodiere outreach@thesheaf.com AD & BUSINESS MANAGER Shantelle Hrytsak ads@thesheaf.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mikaila Ortynsky Laura Chartier Matthew Taylor Sonia Kalburgi Emily Klatt Naomi Zurenvinski
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ADVERTISING (306) 966 8688 EDITORIAL (306) 966 8689 Mission // The mission of the Sheaf is to inform and entertain students by addressing issues relevant to life on campus, in the city or in the province. The newspaper serves as a forum for discussion on a wide range of issues that concern students. Written for students, by students, it provides unique insight into university issues through a student perspective. The staff of editors, photographers and artists collaborate with volunteers as student journalists to create a product relevant to students on the University of Saskatchewan campus. Land Acknowledgement // The Sheaf acknowledges that our office is built on Treaty Six Territory and the traditional homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and affirm both the importance of our relationship with Indigenous peoples and students at the U of S and our commitment to recognize and remain accountable for our collective history.
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Extending a helping hand: U of S medical students aid health-care workers on the frontlines The medical students’ initiative is shaping them as future practitioners. KRISTINE JONES A. DEL SOCORRO
Health-care providers can now count on medical students at the University of Saskatchewan for support in their everyday tasks. The Student Medical Society of Saskatchewan expressed their appreciation for the frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Student volunteers are offering their time to these workers by fulfilling tasks such as picking up groceries and prescriptions, and helping with childcare. For workers to receive support, they simply need to fill out a form that was circulated by the society and wait about two days before being matched with a student volunteer. Colten Molnar, a first-year medical student, says that the initiative came together through the power of social media. “We saw our peers from across the country start talking about initiatives like this, where they were doing little things to bridge the gap before these providers can find more stable childcare and more stable solutions during this time,” Molnar said. With the fast developments in preventative measures across the country, which included campuses delivering the remainder of the Winter Term remotely, medical students across the country have been quick to volunteer their newfound free time to frontline health-care practitioners. These local medical students are following the example set by Canadian universities like the Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, the University of Alberta and the University of Toronto, which have launched similar initiatives in their respective home fronts. The focal point
across the board is to keep the health-care workers focused and alleviate some responsibilities so that they can execute their tasks successfully. The initiative has been a way for students to educate themselves about how healthcare works in times of crisis, according to Molnar, as well as lend a hand to their professional peers. “It is a really unique way to stay connected with people when you’re not in the classroom,” Molnar said. “We thought that since we’re out of class anyway, it would be good for us to step in and be that support and offer services in a way that would be useful and be able to make a difference in the healthcare community.” Helping the community in this way has helped Molnar deal with the current pandemic. He initially felt overwhelmed due to the amount of online information about COVID-19, but the program helped him shift his focus and channel his energy towards the initiative and continuing his studies. “I am looking at this as an addition to my studies … because learning from a pandemic like this — learning what works and what doesn’t, how society is facing this — is important as well,” Molnar said. For second-year medical student Tayyaba Bhatti, supporting health-care workers that are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a source of optimism in uncertain times. “Just looking at how supportive everyone has been, from my peers and my colleagues, people are stepping up and taking time out of their lives right now to do this,” Bhatti said. “To see that as a physician, in the future if anything like this happens ever again, the fact that the entire community is so supportive … it’s a really nice feeling to have.”
A screenshot of the first virtual meeting of the Student Medical Society of Saskatchewan, with Colten Molnar (top left); Tayyaba Bhatti (top right); Sarah White (middle left); Sehjal Bhargava (middle right); Alexa McEwen (bottom left); and Jessica Froehlich (bottom right) | Supplied
Legal // The Sheaf, published weekly during the academic year and periodically from May through August, is an incorporated non-profit that is, in part, student-body funded by way of a direct levy paid by all part- and full-time undergraduate students at the U of S. The remainder of the revenue is generated through advertising. The financial affairs are governed by a Board of Directors, most of whom are students. Membership in the Sheaf Publishing Society is open to all undergraduate students at the U of S, who are encouraged to contribute to the newspaper. Absolutely no experience is required! The opinions expressed in the Sheaf do not necessarily reflect those of the Sheaf Publishing Society Inc. The Sheaf reserves the right to refuse to accept or print any material deemed unfit for publication, as determined by the Editor-in-Chief. The Editor-in-Chief has the right to veto any submission deemed unfit for the Society newspaper. In determining this, the Editor-in-Chief will decide if the article or artwork would be of interest to a significant portion of the Society and benefit the welfare of Sheaf readers. The Sheaf will not publish any racist, sexist, homophobic or libellous material.
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APRIL 02, 2020
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A tight race in uncertain times: The 2020-21 USSU election results While physical distancing postponed the celebrations, the new executive is ready to lead during this crisis. NOAH CALLAGHAN STAFF WRITER
Continued from cover LaRose-Smith succeeded in last fall’s by-election to become the vice-president student affairs and has won the vote of students once again, this time for presidency. “Students trusted me once to elect me into the USSU executive,” LaRose-Smith said. “Hopefully they will see their continued trust in re-electing me into the executive and into the position of president that I’m going to show my gratitude through how hard I work.” It was a tight race, with LaRose-Smith only winning by nine votes, and with 34.8 per cent of the total. As the first Indigenous woman to be elected as the USSU president, the victory is historic, but she says the competition has made her want to work with the community as much as possible. “The close election showed that there’s a lot of great leaders on campus, and I want to create opportunities for collaboration so that students are going to be protected on all fronts going forward,” she said. LaRose-Smith campaigned to provide a “holistic university experience,” meaning she will advocate for affordable tuition, student housing and food security, and for students’ overall health. She says being elected during a pandemic makes things more stressful, but the situation is only motivating her to make sure students are protected. “I’m trying to stay as up to date as I can to ensure that by the time September rolls around … students are going to be financially able to still be a student and to be mentally available to be successful and healthy as well,” LaRose-Smith said.
in time, so I feel really well connected to all of the initiatives and programs that the USSU puts on,” Bell said. Bell spent this year improving the ratification and funding applications for student groups. For his second term, he has an ambitious plan to provide campus clubs with more than just funds and expand into offering opportunities for training and development. “It’s transforming how campus groups interact with the USSU and how they’re supported by it,” Bell said. “Part of that is the goals program and group orientation sessions I’m developing to build up leadership skills.” Bell says the plan could take five years to fully implement but he is excited to lay the foundation for the program. He also campaigned on creating a “tuition predictability model,” which could project tuition increases to help students better understand what their educational expenses will be. “We will have more preparedness and more security going into a situation as opposed to being blind sided with increases,” Bell said. “Students are already vulnerable … so my hope is having a predictability plan [that] will prevent any significant damages to students.”
dents. He believes that because most students apply for loans, addressing interest issues will help with students’ overall well-being. “If you’re worried about payments, it could deteriorate your mental health,” Roberts said. Roberts says these issues are being exacerbated by the current pandemic crisis as well. “I’m sure it will be more challenging once we get back into the swing of things or when things go back to normal,” Roberts said. “But I’m definitely looking forward to helping or advocating for students in any way I can.”
