Having a tarot reading can be an awesome experience, how do the cards do that? We like to think of tarot readings as a tool to get a wide angle look at yourself and your current situation. It can also give you insight into what steps to take in the future. But how exactly do you do that? What can you expect? And, what should you do to prepare for your tarot reading? The first thing is to know is what a tarot reading is and what it isn't. The Magician Readings with us are collaborative. We know the symbology, numerology, and astrology of the tarot cards and you know yourself. Together we make meaning of the messages that come through. What is a tarot reading with YesSpiral? Tarot cards offer a short cut into your own inner guidance system. The images on the cards act as awakeners or reminders of what your heart, soul, or inner guide want you to to know and do. Readings with us are collaborative. We know the symbology, numerology, and astrology of the tarot cards and you know yourself. Together we make meaning of the messages that come through the images and our intuition. A tarot reading with us is not not a psychic reading and it is not fortune telling. Get clear on what you want from the tarot reading When you schedule a tarot reading it is worthwhile to spend some time to determine what it is you wish to accomplish from the tarot reading. Would you like to get some clarity on a situation on your life? Would you like to some validation on an intuitive feeling you are having? Maybe you would like some insight into your blind spots? Whatever it is, getting clear on what you want to accomplish during your tarot reading helps the reading to be more focused and successful. The Queen of Swords Getting clear on what you want to accomplish during your tarot reading helps the reading to be more focused and successful. Be candid No one knows you better than you know yourself which is why getting the most out of a reading with us means working collaboratively. We invite you to open up and share what is on your mind at the start of the tarot reading. However, we know it can feel intimidating, especially if you are getting a tarot reading for the first time. So, alternatively, we can let the tarot cards start the conversation. We will lay out the cards and see what topics they bring up. Once the conversation starts to flow it is helpful that you are open, receptive, and candid about insights the tarot cards provide. Remember this is a collaborative experience. Ask specific open-ended questions While the tarot can answer yes or no questions, the messages the cards bring through are multifaceted and provide multifaceted answers. It is best if the questions asked are open ended and specific so you can take control of how things turn out instead of just going along with no say. For example, you may be concerned about where you stand in a romantic relationship and ask, will my relationship last? The tarot cards might say yes with a positive card. However, keep in mind the yes answer does not cover the underlying reason why the question was asked in the first place. So, you may want to change the question to, how can I feel more secure in my relationship? or what steps can I take to have a meaningful relationship. The Chariot We will use the tarot to focus on you so you can make empowered and secure decisions as you move towards your future. Be self-centered While the reason you signed up for the tarot reading may be to find out about what someone else is thinking or doing, realize that you only have control over yourself and the actions you take. We will use the tarot to focus on you so you can make empowered and secure decisions as you move towards your future. Take ownership Many times situations in our life can be painful and traumatic. There are also times when we are a victim of our circumstances, however, taking ownership and acknowledging your role in your situation makes you the leader of your life. Even if what happened to you is unfair, taking ownership is a one way to move forward on your terms and timeline. It also helps things to move faster. Have fun Lastly, and probably the most important thing to remember during your tarot reading is that the messages you receive are a tool to help you work on yourself—and that it is about having fun doing it. Let's be real, the tarot will not solve your problems or give you specific answers, only YOU can do that. However, the tarot can provide you with insight to help you make empowered and secure decisions. The only way the tarot reading will work is if you remember that you’re the only one who can implement the advice when the tarot reading is over. If you do nothing different, then everything will remain as it is and the reading "will not work".

I love flowers! You may have noticed I put up a lot of flower photos on my social media feeds and I love to have them as a backdrop mostly because they are beautiful and graceful and illicit great joy. This is why they are given as gifts (feel free to gift me flowers anytime :-) Katie Hess, Flower Alchemist, and owner of Lotuswei, says in her book Flower Evolution, Blooming into Your Full Potential with the Magic of Flowers that "recent research demonstrates that bees are attracted to the energy of flowers, not their fragrance or color. Flowers emit electrical impulses in the form of vibrations, and the bees are able to detect the electrical fields of different flowers.” (Hess p 26) This confirms why I always feel good when I’m around flowers. Their vibration is so high it has the power to turn negative moods into positive moods. Also, they are gorgeous and smell great. There are many ways to take advantage of flowers (this sounds a bit bad, but I think Flowers are happy for us to employ them). One is to have a flowering plant; I love this because every time it flowers there is a reason to feel happy. Another is cut flowers to display in a vase (this is good for a few days but it’s a bit depressing when they die). Some flowers are edible, and some are poisonous (be cautious), some can be infused to make fragrant and or medicinal teas, some can be distilled to make essential oils and many even the poisonous ones can be solar or lunar infused to make flower essences. I’ve been drawn to flower essences for some years and a few years ago I took a deep dive and completed a 9 month apprenticeship in Flower Essence Therapy. I did it to immerse myself into the magic of the flower essences and to learn more about what they are, how they work, and how I could build a relationship with them. What I learned is that flower essences are subtle, they awaken what sits dormant, light up what lives in the shadow, and help us to see ourselves in a new way. Flower Essences capture the consciousness of the plant which is concerned with the emotional, mental, and spiritual parts of ourselves. You know, that part that keeps us up at night, or the part that tells us we can't do something or convinces us that we are not good enough for whatever it is that we want. However, Flower Essences have the magical ability to awaken the other part of ourselves that helps us get restful sleep, encourages us to stay focused, and reminds us we are of the same stuff stars are made of. Taking flower essences is simple and the dosage is minimal with only 2 – 7 drops sublingually at least 3 times per day until there is a shift in your emotional state. The flower essences dosage can also be put into drinking water, tea, or other beverage of choice. I find it is best to recite a personal affirmation with each dosage of flower essence to bring myself into balance and put myself in the vibration I want to be in. Here I am preparing Bleeding Heart Flower Essence This summer I’ve made two essences one of Rose and another of Bleeding Heart. Both flowers support emotional stability and help one to feel balanced during this time of uncertainty and grief. They are for sale while supplies last.

