Synch Lunar Wisdom and Zodiac Influence for Personal Transformation with handwritten journaling and goal setting at the new moon. In this day in age the simple act of putting pen to paper has become a revolutionary tool for personal development. Can you beleive, many schools no longer teach cursive writing? Despite its potential benefits there is an over emphasis on typing. This passion for handwriting and cosmic wisdom is why I'm always journaling and talking about it. It's my way of tapping into intuition and connecting with my inner guide. The YesSpiral journals are a natural extension of this practice - they blend the timeless wisdom of lunar cycles with zodiac inspiration and tarot insights. This combination, coupled with the power of handwriting, has become my go-to method for self-reflection and personal growth. That's why I've created so many workbooks and journals over the years. I've experienced firsthand how writing by hand - anything from chicken scratch cursive to precise print - can unlock a more intentional, aligned version of ourselves. It's about bringing together the power of the pen with the rhythms of the moon and the whispers of the stars. For me, it's not just journaling - it's a journey of personal evolution, and I'm excited to share this path with others who are ready to explore their inner worlds through writing. Why Handwriting Matters Technology is incredibly convenient - we all carry our smartphones everywhere, and for good reason. They're amazing tools! But when it comes to self-discovery and personal growth, handwriting offers a quick and powerful path. Here's why putting pen to paper works: Brain Boost: Handwriting activates multiple brain regions simultaneously. This creates a network of neural connections around a single topic, making your intentions and goals more likely to stick in your memory. Thought-to-World Bridge: The physical act of writing creates a tangible link between your inner thoughts and the outside world. This connection helps ground your ideas and make them feel more real. Mindful Slowdown: In our fast-paced world, handwriting naturally slows you down. This deceleration allows for deeper reflection on your goals, helping you craft intentions with greater clarity and purpose. Memory Enhancer: Research consistently shows that handwritten information is more easily recalled than typed notes. By writing your goals and intentions, you're giving yourself a memory advantage. Emotional Processor: Writing serves as a form of emotional release and exploration. As you put your hopes, dreams, and intentions on paper, you're also processing the emotions tied to them, fostering self-awareness and personal growth. So while leaving your smartphone behind is unthinkable don't underestimate the power of picking up a pen. Your handwriting could be the key to unlocking new levels of personal development! The YesSpiral Approach: Syncing with Natural Rhythms The YesSpiral New Moon Intentions & Goals Journal takes the power of handwriting to a whole new level by syncing it with natural cycles: Moon Magic: We use the moon's phases as your personal calendar. It's like having nature as your accountability partner, each moon phase guides you to set intentions, reflect on progress, and start fresh with each cycle. The Zodiac as the ultimate influencer: Each lunar cycle comes with its own zodiac flavor. Think of it as a monthly theme for your personal growth journey, keeping things fresh and exciting. Spiral Tarot Insights: Our New Moon Tarot spreads are like having a heart-to-heart with your inner wisdom. They help you uncover what you're planting, nurturing, celebrating, forgiving, and letting go. By blending these cosmic elements with handwriting, the YesSpiral journal creates a full-circle approach to personal growth. It's more than a goal-setting tool - it's your personal sanctuary for self-reflection, intentional living, and ongoing evolution. Welcome to the "Moonth! As you ride the waves of each lunar cycle (we call it a "moonth"), you'll find yourself naturally intune with life's rhythms. Writing your intentions becomes a personal ritual, a moment to connect with yourself and the universe. Handwriting + cosmic wisdom + intentional practice = a recipe for transformation. The YesSpiral New Moon Intentions & Goals Journal is your invitation to slow down, tune in, and write your way to a life that feels more "you". Ready to tap into your handwriting superpowers and spiral into synchronicity the universe's natural rhythms? Your journey of growth and self-discovery is just a pen stroke away. Let's get writing! PS: Here are few sources if you want to learn more on this topic: Psychology Today. (2020, October). Why cursive handwriting is good for your brain. Retrieved from   NPR. (2022, December). What students lost since cursive writing was cut from the Common Core standards.   Retrieved from NPR. (2024, May). Handwriting, cursive, and typing in schools: How it affects learning and the brain.   Retrieved from