Vice-president student affairs: Jory McKay
Vice-president academic affairs: Kiefer Roberts
Vice-president operations and finance: Jamie Bell Supplied | Jory McKay
Supplied | Kiefer Roberts
Supplied | Jamie Bell
Bell was re-elected into this position and came out ahead of his competitor by 382 votes, taking 48.2 per cent of the total. Bell says that he gained valuable experience during his first year as vice-president operations and finance because “money rolls everything.” “Everything flows through my office at some point
Roberts was the only executive candidate who ran unopposed. He jokingly said the only thing he was worried about was people voting for “A.B. Stain.” However, 1,042 “Yes” votes have secured Roberts’ position as vicepresident academic affairs. Roberts has been a part of the University Students’ Council as the Indigenous Students’ representative twice and is a part of the Indigenous Students’ Council. He says he gained valuable experience acting as a liaison between the two groups while learning about the executive position. “I think it’s important to have folks meeting regularly and that they’re able to distribute that information or any concerns that our constituents have with one another,” Roberts said. Roberts’ platform points included accountability in Indigenization and decolonization, attacking student loan interest, addressing mental health and advocacy for stu-
The position of vice-president student affairs was the second most contested executive spot, with McKay coming out ahead by just 18 votes, and 26.1 per cent of the total. McKay has been the USSU Pride Centre coordinator for the past two years, a position where he gained valuable experience working with LaRose-Smith and other past vice-presidents. “It’s really helped me learn how to properly advocate for students, the avenues on which those things need to happen, and even the specifics and workings within the USSU,” McKay said. McKay campaigned on sustainability, inclusion, accessibility and harm reduction policies to break down barriers and stigmas that exist on campus. He says creating gender neutral washroom stalls is something he is especially focused on. “I really know that I have the expertise to focus on [that] and the experience working within intergendered spaces, and I know what students want,” McKay said. “I’ve been talking to students not just during my campaign, but before this within my role at the Pride Centre.” McKay also wants to conduct an “accessibility report” to help identify gaps in accessibility to students with limited mobility at the university. “If students can’t access all parts of our campus it’s really a problem and I want to make sure the university is following the Canadian guidelines around accessibility,” McKay said.
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USSU part-time workers receive financial support during university closure The last in-person USC meeting was used to plan ahead for COVID-19 measures.
USSU office photographed on Aug. 26, 2019. | Victoria Becker/ Photo Editor
ANA CRISTINA CAMACHO
NEWS EDITOR
The students’ union has accessed reserve funds to support their student employees while the University of Saskatchewan campus is closed. The executive is also currently reviewing ways to advocate for students’ needs amid the pandemic. The University Students’ Council meeting on March 12 was dominated by a sense of uncertainty, as the councillors correctly anticipated that it would be the last in-person meeting for the group this term. Among their preparations for this eventuality, the council passed the annual budget for the U of S Students’ Union’s a week ahead of time and released $100,000 dollars from the union’s reserves. This fund will support the union’s less than full-time employees, including the workers at Student Crew, Louis’ and Louis’ Loft. Most
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of these workers are students that have hourly rates and no paid sick time, so they are left without that source of income while the campus is closed. “This involves a rapidly moving situation,” General Manager Caroline Cottrell said ahead of the vote. “My concern is about our student workers because they are our employees and … for some of them this is how they put food in their mouths.” These workers have been receiving an amount reportedly similar to what they would have usually made if the campus were open. They will only receive this support until the end of the academic year in April, when their jobs would have ended under normal circumstances. The USSU is not currently planning to hire for the spring and summer months. “To my knowledge, there is no foreseen end to this pandemic and there is no foreseen end to the measures the university has taken,”
said USSU President Regan Ratt-Misponas in an interview with the Sheaf. “There is a wonderful incoming executive that I know will be able to ensure that there are good outcomes and that we’re able to hire students, hopefully, as things return to normal come September.” While the closure of campus locations like Louis’ Loft and Louis’ Pub affects the USSU’s finances, they have just under half a million dollars in their liquid reserve and business interruption insurance. Though the remaining USC meetings have been cancelled, the executive and senior staff have continued to manage the union’s operations and finances through online meetings and votes. Ratt-Misponas says that advocacy has been a frequent topic in the executive’s recent meetings. “We need to ensure that students have a sense of protection and that students aren’t punished for these
difficult times that we’re in,” Ratt-Misponas said. “In our ongoing conversations with the administration we continue to lobby and in the coming days, I think that there’ll be more to expect.” There has been recent movement online from U of S students pushing for the university to implement a pass/fail grading system, following the example of other Canadian universities. Ratt‑Misponas says the executive is not currently making a statement as they learn more about the situation. “We’re educating ourselves right now about things that different institutions are doing, but we’ve also been able to have conversations with the administration,” RattMisponas said. “It has been encouraging — I’m glad that other folks are also taking on efforts to advocate for their fellow students, especially during these times.”