The official start of the autumnal season coincides with the start of Libra Season. Autumn is the time of year when the days and nights are of equal length. As the days pass they get a little shorter and cooler until we reach Winter Solstice. Libra starts off autumn by creating beauty and balance. I welcome the cool mornings and nights and savor the warm days of autumn. I also appreciate the trees changing colors and releasing their leaves as they prepare for Winter. The process of the trees dropping their leaves serves as a reminder that letting go is a natural part of life. This prepares us for when Scorpio season invites us to transform. While Sagittarius season rounds out autumn with optimism, faith, and adventure. This post will give you an overview of the zodiac signs, element, and corresponding major arcana tarot cards associated with autumn. Each sign has six tarot cards directly associated with it. If you take a look at the yesspiral astrology and tarot wheel you find will all find 78 tarot cards arranged around the zodiac. For more details check out our three part series on it, read part one here . Free download Which tarot cards represent the elements and the seasons? The Aces represent the Seasons. The Pages represent the elements. The Aces represent the seasons and the Pages represent the elemental energy of the season. The Aces and the Pages sit outside of the Astrology and Tarot Wheel within the Solstices and Equinoxes. The Ace of Cups is known as the The Power of Water. In tarot, the Ace of Cups corresponds to the energy of Autumn. In tarot the element of water is represented by cups which symbolizes our imagination, emotions, spirituality, and healing. Imagination, Emotions, Spirituality, and Healing The Aces represent the pure potential of the suit. Think of them as seeds from which cards 2 - 10 will develop, grow, and progress. When an aces comes up in a reading, it is always positive. The Page of Cups is known as the Personification of Water. The page of cups connects the suit of cups to the realm of emotion by being adaptable and open to intuitive guidance. They insert a sense of enthusiasm, wonder, and imaginative optimism to any and all situations. Which are the water signs? Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces What are the Zodiac Signs of Autumn? The Zodiac Signs of Autumn are Libra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius What are the Autumn Tarot Cards? Libra Justice embodies Libra in Tarot. Libra is the sign of beauty, harmony, and relationships. It is a natural at finding peace and balance in any situation. They see things clearly and act with tact and diplomacy. The energy is supportive, creative, and collaborative. There is a need to cooperate with others to establish a sense of peace. Justice Justice is extroverted and communicative. Skilled at solving problems, negotiating, and coming up with agile solutions for any situation. She rules the arts, takes leadership roles, and initiates change and forward movement with decisive action. Scorpio Scorpio is embodied by Death in Tarot. Scorpio is the sign of sex, death and rebirth. When Scorpio comes around transformation beckons. There is a strong ability to focus intensely. This brings about change, self-discipline, deep emotional connections, financial partnerships, and or power. There is a need for deep involvements and intense transformation. Death Death is a card of transition suggesting release, change, and transformation. Occasionally Death is represented by a phoenix and its rebirth from its ashes represents conversion of energy instead of loss of energy. Death calls for release of old habits, patterns, and relationships. Sagittarius Sagittarius is embodied by Temperance in Tarot. Sagittarius is known as the archer who shoots his arrow into the distance, optimistic for the potential of what will come from it. Sagittarius symbolizes a free inner nature with an ethical conscience. Sagittarius invites us to explore and expand the horizons of the mind, such as our religion and faith. Sagittarius inspires us to be confident and adventurous. Temperance Temperance depicts the alchemical process of blending and mixing distinct elements to discover what the combination may bring. It also symbolizes remaining grounded in reality (foot on ground) and in touch with emotions (foot in water). Representing calm and inner balance. I'll go into more detail about the zodiac sign Libra in the upcoming New Moon in Libra blog post, coming up on October 14th 2023. In the meantime, I hope Libra inspires you to bring beauty, fairness, and balance into your relationship with yourself and those around you. Updated 09/20/23