Design Your Life with the Moon: A Guide Through the 12 Houses Astrology offers a unique approach to planning various aspects of our lives. By using the moon's transit through the astrological houses, you can strategically plan activities for optimal outcomes. This guide will walk you through this method step-by-step. Also, I have included a free download so you can get started on this exercise today. This exercise is excerpted from the YesSpiral New Moon Intention Journals. The Moon as a Cosmic Calendar The moon is like a big cosmic calendar. Its phases help you keep track of the passage of time. A moon cycle, which I like to call a "moonth" cycle, lasts 29 1/2 days. This cycle includes the new moon phase, waxing first quarter, full moon, and waning third quarter phases, culminating in the dark moon before starting anew. During these 29 1/2 days, the moon transits through all twelve zodiac signs. This provides an opportunity to optimize your time each moonth by working with the specific energies highlighted at any given time. Additionally, the moon starts a new cycle in a different zodiac sign every moonth. You can incorporate this understanding into your strategic planning to align your activities with the lunar energies. Understanding the Astrological Houses The astrological houses each represent different areas of life. By understanding what each house governs, you can align your activities with the moon's transit to maximize success. Here’s a brief overview of what each house signifies: First House : Self-awareness, leadership, drive, initiative, appearance, individuality, persona, new beginnings. Second House : Finances, personal resources, values, traditions, money, earning, spending, possessions. Third House : Learning, information, the internet, communication, siblings, neighbors, acquaintances, short trips, transportation. Fourth House : Home, family, foundation, mothering, ancestry, nurturing, personal history, cultural inheritances. Fifth House : Entertainment, play, romance, self-expression, creativity, children, love affairs, creative projects. Sixth House : Service, health, self-discipline, routines, work, hygiene, chores, caretaking, pets, details, responsibility. Seventh House : Marriage, allies, open enemies, business partnerships, alliances, close relationships, lawsuits, conflicts, contracts. Eighth House : Sex, intimate relationships, death, transformation, rebirth, inheritance, taxes, mortgages, insurance policies. Ninth House : Higher education, long-distance travel, expansion, spirituality, religion, philosophy, truth, freedom, ethics, ideals. Tenth House : Occupation, career, ambitions, recognition, authority figures, parents, teachers, governments, wisdom, experience. Eleventh House : Friendship, community, groups, organizations, ideals, wishes, hopes, the future, strategies, social causes, society. Twelfth House : Devotion, spiritual values, karma, unfinished business, restrictions, introspection, end of cycles, integration. Using the Astrology Wheel for Strategic Planning The astrology wheel can be an effective tool for strategic planning. Here’s how to use it: Identify Your Rising Sign: Your rising sign (also called the Ascendant) is the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the exact moment of your birth. It's the anchor for your personal astrology wheel. Don’t know yours? Go to www.astro-seek.com to find your rising sign — you will need your: date of birth time of birth place of birth b. No birth time?  That’s okay, use your Sun sign  as a starting point instead. It won't be as precise, but it will still guide your lunar reflections. Create Your Wheel - Use worksheets linked below: Place your Rising/Sun sign in the First House. Fill in the rest following zodiac order. Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces. Example: If Gemini is your Rising sign: First House: Gemini Second House: Cancer Third House: Leo (Continue until all houses are filled) 12th House Taurus Plan with Moon Transits: As the moon moves through these houses, align your activities accordingly: Moon in Fourth House: Ideal for family time Moon in Tenth House: Good for career moves Combining Moon Transit with House Energy Let's say Gemini is your Rising sign and there's a New Moon in Aries. This would fall in your Eleventh House. Focus areas could include: Joining new groups or organizations Setting future goals Networking and expanding your social circle Planning Steps: Note the date of the Aries New Moon For the next 2-3 days, prioritize Eleventh House activities Set intentions related to friendships, community involvement, or long-term aspirations Enhance effectiveness of your actions By aligning your activities with the moon's transit through your personal astrological houses, you can potentially enhance the effectiveness of your actions. Remember, this is a tool for guidance, not a strict rulebook. Combine it with your intuition and practical considerations for best results.