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APRIL 02, 2020
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U of S students adapt to online classes in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic The transition to remotely delivered courses has been a challenge for some. FIZA BALOCH
The University of Saskatchewan’s preventative measures for COVID-19 have included a move to online classes and closure of all university buildings. A number of labs, lectures, exams and entire syllabi have undergone significant changes to adapt. While instructors have been fairly good at adapting to a sudden change in format, the results are different for students of various disciplines. “I think [instructors,] they cope really well for the online classes,” says Jessica Xia, a second-year accounting student. She attributes her instructors’ efforts in uploading course materials consistently as part of the reason the shift has not impacted her negatively. So far, Xia’s main challenge in adapting to online classes has been that she needs more skills to keep motivated now that she is studying remotely. She finds that being in a productive university environment with other students is much more beneficial than being at home, especially while dealing with the stress of the pandemic. She says the university’s morale-boosting efforts, including Instagram stories and health and study posts have been helpful in coping with the stressful last couple of weeks. “Sometimes when I do not want to study and I usually browse through Instagram, and I saw those tips that … encouraged us to study or encouraged us to take a break between the study time,” Xia said. “Because I saw these pictures and I saw these stories I figured out {that} … I should go back to study now instead of browse again.” Aside from motivation for online classes at home, one of the most difficult parts of the transition for Xia has been not seeing her classmates and peers.
Shawna Langer/ Graphics Editor
“We are social animals, and we still prefer to communicate with others in real life. So even though we can message each other online, or maybe just call each other, it’s not the way we usually communicate with others,” Xia said. “I know we have to adapt to this for these several months but still, face-to-face socializing is really important.” For Delane Just, an English student finishing the final semester of her degree, this is proving to be a challenge since some of her classes do not fully translate to remote delivery. A seminar-style English course, for example, does not work as well online for Just. “The focus of that course is talking in a discussion group
and so it’s been a big struggle,” Just said. Accessing books and articles for classwork has also become more difficult after the closure of the campus. Although it was among the last on-campus places to do so, Murray Library is now closed. The university reportedly kept the location open longer than the other libraries to ensure students without reliable access to the internet or a computer were not left behind in the move to online. “I tended to use the library a lot and a lot of the books are not available online,” Just said. “If there was a way to give students more access to the books within the library through a digital copy or potentially mailing or a pick-
up service, that would be really helpful for a lot of the research papers I’m currently working on.” Things are still changing quickly as the campus community adapts to the circumstances. Some of students’ demands for accommodations have been answered. The new deadline for withdrawals is on the last day of classes, for example, although some students are pushing for a pass/fail system to be implemented instead. Such measures have already taken place at institutions like the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and the University of Alberta. Xia says that the measures taken by the university so far, particularly their approval of changes
to syllabi, have been helpful in the unexpected transition. “I can say this is a really good change, since our university is not [sticking] to the original course guidelines and syllabus … to accommodate all the requests,” Xia said. With only online spring and summer classes being offered this year, it will be a while before U of S students are back on campus. It remains to be seen how students and the university will continue to adapt to the circumstances. Like many of her peers, Just is still getting used to studying from home. “I’ve always spent most of my time at the university itself,” Just said. “I really liked the community.”
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Top Huskies athlete reflects on pushing through uncertain times The COVID-19 pandemic has left many athletes without short term goals. ANA CRISTINA CAMACHO
NEWS EDITOR
Courtney Hufsmith has had a season filled with uncertainty. It is a situation that many athletes currently face due to the cancellation of events in the wake of COVID-19. But if Hufsmith learned anything this year it is not to let the circumstances get her down. Hufsmith, a fourth-year Edwards School of Business student, and track and field and cross country star, began the year with clear goals in mind. Throughout her meets as part of the Huskies, her priority was making sure she ended the season in the best position to classify for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Things don’t always go to plan though — despite her best precautions not to overexert herself, by February she had to refrain from participating in the Canada West finals due to an injury. While Hufsmith is now happy to “embrace the uncertainty,” that was not her first reaction after seeing her season cut short. She looks back on that time as a period of frustration and doubt. “This year had been really good up until that point,” Hufsmith said. “The period of uncertainty of what the rehab plans were going to be — that really frustrated me. I just did not have that clarity.” While at the time Hufsmith might have been alone in feeling sidetracked from her athletic goals, that is certainly not the
Supplied | GetMyPhoto.ca/HuskieAthletics
case anymore. Over the last few weeks, she has witnessed athletic events around the world being cancelled or postponed — even the Olympics. “This has changed a lot of people’s plans,” Hufsmith said. “I don’t feel like I’m the only one feeling a bit frustrated about this uncertainty.” Whatever the situation, Hufsmith thinks the best thing to do is “adapting as well as you can and being positive.” And while athletes are always striving to meet their goals — a personal best, a title, a win — Hufsmith says that putting that aside has helped her remember why she
trains so hard in the first place: a love for the process. “A lot of runners and other athletes, we always have all these short-term goals that we’re working towards. But right now everyone’s just gotten back to training and why they really love it,” Hufsmith said. “So I think that’s been a positive aspect of this whole thing.” And there are still goals to look forward to. For Hufsmith, this pause in competitions presents an unexpected opportunity — another chance at her Olympic dream next year. After pushing too hard and having to sit out for the tail end of the season, she
is making sure not to make the same mistake again. “I’m seeing it as a second chance,” Hufsmith said. “I’m ready to learn from the mistakes [I] made this year heading into the Olympic year. For other people, they were having a great year and now they have to see if they can keep that momentum going.” To stay motivated during this downtime, Hufsmith is keeping her eyes on her long-time goal of being an Olympian. She recalls that focusing on that goal is also what got her through the uncertainty of her injury — having something to look forward to, she “was disappointed but never
really discouraged.” Meanwhile, she is taking this break from competitions as a time to heal, one day at a time. Her recommendation to other athletes trying to stay motivated during this break is not to put too much pressure on themselves and to get some rest for when things start up again. “I know from past experience — I’ve peaked at the wrong time,” Hufsmith said. “Just enjoy doing other things right now and do the best you can, put in the work you can, but … don’t worry too much about trying to make it perfect because nobody has it perfect right now.”
Getting the message across: Public health campaigns in the time of COVID-19 The goal is to spread the message, not the virus. ERIN MATTHEWS OPINIONS EDITOR
Continued from cover It’s a long-term trend, not a short-term measure. Flattening the curve takes time. It’s a slow, gradual shift that will take much longer than two weeks. Something we are all beginning to recognize. Social distancing Two weeks ago these words were not uttered often, but now the phrase has become part of our vernacular. Social distancing is on trend to be the buzzword of the year — with
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self-isolation and quarantine likely close behind. But has it been the most effective message? At its inception, social distancing was poorly defined by officials. We had this new phrase that acted as a guideline to navigate our new reality, but no one really knew what it meant. Can I go over to my friend’s house as long as I sit across the room from them? It took several weeks for the rules of social distancing to be ironed out and for many to catch on to the core message. The distance was a six-foot one.