Discover the cosmic ties between astrology and herbalism! Uncover how each zodiac sign influences specific body areas and the supporting herbs to nurture them. Astrology and Herbalism While many people know about astrological signs and their correspoding personality traits, few people know the astrological connection to the physical body. Each of the twelve zodiac signs in astrology rules over specific areas of the human body, influencing our strengths, vulnerabilities, and overall well-being. This blog post outlines these cosmic connections, exploring the twelve zodiac signs and the corresponding body areas they are rule over. Additionally, I've listed supporting herbs to support and nurture these areas. Please note that herbs are multifacted and are more than the sum of their parts. Some herbs support many functions. For example as you will see dandelion and turmeric are both mentioned 4 times for different reasons. It is also important to note that while the herbs mentioned in this post can be consumed as teas or tinctures or as other remedies, it is ideal to consult with a qualified herbalist or healthcare professional, especially if you have an existing medical condition or are taking prescription medications. You may also want to consult an herbalism book like I did to write this post. My favorites include: Andrew Chevallier's Herbal Remedies Rosemary Gladstar's Herbs for Common Ailments David Winston and Steven Maimes' Adaptogens, Herbs for Strength Stamina, and Stress Relief Dr Sharol Marie Tilgner's Herbal Medicine, from the heart of the earth I noticed there are also herbalism and astrology books you can get but most are geared more towards magic than healing. Here are the twelve zodiac signs, the body areas they rule ov and some supportive herbs. Aries - Head, brain, face, eyes The first sign of the zodiac, Aries governs the head, influencing brain function, facial features, and eye health. Supportive Herbs for Aries: Ginkgo biloba (improves brain function), Kava Kava (soothes tension headaches and relives stress and anxiety), bilberry (supports eye health).   Taurus - Throat, neck, thyroid, vocal cords Taurus is linked to the throat area, which includes the thyroid glands and vocal cords, affecting voice quality, swallowing, and hormonal health. Supportive Herbs for Taurus: Slippery elm (soothes sore throats), licorice root (supports vocal cords and throat), Ashwagandha (thyroid stimulant).   Gemini - Shoulders, arms, lungs, hands, nervous system Gemini oversees the upper limbs, lungs, and nervous system, influencing dexterity, respiratory function, and nerve health. Supportive Herbs for Gemini: Turmeric (reduces inflammation), mullein (supports respiratory health), Milky Oat Tops (calms the nerves).   Cancer - Breasts, chest, stomach, pancreas Cancer governs the chest area, including the breasts, stomach, and pancreas, impacting digestion and breast health. Supportive Herbs for Cancer: Dandelion root (supports digestion), red clover (promotes breast health), ginger (aids digestion).   Leo - Heart, spine, back Leo is associated with the heart, spine, and back, influencing cardiovascular health and spinal alignment. Supportive Herbs for Leo: Hawthorn berry (supports heart health), turmeric (reduces inflammation), Willow Bark (aids back pain relief).   Virgo - Intestines, bowels, digestion  Virgo rules the digestive system, including the intestines and bowels, affecting nutrient absorption and elimination. Supportive Herbs for Virgo: Fennel (aids digestion), triphala (promotes regularity), peppermint (soothes the digestive tract).   Libra - Adrenal glands, buttocks, kidneys Libra governs the adrenal glands, buttocks, and kidneys, influencing stress response and fluid balance. Supportive Herbs for Libra: Ashwagandha (adaptogen for stress relief), dandelion root (supports kidney health), nettle (diuretic for fluid balance).   Scorpio - Genitals, menstrual cycle, elimination organs Scorpio is linked to the reproductive system, menstrual cycle, and elimination organs, affecting sexual and hormonal health. Supportive Herbs for Scorpio: Chaste tree berry (balances hormones), red raspberry leaf (supports menstrual health), cranberry (prevents UTIs).   Sagittarius - Hips, liver, thighs Sagittarius rules the hips, liver, and thighs, influencing mobility, detoxification, and muscle strength. Supportive Herbs for Sagittarius: Milk thistle (supports liver health), turmeric (reduces inflammation in joints), horsetail (strengthens bones and muscles).   Capricorn - Bones, joints, gall bladder Capricorn governs the bones, joints, and gall bladder, affecting skeletal health, joint mobility, and bile production. Supportive Herbs for Capricorn: Horsetail (promotes bone health), turmeric (reduces joint inflammation), dandelion root (supports gall bladder).   Aquarius - Ankles, calves, circulation system, veins Aquarius is associated with the ankles, calves, circulation system, and veins, influencing blood flow and lower leg strength. Supportive Herbs for Aquarius: Horse chestnut (supports vein health), butcher's broom (improves circulation), cayenne (increases blood flow).   Pisces - Feet, body fluids, lymphatic system Pisces governs the feet, body fluids, and lymphatic system, affecting foot health, hydration levels, and immune function. Supportive Herbs for Pisces: Cleavers (supports lymphatic drainage), dandelion root (mild diuretic), epsom salts (relieves foot ailments).   Work with the herbs mentioned in this blog post to support the specific areas ruled by the astrological signs. These herbs can be found at Flower Power Herbs and Roots shop in New York City, where knowledgeable staff can guide you on your herbalism journey. Also, visit Flower Power at the New Moon and Full Moon as I'll be there facilitating circles.