The Aries New Moon Solar Eclipse is more than a flash in the sky—it’s a cosmic spark. A sacred nudge (okay, a shove) toward the version of you that’s ready to rise and lead. This lunation dares you to claim your fire, plant a flag in your becoming, and walk boldly into the unknown. This moment holds potent, pressurized energy. Eclipse energy. Aries energy. Initiator energy. Perfect for spiraling into bold identity, brave action, and divine becoming. Let’s make it practical. Let’s make it magical. Let make you become. The Spark of Initiation: Take Courageous Action What excites you right now?What vision is daring you to begin? This Aries Eclipse stirs the tension between who you’ve been and who you are becoming . The past-self clings. The future-self roars. Your job? To answer the call—boldly. I Am Becoming: A Courageous Initiation Spread This 3-card tarot spread channels the eclipse’s heat into movement. It speaks to the Path (who you are now) , the Posture (who you’re becoming) , and the Practice (your next brave step) . This Aries New Moon Eclipse is a spark  — the kind that doesn’t wait for permission. It asks you to move, to act, and to embody the next version of yourself with courage and conviction. This spread is here to guide your becoming through bold action. Pull your cards. Speak your truth. Become who you came here to be. Card 1 – Who I Am Now  - Recognition - (Path: Majors + Aces) - Center Card What part of me is rising from the fire and ready to lead this new beginning? Card 2 – Who I Am Becoming  - Embodiment - (Posture: Court Cards) - Left Card Who am I being called to step into, if I lead with courage instead of fear? Card 3 – My First Bold Step  - Action - (Practice: Minors 2–10) - Right Card What’s one grounded move I can make right now to claim who I’m becoming? Tarot of the Divine Sample reading for the collective with the tarot cards associated with Aries. Who I Am Now – The Emperor Right now, you're being asked to see yourself as the leader of your own life. You have experience, are grown, and built something real - now it's time to claim your authority. This is the version of you who doesn’t wait around for direction. You make the direction. Who I Am Becoming – Queen of Wands You’re stepping into a version of yourself that’s bold, magnetic, and unapologetically expressive. This Queen doesn’t second-guess her light - she radiates. You’re becoming someone who leads with presence, confidence, and creative fire. Own it. My First Bold Step – Two of Wands The future is calling, and it’s bigger than what you’ve known. You don’t have to have the full plan - just the courage to take the first step. This is the moment to dream wider and choose something that stretches you. Your next path starts with one bold move. This New Moon Eclipse is an initiation - not just into a new cycle, but into a new self. Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start becoming. Affirmation Prompt Fill in the blanks with what your cards revealed: I am becoming the kind of [archetype or energy] who [embodies what?], and I take my next step by [grounded action]. I trust that by saying yes to [core desire], I align with my true path. Example Based on the Collective Spread I am becoming the kind of leader who radiates courage and confidence, and I take my next step by daring to explore new possibilities. I trust that by saying yes to my desire to expand and be seen , I align with my true path. 🕯 I am becoming Candle Ritual Ignite Your Becoming Use the I am becoming ritual to activate your affirmation and anchor your courageous new self into motion and claim who you are becoming . Wait at least 12 hours after the eclipse at 4:50 am on 03/29/25 EDT to do this ritual What You’ll Need: 1 red, orange, or white candle  (tea light, taper, or chime, etc) A safe fireproof dish or candle holder A pen and paper   A lighter or matches Optional: a few drops of cinnamon, rosemary, or ginger oil  for added boldness. The Ritual: Prepare Your Space: Set your candle in a quiet space. Clear the energy with breath, bells, or smoke, and place your tarot cards nearby if you'd like to keep them present. Write Your Affirmation: Use the Mad Libs prompt to write out your custom affirmation. Anoint & Light the Candle: If using oil, rub a bit at the base of the candle or on your wrists. Light the candle with intention, saying: “I light this flame to honor who I am, who I am becoming, and the path I now choose to walk with courage.” Speak Your Affirmation: Read your affirmation out loud three times. Let each repetition land deeper in your body. Burn to Activate: Carefully and safely hold the affirmation over the flame (or drop it into the fireproof bowl). As it burns, say: “ I give this to the flame. It is done. I am becoming. ” Watch the flame as it consumes the paper, imagining this new version of you igniting from the inside out. Close the Ritual: Sit for a moment in stillness, letting the energy settle. When you’re ready, close with: “It is done. I trust the path ahead. I move forward with courage.” Let the candle burn as long as it’s safe. If you need to extinguish it, say: “This light now burns within me.”