Unless summoned digitally, friends are off limits. Interactions with the public are to be limited and all transactions need to be touchless. The confusion caused by the phrase makes its overall effectiveness questionable. There has been a push by Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam to use the term “physical distancing” in lieu of this phrase. Don’t be Patient 31 The story of “Patient 31” has been lost in the noise generated by other buzzwords, but it is an effective illustration of the spread of COVID-19. Patient 31 shows us the im-
portance of testing people, tracing their connections and why we need to keep our distance from others to have a fighting chance against this disease. South Korea’s efforts at managing the spread of COVID-19 have been unprecedented. Their testing was far-reaching, and they were able to identify and isolate cases quickly and efficiently. But one person was capable of crashing that system. Instead of self-isolating after developing a fever, Patient 31 went to a hotel lunch buffet, took a taxi, went to a clinic and attended church. The infamous Patient 31 is
thought to be responsible for two clusters of COVID-19. One cluster is the massive outbreak at the Shincheonji Church, thought to make up 60 per cent of the cases in South Korea. Shaming people into changing their behaviour is a triedand-true public health tactic that can be traced back to the “spit spreads death” messages during Spanish Influenza of 1918, a campaign to deter people from spitting in the streets. It seems that while the medium has changed, the communication strategies behind public health messages remain the same.
APRIL 02, 2020
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Huskies find ways to adapt under COVID-19 precautions Student athletes are training individually over the next few weeks in whatever ways they can. NYKOLE KING
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
It was a hard decision to cancel the men’s and women’s U Sports hockey championships after only playing two quarterfinal games. It was before safety precautions were ramped up and rates of COVID-19 were spiking in Canada. The Huskies men’s team made it to Halifax and played on March 12, falling to the Western Mustangs and ending their season. But that night the organizers announced that they would cancel the games slated for that weekend — ending the season for all players. “We understand the disappointment felt by our student athletes, coaches, officials and wonderful hosts,” said Lisette Johnson Stapley, U Sports chief sport officer. “However, the decision was made with the best interest of all participants in mind.” The decision came after Hockey Canada announced it would discontinue games to protect the safety of all involved. Although earlier in the day, U Sports released a statement noting that, with the advice of Nova Scotia medical professionals, they would go ahead with the game.
Carter Folk. | GetMyPhoto.ca/HuskieAthletics
Before the season ended prematurely, two Huskie athletes were celebrated at the annual All-Canadian gala, held just the night before. Forward Levi Cable was recognized as the most sportsmanlike player. Goaltender Taran Kozun was awarded both player of the year and goalie of the year. The impacts of COVID-19 have been felt throughout the sports world, but Huskies Athletics is finding ways to
adapt their summer operations. Typically, the women’s soccer team would train twice a week until final exams and then start up again in August. Instead of training as a team, they now have workout routines to train on their own. And by using game videos from earlier in the season, they study their performance and reflect on how to improve, even if it is remotely. “We’ve tried to be creative
and be innovative,” said Jerson Barandica-Hamilton, head coach of the Huskies women’s soccer team. “I think we’re fortunate in that the technology that we have at our disposal nowadays makes it a lot more feasible to continue to move along and try to best connect with everyone.” It is tough to maintain training individually, but staying connected and using Slack and video conferencing
helps them maintain some of their regular life even through the disruptions of COVID-19. “It gives us different ways of connecting, discussing and growing,” Barandica-Hamilton said. “I think that’s the most important piece that we don’t just stop. Because at the end of the day, hopefully there’s a light after this tunnel and we can get back to normality and be better for us as a group.”
A sign displaying The Better Good’s closure due to COVID-19 is displayed at their Broadway storefront location on March 20, 2020. | Victoria Becker/ Photo Editor
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How Saskatoon’s forgotten downtown electrical station powered the entire province Long before farmers sold goods at Riversdale’s market, the electricity generated there electrified Saskatchewan’s farms. NOAH CALLAGHAN STAFF WRITER
Early this year, the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market opened its new location near the airport, a move that some vendors and customers opposed. However, history shows how the market’s previous downtown site has served multiple purposes, including as a power station that helped electrify Saskatchewan. It might seem like the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market has always been in Riversdale, but the market only moved to River Landing in 2007. One hundred years earlier, in 1906, the then newly incorporated City of Saskatoon built its first electrical generating station about one kilometre away on Avenue H South and 11th Street West. But within a few years of its completion, Saskatoon’s first power station was insufficient to meet the energy demands of the rapidly growing population. Not only did Saskatoon need a new facility to meet the needs of citizens during its boom period, but the city council’s planned electric streetcar system also increased the need for more power. The city’s second generating plant was then built in a downtown location along Avenue A South and 19th Street West in 1911. If you visit River Landing, you will notice an obscure octagonal tower made of white bricks — a pumphouse. While this structure might seem out of place, it is actually an artifact of the Saskatoon Power House. This pumphouse utilized the river’s water to cool the generators of the electrical facility. The 1911 power station served Saskatoon’s needs for over 16 years until, once again, the growing city’s electrical demands overburdened the existing energy system. Up to then, electric power had been used mostly for illumination and the telegraph, but this period saw the rapid diversification of its application. The electric streetcars that began operating in 1913 are just one example, and after the 1900s the rise of household appliances led to the consumption of more power. The changing energy demands of society caused Sas-
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Supplied | Saskatoon Public Library Local History
katoon authorities to consider building another new plant in 1927. Although the previous facilities were owned by the municipality, this plant — later named the A.L. Cole Generating Station — was sold to the Saskatchewan Power Commission before it commenced operation in 1929. The provincial body purchased the plant to fulfill its mandate to create a Saskatchewan-wide power grid capable of producing cheap power and then distributing the energy across a large network. The SPC’s planned integrated electrical system would use large plants like Saskatoon’s to create energy for the multitude of rural communities. By the summer of 1930, the SPC had constructed and began energizing 1,096 miles of transmission lines. Because Regina and Moose Jaw refused to sell their facilities, Saskatoon became the central point of electrical generation in the provincial network. This brought reliable and cheap power to the 106 municipalities integrated into the provincial grid. It also in-
troduced energy to the farms neighbouring the transmission lines through a process the SPC called “rural electrification.” In the following decades, the SPC — later renamed SaskPower — continued expanding its provincial electrical network which effectively powered more of Saskatchewan’s rural communities as they were integrated into the system. In 1959, the A.L. Cole facility was superseded by the construction of the Queen Elizabeth Power Station built four kilometres upstream. The old plant was actively used until 1983, and afterwards it became tangled up in a failed proposal to repurpose the building into condominium residences that lasted over a decade. The A.L. Cole Generating Station was demolished in 1996 and within 11 years the location would be home to the city’s vibrant farmer’s market. Although the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market move from downtown to the north-end was seen as unfortunate, the
River Landing site has served Saskatoon in different ways for over 100 years — this is just the latest in a long history of transformations.