More Than Belief: Embracing Tarot and Astrology as Tools for Growth Growing up, I was taught that tarot, witches, and astrology were bad—dangerous even. That belief was deeply tied to my religious upbringing. Even now, I’m discreet about my love for tarot and astrology because of the lingering stigma. Recently, someone I know—a person I’ve always considered kind, thoughtful, and understanding—caught me off guard by condescendingly asking, “Do you really believe in that?” His tone surprised me, and his words made me feel diminished. In the moment, I gave a half-hearted response, something along the lines of what I’ve developed here: “I use tarot and astrology as tools for self-discovery and personal development, not as a matter of belief.” But I didn’t say it with much conviction, and that bothered me. Later, in a moment of beautiful synchronicity, I stumbled upon a copy of Pam Gregory’s book, You Don’t Really Believe in Astrology, Do You? It reminded me how common that question is—and how much misunderstanding surrounds these practices. Tarot and Astrology: Tools, Not Beliefs For a long time, I struggled to explain why tarot and astrology matter to me. People often oversimplify them as matters of faith, like religion, but they are not about belief. They are tools—much like language, maps, or mirrors—that help us navigate life and reflect on our inner world. How are Tarot and Astrology Are Like Language, Maps, and Mirrors? Language: Tarot and astrology are symbolic systems, like a language with its own vocabulary and grammar. Astrology uses planetary positions and aspects as a “grammar” of cosmic patterns, while tarot cards provide a rich “vocabulary” of archetypes and themes. Both help articulate thoughts and emotions that might otherwise remain unspoken. Maps: Astrology is like a map of the heavens, offering a "cosmic GPS" for understanding the energies at play in your life. Tarot, on the other hand, serves as a map of your subconscious, guiding you through choices, challenges, and personal growth. Mirrors: Tarot acts like a mirror, reflecting your thoughts, emotions, and subconscious patterns. It doesn’t predict the future but helps you gain clarity and perspective about where you are and where you might want to go. These comparisons highlight how tarot and astrology provide frameworks for reflection and self-awareness rather than dogma or blind faith. Finding Conviction in Self-Discovery That conversation left me unsettled because I realized I hadn’t fully owned my relationship with tarot and astrology. It was a reminder that sharing these interests requires not just understanding but confidence in how they serve me. Tarot and astrology are deeply personal practices. They’ve helped me explore my thoughts, clarify my goals, and understand patterns in my life. When I reflect on how they function—not as something to “believe in” but as tools for self-reflection—it strengthens my connection to them and my ability to explain their value to others. A Practice Worth Embracing Pam Gregory’s book reminded me how common it is to face skepticism. But it also reaffirmed that these practices are valid, meaningful, and powerful tools for those who resonate with them. The next time someone asks me if I “believe in that,” I’ll feel more prepared to respond with both clarity and confidence. Tarot and astrology aren’t about convincing anyone else. They’re about the insights, growth, and clarity they offer you. And that’s worth embracing.

In astrology Taurus is about building a practical and stable life full of comfort, beauty, and security. Taurus also has a need to have a balance between the spiritual and material worlds. They develop beliefs that form a positive sense of self via traditions and values. In tarot, The Hierophant is the card of time-honored values, traditions, and beliefs. He is an authority in matters of faith and divine wisdom. The Hierophant and Taurus are committed to structure, long standing rituals, and comfort for personal growth and development. In a reading The Hierophant symbolizes ritual, conformity, spiritual advice. Belief systems. Blessings. And, so much more as you will see later in this post. Taurus is represented by the Hierophant in Tarot. The Hierophant is known by many names in modern Tarot decks. According to Robert Place , author and tarot historian, the word Hierophant means sacred priest in Greek and the first known tarot deck, the Visconti-Sforza from the 1451, refers to Major Arcana Card V as the Pope. In the late 1700s it was changed to the Hierophant by Court de Gebelin. I was inspired to write this post while reading about asteroid Chiron in the book Astrology for Yourself by Douglas Bloch & Demetria George. They mentioned that Chiron is depicted as the Hierophant in the Mythic Tarot - He is the the inner spiritual teacher. As usual, I allowed myself to go on a spiral - a Hierophant spiral - because the Hierophant is typically represented by Taurus in Tarot. Also, I'd like to point out that all the images are from the tarot deck apps created by the Fools Dog . I highly recommend getting a tarot deck app as it is an easy way to browse all the cards of a deck while having the full book contents at your finger tips. It also allows you to do tarot spreads. Currently my phone holds 16 different tarot apps plus a few oracle card decks. One of the things I like to do is to look up the same card in different decks. This allows me to know the card from different perspectives. You'll see what I mean as you explore the many faces of the Hierophant below. The Mythic Tarot The Hierophant is Chiron "Chiron, the Hierophant, implies that the individual will begin to actively seek answers of a philosophical kind. They may emerge as the study of a particular philosophy or system of belief, or as a deep commitment to a quest for meaning in life. The Hierophant may appear as an analyst, psychotherapist, priest, or spiritual mentor." By Juliet Sharman-Burke & Liz Greene & Tricia Newell The Vision Quest Tarot The Hierophant is the Shaman "The Shaman inside you is capable of merging his intuitive perceptiveness with the wisdom of the Elders. Meditate and find out what really motivates you, what your inner core truly desires. Shift your attention to what is essential. Most essential in your life your own being." by Gayan Sylvie Winter The Tabula Mundi Tarot The Hierophant is the Magus of the Eternal Gods Zodiacal Trump of Taurus; Venus rules, Moon exalted "Listen to the guidance of the wise one that holds the keys. Endure and keep silence for in silence you will receive wisdom. Bring down the celestial fire and become an initiated priest of the mysteries. Invoke occult forces and receive teachings. Seek higher purpose" by M. M. Meleen The Enchanted Tarot The Hierophant is the old Man "Rules and traditions are based on the sincere desire of our predecessors to preserve what was useful in their time. Bit your interests are not always best served by blind obedience. The repression of your right to think freely may result in conformity. Still, in many situations, religious moral values and traditions will comfort and sustain you." by: Monte Farber & Amy Zerner The Classic 1910 Tarot The Hierophant is The Hierophant "Orthodoxy dictates that you should