Astrology and Tarot fit well together as each of the 78 tarot card has a place around the astrology wheel. In order to make sense of it all I designed the YesSpiral Astrology and Tarot Wheel. The full YesSpiral Astrology and Tarot Wheel charts the Solstices and Equinoxes, the four seasons, 78 tarot cards, 12 zodiac signs, 10 planets, four elements, and three modalities. I started breaking it down in a previous post as the wheel is six layers deep. I went over layer one, The Twelve Zodiac Signs and layer two, Astrology Elements and the Tarot Correspondents. In a second post , I reviewed layer three, the decans and planetary sub-rulers for each of the twelve zodiac signs. In addition to layer four, which shows where the 22 Major Arcana tarot cards fit along with the Court tarot cards. In this post I'm going to go over the planetary rulers of each of the zodiac signs, the seasons, aces, and pages . Astrology and Tarot Wheel Part - Planetary Rulers The fifth layer in the Astrology and Tarot Wheel includes the planetary rulers of each of the signs represented by its glyph. Each of the Mars rules over Aries and represents a capacity to take action and assert oneself based on desires. Venus rules over Taurus and represents a capacity to attract people and things that one loves and values. Mercury rules over Gemini and represents a capacity to think, speak, learn, and reason. The Moon rules over Cancer and represents a capacity to feel and express emotions while giving and receiving nurturance. The Sun rules over Leo and represents a capacity to focus talents to realize ones purpose and creative potential. Mercury rules over Virgo and represents a capacity to think, speak, learn, and reason. Venus rules over Libra and represents a capacity attract people and things that one loves and values. Pluto rules over Scorpio and represents a capacity to transform and renew oneself. Jupiter rules over Sagittarius and represents a capacity to search for meaning, truth, and ethical values. Saturn rules over Capricorn and represents a capacity to create order and discipline in one's life. Uranus rules over Aquarius and represents a capacity express unique individuality to liberate oneself from past limitations. Neptune rules over Pisces and represents a capacity to transcend by integrating instinct with intellect, body, and mind. Astrology and Tarot Wheel layer 6 Astrology and Tarot Wheel - The Seasons, Aces, & Pages The sixth and final layer in the Astrology and Tarot Wheel includes the Seasons which correspond to the Solstices and Equinoxes and are represented by the Aces and Pages in the tarot deck. The Aces represent the seeds from which the rest of the minor arcana will sprout. The Pages represent the personification of the element. The Aces and the Pages sit just out side of the wheel representing the seasons. Ace and Page of Swords - Spring Equinox - Aries | Taurus | Gemini Ace and Page of Wands - Summer Solstice - Cancer | Leo | Virgo Ace and Page of Cups - Autumn Equinox - Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius Ace and Page of Pentacles - Winter Solstice - Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces There you have it, the background information on all the layers of the YesSpiral Astrology and Tarot Wheel. Click here for the image for a free downloadable PDF of the Astrology and tarot Wheel.