Long before farmers brought their produce to popular markets in Saskatoon, the city was sending its power to farms throughout Saskatchewan.
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WWW.T H E S H E A F.COM // @ U SAS KS H E A F
Review of Empires of the Word: A Language History of the World Nicholas Ostler’s book about language history teaches the benefits of learning another language. KRISTINE JONES A. DEL SOCORRO
Empires of the Word: A Language History of the World by Nicholas Ostler. | nicholasostler.com
There is something to be said for the feeling of astonishment followed by curiosity when hearing a different language for the very first time. My interest in learning more languages has only grown over the years after moving to different places, making new friends and seeing what opportunities the world has to offer. Nicholas Ostler, the author of Empires of the Word: A Language History of the World has a serious interest in languages. This non-fiction book uncovers how languages were developed and spread. Ostler brings his readers back in time as he unravels the history of languages with his masterful storytelling. Due to the complexity and broadness of the subject, the book raises many questions and Ostler provides answers or theories for each one. One thing I especially loved was
how this book tackles the history of languages and breaks it down in a way that allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the narrative and get lost in its pages. However, be warned, this is not a light read at all. This volume boasts a total of 559 pages — and that’s not including the preface and bibliography. It is meant to be read at a steady pace so that the reader can digest and appreciate its contents. My favourite section was “Languages by Land,” a chapter that covers the history of the innovation of language that blossomed in the Middle East, all the way to the first death of Latin. Other noteworthy things about this book are the anecdotes and figures that are spread throughout its pages to provide a deeper understanding for the reader. If you are someone who is keen on learning something new, this book will give you just that — especially if you like history, culture and lan-
guages. The only downside is the possibility of book burnout due to how dense it is. Overall, I would give this book an eight out of 10. There are many advantages to learning a new language. For one, languages connect people on a different level. You can gain a new perspective and newfound appreciation for another culture. Additionally, knowing the local language can make travelling in an area easier and more enjoyable. The other benefits worth mentioning from learning a new language include strong cognitive skills, increased networking skills, enhanced multi-tasking abilities and better decision-making skills. Learning something new such as a different language can be daunting but if one perseveres, the outcome can very well unveil new opportunities and lead to unimaginable experiences. Take that risk and learn something new.
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A cultured guide to foreign movies There’s no time like a global pandemic to find new ways to enjoy world culture. Things have been extremely boring lately with everyone in self-isolation and Netflix having only the same old TV shows and movies as they had two months ago. You might think this leaves everyone with no choice but to rewatch The Office or Friends for what feels like the 10th time in a row. Never fear, my friends, here is a guide to international TV shows and movies that may teach you a thing or two about our vast world. All the following are available with English subtitles or English dubs. YASHICA BITHER
Kimi no na wa. | Kiminonawa.fandom.com
Japanese Kimi no Na wa (Your Name)
This much-anticipated movie came out in 2016. It may be animated but its cinematography will absolutely leave you breathless. All the locations in the movie are actual places in Japan, providing the perfect backdrop for the movie and insight into Japanese life. It’s a bit of a heart-wrencher and a perfect introduction into anime. This movie comes with subtitles but unfortunately, it’s not on Netflix Canada. You may have to do some internet surfing to find this one but I promise you, it’s worth it.
A Silent Voice
Y’all, this is redemption at it’s finest. A bully grows up to redeem himself to the deaf girl he bullied as a kid, and I swear it will make you cry. This movie also features some sign language so you might learn a bit in the process of watching. This baby is available on Netflix Canada.
Angel Beats!
This anime series will leave you rolling in laughter, crying really hard and wanting to be in love all at the same time. Set in a high school in purgatory, this show follows the lives of people who have experienced trauma or hardships and must overcome them before passing on to reincarnation. This anime will always be in my heart. It is available on Crunchyroll and Netflix Canada.
Midnight Dinner
This series not only makes you hungry but also showcases little bits of the day to day lives of a group of people who all end up eating at the same small diner in Tokyo. The food is all realistic and the gossip and drama are to die for. This show is available on Netflix Canada.
Train to Busan | www.yesasia.com
Korean Train to Busan
Watching pandemic movies during this time? Feels a little too real. However, this one comes with a bonus — zombies. Also Gong Yoo, the father? Total hottie and a hilarious actor in the famous drama Guardian: The Lonely and Great God. Long live zombie movies. Regardless, this movie is available on Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime.
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Goblin
This show is a huge rep to us Canadians and Old Montreal. The show really blew up Canadian tourist sites in Montreal and for good reasons too. In this series, a decorated military general is unjustly killed and his murderer is cursed with immortality and forced to watch his loved ones die. The plot thickens from then on. It’s not only an iconic TV show but the comedic relief in this movie will genuinely make you laugh. The chemistry between the cast is one to watch. You can watch it on Viki.
Strong Girl Bong-soon
This drama makes me want to fall in love in such a wholesome way. It’s hilarious to no end and has an amazing female lead. It features a girl born with superhuman powers who dreams of creating a video game with herself as the main character. This K-drama is a must watch and is available on Netflix, Viki and JustWatch. Let’s hit the gym after this one, bois.
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CULTURE
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La Casa de Papel (Money Heist)
Who doesn’t love a money-grabbing scheme? This iconic show has taken millions by the heart with its unique characters and interesting storyline. Robbing the freaking Royal Mint of Spain? Ballsy. This show is also available on Netflix.