obey, while freedom of choice dictates that you have the option to disobey! This choice is the gift of the Hierophant. Not all the wealth of Rome or the Vatican City can compel you; only you have the power of free Choice." By Arthur Edward Waite The Psychic Tarot The Hierophant is Wisdom "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. This card illustrates that there's a spiritual teacher who's about to influence you or step into your life to impart his or her wisdom. Look around - is there someone in your life who has the acumen, education, knowledge, and ability to integrate spirituality and its laws into the constraints of the physical world?" by John Holland The Dark Goddess Tarot The Hierophant is Cybele "When Cybele appears look for ways to go beyond the mundane in your everyday tasks. Add meaning through ritual, story, or symbol. Add power and pleasure through scent and music. Nurture a sacred space within yourself during the performance of your duties." by Ellen Lorenzi-Prince The Gaian Tarot The Hierophant is the Teacher The teacher sits in from of a Western Red Cedar surrounded by five green allies, medicinal herbs that many would pass by as weeds. Affirmation: "I receive my best spiritual teachings from Nature." by Joanna Powell Colbert The Guardian Angel Tarot The Hierophant is Embrace Those Around You "This card asks you to spend time with those who can help you grow spiritually and emotionally. Look for friendship or assistance from people who have their arms wide open." By Radleigh Valentine The Shining Tribe Tarot The Hierophant is Tradition "They cast a great circle. They clear the clogged highways. They share all the gossip. They teach all the children." -by Rachel Pollack

Sagittarius Moonth - December 1st through December 30th. The Sagittarius New Moon occurs at 9°33' of Sagittarius, inviting us to embrace deep understanding, communing with nature, freedom, and optimism. Sagittarius, the ninth sign of the zodiac, represents exploration, optimism, and a commitment to personal values and moral development. Known as the Archer, Sagittarius points its arrow toward distant horizons, seeking knowledge, wisdom, and freedom. This sign encourages us to push boundaries, both mentally and physically, and to pursue life with an open, curious mind. Sagittarius energy inspires confidence, enthusiasm, and a drive to explore philosophy, spirituality, and personal beliefs. This moonth, we are called to embrace Sagittarius' expansive and optimistic spirit—to think big and set bold goals beyond our comfort zone. To nurture our dreams through spiritual practices that keep us connected to our vision, celebrate our progress and connections, and release anything disrupting harmony to create space for clarity and alignment. The Sagittarius moonth also prepares us for the Capricorn New Moon that follows, setting us up for disciplined and ambitious growth. As the autumn season wraps up, it is a good time to make space for the next cycle: a new moon, a new season, and a new year. Capricorn’s energy will guide us to set structured, long-term goals and take practical steps towards our visions. By aligning with both Sagittarius' expansive spirit and Capricorn’s grounded focus, we set ourselves up to expand our horizons and manifest our ambitions with clarity and intention Sagittarius Moon Transit When the Moon is in Sagittarius, the mood is honest, spontaneous, and optimistic. Break up your routine with a stretch, take the scenic route, or spark a conversation with someone who sees the world differently. Share a bold opinion, explore new media, or make foreign travel plans. Sagittarius Moon energy inspires you to expand your horizons with curiosity and a sense of adventure. It’s a time to embrace new experiences and growth on all levels—emotional, mental, and spiritual.   Here’s how this Sagittarius’s Moonth’s energy spirals through the moon phases: Sagittarius New Moon - 12/01/24 When the New Moon is in Sagittarius, it's the perfect time to set intentions related to adventure, learning, and expanding your horizons. Use Sagittarius’ optimistic energy to think big—set goals that push you beyond your comfort zone, it can be learning a new skill, planning a trip, or embracing a new perspective. This is also an ideal time to set intentions around personal growth and spiritual exploration. Dream boldly, trust in the possibilities, and allow yourself to envision a future full of adventure and excitement.   Pisces Waxing Moon - 12/08/24 As the Moon waxes in Pisces, it's time to nurture the dreams and intentions you set during the New Moon. Let your creativity flow and trust your instincts as you begin to take small, gentle steps toward your goals. Gemini Full Moon - 12/15/24 With the Full Moon in Gemini, your intentions around communication and connection reach a peak. It's time to celebrate the ideas you've gathered and the connections you've made. Libra Waning Moon - 12/22/24 During the waning Moon in Libra, it’s time to release anything that disrupts your sense of balance or harmony. Let go of relationships or habits that create imbalance and focus on simplifying your life to maintain peace. Capricorn New Moon - 12/30/24 When the Moon is new in Capricorn, it's the perfect time to set disciplined and ambitious goals. Use Capricorn's grounded energy to envision what you want to achieve long-term and begin creating a plan. Sagittarius: The Ninth House Focus Areas When the Sun and Moon highlights Sagittarius, it activates the themes of the ninth house: expansion, freedom, and higher understanding. This house emphasizes broadening horizons through travel, education, and spirituality. Understanding: Religion, Prayer, House of Worship, Honesty Communing with Nature: Intuition, Tranquility, Contentment Freedom: Spontaneity, Adventure, Exploration, Long Distance Travel Law:  Ethics, Morality, Principled, Integrity Attorneys, Lawsuits Optimism:  Trust, Friendliness, Generous, Enthusiastic Formal Education: Mentors, University, Philosophy, Certifications Carelessness:  Shortcuts, Excesses, Extravagance, Arrogant, Rude Exercise: Review the focus areas and choose one - three areas to focus on this Sagittarius moonth. Sagittarius Across the Twelve Houses Find out which house Sagittarius rules in your birth chart to set the most powerful and aligned intentions. Each house highlights a specific life area—knowing yours helps you focus your energy where it’s most impactful for growth this season. Exercise: Look up your natal chart and find which house Sagittarius 09’33° falls in to optimize your intentions based on the house it is highlight for you. First House (Self): Step into your adventurous side. Set intentions to explore who you are, express yourself with optimism, and take bold steps for growth. Second House (Finances): Balance freedom and generosity with finances. Set intentions to use resources in support of adventure and ethics. Third House (Communication): Have open-minded, spontaneous conversations. Share beliefs honestly, stay receptive, and use communication for learning. Fourth House (Home): Bring openness to home and family. Set intentions for a supportive environment, add spiritual practices, and make home lively yet stable. Fifth House (Creativity): Enthusiastically explore creativity. Set intentions to play, try new creative activities, and enjoy romance with optimism. Sixth House (Service): Bring adventure to work and health. Set intentions to try new wellness routines, add spontaneity, and work with a positive attitude. Seventh House (Relationships): Be open-minded and adventurous in partnerships. Set intentions for honesty, optimism, and spontaneous shared experiences. Eighth House (Transformation): Embrace transformation and intimacy with hope. Set intentions to release fears, welcome shared experiences, and explore spiritual growth. Ninth House (Higher Learning): Expand your worldview through exploration. Set intentions to study new philosophies, learn about cultures, or travel. Tenth House (Career): Bring vision and purpose to your career. Set ambitious goals, be honest about aspirations, and seek growth-oriented opportunities. Eleventh House (Community): Connect with like-minded people. Set intentions to support shared goals, bring optimism, and build inspiring friendships. Twelfth House (Spirituality): Deepen spiritual practices through exploration. Set intentions for solitude, connect with beliefs, and find healing in freedom.

If you have a tarot deck and have looked at the little white book you have most likely already encountered the Celtic Cross Spread. It is the first spread I learned and is still my go to spread for general readings. It has a way of acting as a mirror and getting to the heart of what is going on in the questioner's life. It always taps into great insight particularly when it is used as a collaborative spread. When I used the Celtic Cross Spread I lay out the cards and I work in collaboration with the questioner. I use my knowledge of the traditional meanings of the cards along with intuitive revelations and astrological correspondences combined with insights from the questioner. The reading is richer when many elements are combined, especially, insights from the questioner. The Celtic Cross Spread reveals what is happening now and what could happen if things continue as they are. It shines a light on the things that are kept in the shadow. It provides the information you need to know right now in order to make the changes, moves, and decisions that will shape the future you believe is best for you. The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread Positions The Present / You - This position shows what is happening now. The heart of the matter. The thing that is of concern at the moment. Crosses You or Holds You Up - This position informs us of the challenger or helper at the moment. Known - This position shows what you consciously know, what you want at the moment, and or what your focus or goal is. Unknown - This position represents what you don't know is currently playing a role in the unconscious mind. It is usually something that is surprising but makes perfect sense once it is exposed. The Past - This position shows the past and how it has influenced the current situation. The Future - This position shows an outcome that can manifest in reality if everything stays the same. You - This position represents you now generally. It reveals the role your actions play in influencing the heart of the matter. Influences Around You - This position represents your environment and how it is affecting you or how you are perceived by others. Hopes or Fears - This position represents either a hope or a fear and sometimes it represents both. All the preceding cards must be taken into consideration before it is determined if this position is a hope or a fear. Outcome - This position shows a probable outcome. In the traditional Celtic Cross Spread it is only one card but I like to get additional information with two cards, especially if the outcome is a challenge. In summary, the Celtic Cross Spread is what many people call a complicated spread but we are all complex beings. We require an in-depth look at what is driving the heart of the matter , what is rooted in the conscious and unconscious mind, how the past is influencing our future, and how our own actions, narratives, desires, and values are manifesting our future. I invite you to lay the cards out for yourself and see what is revealed. Alternatively, I will be happy to work in collaboration with you to see what is heart of your matter.

Plan with Purpose Every New Moon, I set fresh intentions, focusing not only on the zodiac sign the Sun and Moon occupy but also on the house they’re transiting in my chart. This cycle, I’m sharing insights for Scorpio in each of the twelve houses. Discover which house Scorpio is activating for you, and set powerful, targeted intentions aligned with this energy to bring your goals closer to reality. Scorpio Moon energy invites us to go deep—into our emotions, our relationships, and our lives. It’s a time to embrace transformation, let go of what no longer serves us, and build a renewed connection with our truest self. Astrology Wheel for Strategic Planning Download the Strategic Planner to find out which house Scorpio is transiting through. Please note the strategic planner uses Whole Sign House system. If you work with Placidus go to your natal chart and identify which house scorpio is in. For me, in Whole Sign Scorpio falls in my 7th house of relationships and in Placidus it falls in my 6th house of service. Both of those areas can use some help so I will set intentions for both. Scorpio Transformation Through the 12 houses Here’s how Scorpio’s intensity and depth can guide transformation across each of the twelve houses in your life: First House (Self): Redefine your identity by releasing outdated self-images. Set intentions to express your true self with confidence. Second House (Finances): Transform your relationship with money. Focus on aligning your financial habits with your core values and growth. Third House (Communication): Embrace emotional honesty in conversations, particularly with siblings and neighbors, and foster connections that reveal deeper truths. Fourth House (Home): Release old family patterns. Create a home that supports your evolving emotional needs and inner security. Fifth House (Creativity): Infuse passion into creativity and romance. Explore pursuits that push your boundaries and bring joy. Sixth House (Service): Reshape your health and routine by letting go of unsupportive habits. Set intentions for wellness in daily life. Seventh House (Relationships): Deepen connections by releasing codependent patterns and embracing vulnerability in relationships. Eighth House (Transformation): Embrace intimacy and shared resources. Release fears around vulnerability and explore shared power in partnerships. Ninth House (Higher Learning): Seek growth through spiritual and metaphysical studies. Set intentions for travel and learning that expands your worldview. Tenth House (Career): Transform your career by stepping into your power and making impactful moves in the public sphere. Eleventh House (Community): Build transformative social connections by embracing your unique role in groups and letting go of intimacy fears. Twelfth House (Spirituality): Use solitude for introspective healing. Set intentions for practices that support emotional transformation and release old fears.