Vivir Dos Veces (Live twice, love once)
Y’all, we don’t talk about old people falling in love enough. This family movie is funny because of the witty banter between the main character, who is an old man, and his granddaughter. The soundtrack of this movie is also amazing and will warm your heart. Available on Netflix. This is horror fantasy at its finest. Guillermo del Toro is a freaking genius and knows how to send chills down your spine. This is set in Spain five years after the Spanish Civil War — it mixes real life with an otherworldly labyrinth. The visuals and plot in this movie are absolutely insane and haunting. It’s a pretty mind-boggling movie and worth a watch if you’re into dark stuff. Available on Amazon Prime.
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El Laberinto del Fauno (Pan’s Labyrinth)
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Le Casa de Papel | www.senscritique.com
The leftists next door: How Food Not Bombs has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic This Saskatoon chapter delivers food and serves justice. TOMILOLA OJO CULTURE EDITOR
Food Not Bombs is a volunteer organization with numerous autonomous chapters across the world that strive to address food justice issues. The organization first began in 1980 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, when a group of young anti-nuclear war activists held a bake sale to raise money for the legal costs of a group member who had been arrested for protesting. They were inspired by a poster they saw that said, “it will be a great day when our schools get the money they need and the air force has to hold a bake sale to buy a bomber." One member of the group worked at a grocery store, and of the produce they couldn’t sell, the store began donating it to people living in some nearby housing projects. Across from the projects stood a building where scientists worked designing nuclear missiles. This inspired the name Food Not Bombs and the movement was born. Ryan Mitchell, treasurer of the Saskatoon chapter of Food Not Bombs, believes that we
have enough funds to help people who are going hungry, but they’re being spent in the wrong places. The government spends millions on war machines while there are hungry people to feed at home. The Saskatoon chapter has been operating since February 2017, but there have been some big changes to the group since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though they originally provided hot meals, they have switched to a delivery service. “We were more of a punk rock soup kitchen prior to the COVID-19 crisis,” Mitchell said. “But [we have] changed tactics to better maintain social distancing while still providing necessities to the community through this crisis.” Instead of making soups, FNB now delivers groceries to people who are self-isolating, have low income or have been laid off due to the crisis. Mitchell says that the Saskatoon chapter is a big tent leftist organization, meaning that the members of the group have many different beliefs. However, there are some sentiments that they all share.
“We all agree that food justice and the current crisis is a political problem that capitalism has failed to address,” Mitchell said. Though providing food is the organization’s main goal, other chapters also focus on animal and environmental rights. Mitchell believes that the Saskatoon chapter has elements of both of these beliefs but mostly they focus on “the redistribution of wealth from the few to the many.” Though COVID-19 threw a wrench in their typical order of things, FNB Saskatoon’s speedy remodelling to suit the crisis proves their dedication to the cause. In response to the crisis, Mitchell thinks that there are specific issues at the root of the turmoil the virus caused “It seems self-evident now more than ever that we all should be committed to justice and solidarity, and that we recognize that it is the interests of rich people that stand in the way of that,” Mitchell said. “To that end, Food Not Bombs recognizes that Canada is a settler, colonial project and we exist on stolen land, and thus we stand in solidar-
Food Not Bombs | Facebook
ity with all Indigenous peoples whose territory is being infringed upon without their consent.” Though the group is available to all, Food Not Bombs encour-
ages those who are healthy and able to contact the Saskatoon Food Bank first before reaching out to them. Food delivery is free of charge and 100 per cent community-funded.
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Stop searching for your passion All you need to be satisfied with life is to look inside of yourself. CLARENZ SALVADOR
We are taught at a young age that in order to succeed in life we must be successful in the search for our passion. We are told to find it and to pursue it to the exclusion of all else, and if we do that, everything will fall into place. If we don’t find it, then we fail. This is a disheartening idea, isn’t it? The pressure to find your passion is most prominent after high school. This is when you finally step into the real world and begin to question your purpose. It’s when you have to start making those big life decisions, like picking a career path or where you want to move. It’s not unusual to feel intimidated by this. Most of us have only just begun the process of finding ourselves, so it can certainly be stressful to suddenly have to construct
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a plan for our life when we barely know who we are and who we want to become. Ironically, it is this cultural imperative to choose a passion that could limit you from living an authentically fulfilled life. Passion is defined as an “intense, driving or overmastering feeling or conviction.” It is easy to mistake it as a simple goal or a career. The media construes it as this complicated concept that requires the aid of self-help books and coaching, when in actuality, it is simply an emotion. Passion is not an entity for you to find. It’s an emotion, so it is something that is already within you. Passion is not a plan or an object — it is a feeling, and feelings come from within the human spirit. Passion urges you to take action and it influences the decisions that you make in your life. It cannot be separated from who
you are as a person. It is the full force of energy that you give to whatever opportunities life presents to you. If you are too busy searching for that singular idea of “passion” in order to feel satisfied and give your life meaning, you will miss out on opportunities for self-growth and self-discovery. When we discuss the idea of self-discovery, it is important to understand that we are always in the process of becoming and reinventing ourselves. Humans are often terrified of change so this idea of continuous reinvention may seem counterintuitive. This fear of change is what drives us to plan our lives around the goal of finding that singular passion. Planning prepares us for anything that may stand in the way of obtaining our life’s purpose. However, we get so caught up with this idea of passion
Yashica Bither
being a be-all and end-all concept, that we forget to consider that change is inevitable. You cannot control many of the obstacles you face, but you can control the opportunities you create for yourself. By acknowledging that you are always in the process of becoming yourself, you are more open to new experiences that may spark new passions — giving you new opportunities that lead to a more bountiful life. You do not create life first
and then live it. You create life by living it. You are not on this Earth to plan out your life like it’s some sort of mission. You are here to live in a way that you feel is worth your time here. You must live with intention, instead of merely existing in a world where you succumb to the idea of having to fulfill a singular purpose in order to feel your worth. To be alive is enough. You create yourself as you grow. Your story isn’t written for you. It is for you to write it.