Bitter flavors increases the efficiency of our digestive tract and our overall wellness. Spring has sprung! The trees in my neighborhood are already budding and some are blossoming. In a recent post I wrote about spring cleaning my life and now I want to talk about spring cleaning our digestive systems. Yes, I said digestive system! Our digestive systems work better when we give it attention. The winter months foods are indulgent and comforting. They help us through the cold nights (or through this year long and counting pandemic). Yet, when Spring comes along, it is a good idea to change up our diets with the warmer weather. The digestive systems primary function is to turn the food into nutrients. The body uses the nutrients for energy, growth and regeneration. When does the digestive process begin? The digestive process begins the moment you smell your food. Have you noticed when you smell something good you start to salivate? That means your brain sent a message to your digestive system to get ready to do its job. The second part of digestion is when you start chewing your food into small pieces. There are specific receptors on the tongue that trigger saliva to continue the process of breaking food down into a form your body can absorb and use. The digestive process continues but this is all I will say about it here. There are five basic taste profiles you are familiar with and embrace: sweet, salty, sour, and umami flavors but how comfortable are you with bitter flavors? Most people are not at ALL comfortable with bitter flavors and avoid them. However, bitter flavors send signals to the digestive system to wake it up so it can get to work. Bitter flavors also assist in the process of breaking down sugars from sweets and carbs and curb cravings. This process increases the efficiency of our digestive tract and our overall wellness. Most importantly of all (to my vain self) bitters support beautiful, healthy, and clear skin because it helps to break down our food. Digestive Bitters support beautiful, healthy, and clear skin. My love of bitters started in 2016 when I attended a class called Bitters for Digestion. I didn't know anything about bitters but I was drawn to that class and I'm glad I followed my instinct and signed up because what I learned in that class has stuck with me ever since. The teacher taught us about bitters by having us taste approximately 20 bitter herbs. All the while asking us to determine which herbs appealed to us and which didn't. It resulted in me purchasing 6 of the bitter herbs, roots, and seeds to create my very own digestive bitters blend. Ive have been hooked on it ever since. I usually have a YesSpiral Bitters tincture bottle in my bag to take before and after meals. I also take it when I'm craving sweets or when I want to cleanse my palate. Which are bitter herbs? Gentian works to strengthen digestive activity and to release stomach acid. Angelica is carminative and helps to prevent and expel gas. Dong Quai promotes absorption of food. Fenugreek is anti-inflammatory. Sage is antimicrobial and a tonic for the digestive system. Cardamon soothes the digestive system and smells and tastes great. Have you ever taken a bitters tincture as medicine?

Positive life changes cause positive neural changes altering the brain's circuitry to lead in further positive changes creating an upward spiral. You've probably heard of downward spirals and it conjures up images of people living a life that is out of balance but what about upward spirals? This is the question that Alex Korb, PHD discusses in his book The Upward Spiral, Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a time . He says, downward spirals occur because of events that happen and the decisions made, change the brain's activity which can put us in a worried, anxious, and depressed state. On the other hand, positive life changes cause positive neural changes altering the brain's circuitry to lead in further positive changes. What is an Upward Spiral? A simple life change like going to sleep an hour earlier can lead to further changes which in turn lead to a series of expanding positive changes in life. For example, going to sleep an hour earlier can lead to waking up earlier so there is time for e xercise which can lead to better sleep -> reducing anxiety -> improving mood -> gaining more energy to exercise -> generating better relationships -> and a general feeling of being happier -> this is how easy it is to create an upward spiral. It starts with making one simple change to a daily routine. Alex Korb says "the brain circuits that help us to plan, solve problems and make decisions are the same ones that lead to worrying. The brain circuits that keep us out of danger are the same circuits that cause anxiety." It is not possible to eliminate or suppress those circuits because they are a necessary part of life. Worry and anxiety are distinct but related you can have one without the other. In essence worrying is thinking about a problem whereas anxiety is feeling the problem. Worry and anxiety are figments of our imagination. Worry and anxiety do not exist outside of our minds. Feelings to be aware of Awareness of worry and anxiety can help to suppress it. Just being aware of the following feelings can help reduce its impact: shortness of breath dizziness muscle tension upset stomach chest pain feelings of dread How to create an Upward Spiral Alex Korb goes over eight ways to create upward spirals. I will focus on four: exercise, making goals, sleep, and cultivating a gratitude practice. Exercise Is the most powerful and easiest way to create an upward spiral as it shares many of the same effects on the brain as antidepressants and recreational drugs. So you get all the good feelings without all the nasty side effects of drugs. I know this is easier said than done so get yourself an accountability partner, or commit to a practice for 40 days. Alternatively, don't do exercise! Instead take the stairs, ride a bike or walk to work instead of taking the subway. Take up dancing. Get creative and have fun with it. Set Goals Setting intentions leads to setting goals and people are at their best when working toward achievable goals like purchasing a home or earning a promotion at work. Start by brainstorming what is important to you and create a specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound goals aka Smart Goals . Sleep Making time for and creating the right environment for a good night's sleep will lead to elevated mood, lowered stress, better memory, clear thinking, and better decision making. Consider how many hours of sleep you are getting per night and shoot for seven to eight. Create preparing for sleep ritual where you wind down before bed perhaps with a cup of herbal tea. Gratitude Practice Thinking and expressing gratitude makes it easier to feel positive emotions which lead to upward spirals. One way to cultivate a gratitude practice is by keeping a gratitude journal, you can write 1- 5 things you are grateful for every day. You can also express gratitude every day upon waking up and thinking about 1 - 5 things. Everything is interconnected, gratitude improves sleep. Sleep improves focus and decision making. Improved decision making leads to getting up and doing some exercise which leads to feeling better about yourself and on an upward spiral.