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WWW.T H E S H E A F.COM // @ U SAS KS H E A F
The beauty of the human spirit: Becoming connected across the distance In spite of the circumstances, there is still a lot of good in this world. SOPHIA LAGIMODIERE OUTREACH DIRECTOR
Over the past few weeks, life has taken a full one-eighty due to the novel coronavirus. Social media is oversaturated with negative stories of the virus’ outcome, so it can be difficult to find positivity. It can be draining to see negative news constantly, but remember that where there is bad news, there’s also good news. Despite being away from friends and family, we are somehow more connected than ever through technology. Trying times like these remind us of the beauty of the human spirit, and how contagious being kind can be. After searching online for some good news, I came up with a list of a few heartwarming highlights that showcase how wonderful humanity can be — especially when faced with a communal challenge. A neighbourhood birthday celebration Sophie, an eight-year-old girl from the United Kingdom, was upset that her birthday party was cancelled due to the virus. Her parents sent a request to neighbours through Facebook, asking if they could send her a happy birthday wish or drop off a card to their front door. To her surprise, Sophie went outside to find the entire street singing
“Happy Birthday.” The video has gone viral, cheering up the nation, since it was posted online.
team closed the recruitment because of the positive response of people interested.
Music therapy on balconies Italy was one of the first countries to go under complete lockdown due to the pandemic, as there have been over 101,000 cases and 11,000 deaths as of March 30. Despite the tragic times, people across the country have been staying connected by playing music from their balconies. Some musicians have been offering free concerts from rooftops to cheer up their neighbours. A caregiver in Spain took their Alzheimer patient on the balcony so he could play his harmonica and listen to the cheering crowd. Similar acts have occurred in other countries, such as Spain, France, Iraq, Lebanon, Germany, India and the United States.
A 13-year-old makes 3D printed masks In Falls Church, Virginia, 13-year-old Charles Randolph decided to use his parents’ 3D printer to print off masks for those who need them. He especially wanted to help his great uncle, who is in a vulnerable position as he needs a heart transplant. While the masks may not be best for health-care professionals, he is looking into where he can donate them.
Volunteers test experimental COVID-19 vaccine On March 3, the Kaiser Permanente Washington Research Institute started recruiting participants for the testing of their new experimental COVID-19 vaccine. Two weeks later, four individuals volunteered in a phase one clinical trial that the federal government sponsored. The trial needed to recruit 45 healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 55 years. However, the
Engagement announced through a window A North Carolina woman told her grandfather she got engaged through the window of his isolated care home. Similar situations have been documented across North America, with grandparents even meeting their newborn grandchildren through their windows. Despite the difficult times, love has never been stronger. Vancouver residents applaud health-care workers Rory Richard, a resident of Vancouver’s West End, started a Facebook event requesting for locals to cheer every night for health-care workers on the front lines. Other places have also taken part in the practice, such as
Flickr / Elin B
France, Denmark, the UK, South America and India. Retired man plays piano for his community An 84-year-old professional pianist played music for the residents in isolation at his retirement home in Boulder. He was supposed to be at a Québec music conference but decided to hold a physically distant concert instead.
Surprise drive-thru gender reveal celebration After a couple had to cancel their gender reveal party because of COVID-19, they hosted a digital one via Facebook live. Over video, they told their friends and family that they were expecting a girl. To their great surprise, cars started to drive past with pink balloons, streamers and signs in celebration of the news.
Why you should volunteer at the Sheaf next year The Sheaf’s intern reflects her time with the paper. THEA PEARCE
As the Sheaf’s very first intern, I’ve had the opportunity to experience student journalism on campus over the past few months. I would like to share with you why you should write for the paper next year. Throughout my time at the Sheaf, I have written and edited articles, delivered the paper and engaged in every aspect of the journalistic process. This experience has taught me a lot about how a professional newspaper is run. As an intern or volunteer at your student newspaper, you will gain hands-on experience in media that is valuable for students at the university. The paper is a great way to
express your thoughts and opinions about things going on in your life or on campus. There are several sections such as News, Sports & Health, Culture and Opinions, each of which features different types of stories each week. Students can choose to write about any topic of their choosing and are free to pitch their own ideas. Volunteering for the Sheaf provides those interested in journalism with the opportunity to work directly in their field. It also allows for writers, photographers and graphic designers to get their name on the proverbial map. You choose the amount of time you give to the paper. If you want to volunteer once during the year, the Sheaf is happy to have your article. However, you
are welcome to contribute more often — every single week if you want. You don’t have to be enrolled in the humanities to write for paper. The Sheaf is full of diverse voices from all academic backgrounds. If you have never written anything before, there is no need to worry. The staff are there to help you along the way and to answer any questions that you may have about the process. Volunteering for the Sheaf will allow you to interact with your university community in a unique way. The paper is a great way to express your ideas to the student body and discuss topics that you believe are important. Unlike the average university class, you work closely with staff to craft what you want to say. The Sheaf exists to represent
the voices of students at the U of S, so why not use yours? You don’t have to wait until
September — you can start volunteering any time. I hope to see your work in the paper.
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Hoping and coping with the Sheaf We bid you all adieu. THE SHEAF
Spring is already a stressful time, but with the threat of illness, campus shuttered, finals moved online and our lives now relegated to our homes, our stress levels have risen significantly. This academic year really didn’t end the way we envisioned. But this isn’t the first time that the University of Saskatchewan or this little paper
Nykole, outgoing editor-in-chief
has seen a dramatic change to campus life. The Sheaf, established in 1912, saw students and professors leaving for the trenches of Europe during the Great War. And just over 100 years ago, the university was quarantined when the Spanish ‘flu crept across this prairie city. Just like you, we are all trying to adjust. A few of us Sheaf staffers would like to share how we are coping through this pandemic.
Nykole King
This morning I received an email from my instructor asking how everyone in the class is doing. She explained how she is stressed and scared, especially for the friends and family back in her home country. The honesty in the email shook me from my all-too-positive thinking. Everyone is struggling in their own way, but I thought what was best would be focusing on the positive. Whenever someone asked me how I was, I had an inventory of good things to mention, all the while neglecting my emotional well-being by pushing my worries deeper until I couldn’t see them anymore. Though everyone is struggling in their own way, don’t feel selfish or embarrassed to acknowledge how you are struggling. Maybe the purpose of the email was to comfort us, but I sincerely hope that confiding in us was something she needed as well. Being honest might be the best thing we can do right now.
J.C. Balicanta Narag | (Carlo)
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Carlo, outgoing copy editor, incoming EIC If you are by yourself in your home, just remember that our current situation will pass. In times that you feel out of control, stop and take a deep breath. You must always remember that a calm mind in such chaotic times will help you more than you expect. You got this.