Harness the Power of the Capricorn Full Moon: Navigate Career, Authority, and Reputation What about Capricorn? Capricorn is the sign of ambition, career, and recognition. It is about making goals and striving to achieve them. In tarot, Capricorn is represented by The Devil. It symbolizes physical pleasures, wild behavior, life out of balance, and materialism. It shows us that wealth and success can either liberate us or enslave us. The Moon in Capricorn When the moon is in Capricorn the mood is competent and focused. Approach life in a professional and methodical way to support your leadership capabilities. Envision your goals becoming a reality. Design and put in place a framework to make goals happen. Consider how leadership shows up in your life. Take steps to become more productive. Clean out and organize your workspace. Make a schedule. Draft a list of short-term goals to achieve long term goals. Check off and celebrate any and all progress. Capricorn is Cardinal Earth aka the Queen of Pentacles Capricorn Full Moon Capricorn invites you to celebrate where you are in your career and the reputation you have developed. Forgive yourself if you aren't where you want to be or if you've made mistakes that damaged your reputation. Work with this energetic time to develop a structure of discipline to stay focused on designing the career and reputation you want. This new moon cycle started off in Cancer. Its focus was on home and financial security. The Libra waxing moon focused o nourishing relationships and partnerships. Now that the full moon is in Capricorn our focus moves towards our careers and reputation. What does reputation mean to you? For me. the word reputation makes me think about the impact I have on the people that are in my life on both a personal and professional capacity. It drives me to live in a way that leads people to say positive things about me when I'm not in the room. It doesn't always work that way because life is messy but if you consider the impact your choices will have on those around you it may lead others to say positive things about you when you are not in the room. The Capricorn full moon invites you to celebrate your career and reputation. The tools of the values and efforts. Review Your Capricorn New Moon Intentions The Capricorn New Moon was on January 11th 2024 Did you set intentions at the Capricorn new moon back in January 2024? If you didn't, think about what you were up to in the end of December. If you can't remember (that was six months ago!) go into your calendar or do a search on your phone to see the pictures you took around that time to jog your memory. If you did, go to your notes and review your intentions, goals, or wishes. Have any of them come to fruition? Yes? Great! You are focused on what you want. No? do you still want to work on that? Is it aligned with what you want now? If not, let it go, throw it into the fire. Walking away from things is totally okay. It is one way of getting clear about what we want in our lives. If yes, take a moment to breathe in some fresh energy to your power center. Call on Capricorns ambitious and practical energy to make an action plan to manifest your intentions. If it feels good, continue working on it. If you feel discomfort then go back and re-word your intention or scrap it. Capricorn Full Moon Spread Revisit your New Moon Spread, pick out card number 3 place it in the center as card number one. Shuffle your deck and ask... What do you celebrate and or forgive at the Capricorn full moon? (use card number 3 from the new moon spread) What are you grateful for? What can you forgive yourself for? What are you striving for? What sits in the gap between where you are today and where you want to be tomorrow? Cancer 2024 Moonth Cycle Review This year's Cancer Moonth cycle starts us off with a push to initiate and take action with the new, waxing, and full moons all in cardinal signs. The waning and next new moons are in (steady and persistent) fixed signs. This is the type of energy that is good for puttingyour head down and seriously focusing on what is in front you. Cancer New Moon - 07/05/24 The new moonth in Cancer invites you to develop your financial security. The tools of the time are dreams and spirituality. Libra Waxing Moon - 07/13/24 The Libra waxing moon invites you to nourish relationships and life balance. The tools of the time are logic and communication. Capricorn Full Moon - 07/21/24 The Capricorn full moon invites you to celebrate your career and reputation. The tools of the values and efforts. Taurus Waning Moon - 07/27/24 The Taurus waning moon invites you to release resistance to creating tradtions and managing your finances. The tools of the time are practicality and caution. Leo Next New Moon - 08/04/24 The next new moon in Leo invites you develop self promotion skills and creativity. The tools of the time are enthusiasm and passion. Updated July 2024