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I’m taking this period as an opportunity to be as chaotic as possible and to tackle pet projects that were put on hold for a while. In the end though, I can’t wait to have the option to reject hugs from friends again — then tell them I love them regardless!
My hope, as well as my cope, is to become more of a creative being during my isolation time.
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My academic background is a great help right now. I am able to understand the clinical details and sift through most of the misinformation. I love virology, public health strategies and infectious disease history, so I am able to approach this with a morbid curiosity that helps keep my fear and anxiety at bay. But it isn’t foolproof — I keep oscillating between flowing with this new reality to being suddenly horrified by it. Talking to my friends and scheduling Zoom beers is keeping me sane. And I am hoping I will get a killer apocalyptic workout routine in place before this is over.
Tomi, outgoing culture editor Ana Cristina Camacho
Ana, outgoing news editor, incoming copy editor Honestly I don’t know what to say because I’m not hoping and coping great. I guess mostly I’ve been distracting myself and hoping people understand that my current uselessness is due to the circumstances. I’ve also been making way too much pasta.
Wash your hands and stay safe. We’ve weathered storms before and we will be able to do it again.
Coping is hard right now because I started new meds just before the quarantine, but they weren’t working so I had to suddenly go off them and now my mental health is wonky af. I’m trying to find things to do, but I’m a person who loves the sun and being outside so this kinda sucks. My hope right now is that healthcare workers are given all the support they need. I work in a clinic, and people are getting snarky because they’re afraid and don’t know what’s going on. I also really hope that people are taking physical distancing super seriously and that the United States gets their shit under control.
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APRIL 02, 2020
Horoscopes DOMINIQUE PANKO
Aries: March 21 - April 20 The Emperor Powerful and Ambitious. You’re a natural leader. You might be feeling anxious, you will have trouble standing up for and yourself — which is unusual for you. This month is about movement: enlightenment, growth and ultimately success. Specifically, financial success. Remember that with growth comes work. Be careful not to disconnect from yourself by being too preoccupied with others.
Taurus: April 21 - May 20 The Hierophant Wisdom and divine perspectives. You seek knowledge. This month will be heavy. But with Saturn moving out of your sign, positive changes will come. You will need to let your judgment guide you. A power struggle is possible, or a conflict with an authority figure. You might get bad news or become preoccupied with one thing at the expense of other priorities. There may be holes in your intuition — best to stick to what you know this month.
Gemini: May 21 - June 20 The Lovers Clear and Honest. Your relationships are like pomegranate seeds, many and sweet. You will have an advantage this month. There might be a breakdown in power dynamics. If you’re not careful, your domination and overbearing control may cause discord. Solitude and re-evaluation may be required this month, though love will be readily available. Self-reflection will be an asset but remember above all to prioritize your rest.
Cancer: June 21 - July 22 The Hermit Choice. You can take a stand when challenges implore action. This month may feel like a stalemate, plagued with denial or indecision. But you will feel more like yourself by the end of the month. It may be time to give life to new beginnings by walking away from something (spring cleaning anyone?) It is time to embrace being self-assured and confident.
Leo: July 23 - Aug. 22 Strength Self-control and strength. You accept your humanity and flaws with grace. Don’t be hasty. You may feel compelled to make false accusations — or at least premature accusations — this month. You sense unfairness but be prepared for hard truths. These things will make you stronger, but it will be uncomfortable. Experience will transform you for the better so do not fear growing pains. Your social circle may have a love interest you’ve overlooked in the past. Look again, there may be an opportunity for budding romance.
Virgo: Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 The Hermit New perspective. You look inward and connect with the divine. Words will be at the root of your problems this month, whether they be ones you regret hearing or saying, either to yourself or another. Seek further understanding and get a complete picture of your circumstances before acting. Your career or other pursuits might be sluggish. Live within your means this month, financially and emotionally.
Libra:
Sept. 23 - Oct. 22 Justice Balance — you abide by the truth and consider a situation before stepping forward. You may be over scrutinizing yourself. It’s time to slow down and give yourself some credit. The full moon is in your sign, making this month a good time to remember that everything you want to accomplish will require work and to appreciate how far you’ve come. You may feel held back. Careful not to avoid the truth. Expect your perceptiveness to bring you difficult decisions. Healing will be bittersweet.
Scorpio: Oct. 23 - Nov. 21 Death You pursue opportunities — transformation is earned. You probably know better. Your behaviour right now is questionable, but freedom is just around the corner. Careful to not isolate yourself in your newfound freedom. A deeper connection will be important for you this month. Let go of past grudges and let Pluto take care of the karmic balance as it enters retrograde and brings light to secrets. You might feel drawn to a coworker this month — the fate of that relationship is still uncertain.
Sagittarius: Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 Temperance You focus on the future, are balanced and adaptable. Enjoy the success your discipline has brought you — it is blooming this April. Focus on what is wonderful. Careful not to dent your confidence with doubts. You may be indulging in an ill-placed infatuation. Your career development will be boosted by your social circle if you tap into it.
Capricorn:
Dec. 22 -Jan. 19 Devil Freedom, sexuality and self-love. Your vices are also strengths. Your mortality and the reality of being will weigh heavily on you this month. This is a time of self-control and reflection. Avoid your self-destructive habits. You don’t need to control everything. Your desire to feel secure will be threatened this month. You will be tempted at times to lose hope. Lean further into yourself. Fun will be abundantly available this month — engage with it in moderation.
Aquarius: Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 The Star Optimistic and prepared, you put your faith in yourself. Your strife is self-inflicted. You might see financial or material troubles this month. Careful not to engage in denial. It will be better to face the situation directly. By being decisive and determined, you will see projects completed. Your conflicts will resolve quickly if addressed head on. Your relationships might be tense this month, especially if you bicker about financial issues.
Pisces: Feb. 19 - March 20 The Moon Awareness and knowledge. You observe before you act. You will see your efforts come to fruition this month. Successes and excitement are ahead. You will also have an elevated sense of comfort. Everything you touch will turn to gold. Your potential for abundance this month is especially high. With your evolution, new barriers will present themselves. You will need to embrace your keen instincts. Your family and romantic relationships will be strained. Be gentle, the conflict passes.
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