Astrology and Tarot fit well together as each of the 78 tarot card has a place around the astrology wheel. In order to make sense of it all I designed the YesSpiral Astrology and Tarot Wheel. I started breaking it down in a previous post as the wheel is six layers deep. I went over layer one, The Twelve Zodiac Signs and layer two, Astrology Elements and the Tarot Correspondents. In this post, I'll review layer three, the decans and planetary sub-rulers for each of the twelve zodiac signs. In addition to layer four, which shows where the 22 Major Arcana tarot cards fit along with the Court tarot cards. The full YesSpiral Astrology and Tarot Wheel charts the Solstices and Equinoxes, the four seasons, 78 tarot cards, 12 zodiac signs, 10 planets, four elements, and three modalities. Astrology and Tarot Wheel layer 3 Astrology and Tarot Wheel Decans & Planetary Sub-rulers The third layer in the Astrology and Tarot Wheel includes seven planets in our solar system and recognized in Classical Astrology. The planets are in presented in the Chaldean order of the planets. The planets included in the Astrology and Tarot Wheel are all visible from the Earth without the use of telescopes. They include the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. The seven planets repeat around the wheel 5 times with Mars showing up at the end of Pisces and again at the beginning of Aries to give the start of the astrological year a jump start of energy. The order of the planets are in the Chaldean Order which is in the order of their speed as observable from the earth in relation to the Sun. The seven planets also correspond with the days of the week. Each of the planets around the wheel is a sub-ruler to the zodiac sign it falls under. Each sub-ruling planet corresponds with one of the 36 Decans (each zodiac sign is sub-divided into 30 degrees (out of the 360 whole of the zodiac) splitting each zodiac sign into three parts. This is why each sign was assigned three minor arcana tarot cards and three planetary sub-rulers. Did you know the planets corresponded with the days of week? Planets Correspond to the days of the week Sun - Sunday Moon - Monday Mars - Tuesday Mercury - Wednesday Jupiter - Thursday Venus - Friday Saturn - Saturday *If you know the days of the week in Spanish it is much easier to remember Martes is for Mars, and Miercoles is for Mercury, Jueves is for Jupiter, and Viernes is for Venus. Saturday/Saturn, Sunday/Sun, and Monday/Moon are easier to remember in English. Planet Orbit Speeds around the Sun and Chaldean Order The Chaldean order shows the sun in the middle with the slowest moving planets on the left and the fastest on the right. Saturn-> Jupiter -> Mars-> Sun <-Venus <-Mercury <-Moon Mars - orbit of 23 months - the planet of energy and action jump starts the wheel Sun - All the Planets revolve around the Sun, including the Earth - 365 days Venus - orbit of 7 months Mercury - orbit of 3 months (this is why we have three mercury retrogrades per year) Moon - The moon is a satellite and orbits around the Earth in 29.5 days Saturn - orbit of 29 years Jupiter - orbit of 12 years The following planets are not part of the Chaldean order but I thought you would also want to know their orbit speeds. Uranus - orbit of 84 years Neptune - orbit of 165 years Pluto - orbit of 248 years Astrology and Tarot Wheel layer 4 Major Arcana Cards: Zodiac Signs and Planetary Rulers The fourth layer in the Astrology and Tarot Wheel includes the major arcana cards and court cards associated with each of the zodiac signs. There are 22 major arcana cards and each zodiac sign is assigned two major arcana cards meaning that two cards show up twice around the Wheel. The Empress symbolizing Venus is the ruler of Taurus and Libra and The Magician symbolizing Mercury is the ruler of Gemini and Virgo . Aries represented by The Emperor . The Planetary ruler Mars is represented by The Tower. Taurus represented by The Hierophant . The Planetary ruler Venus is represented by The Empress . Gemini represented by The Lovers . The Planetary ruler Mercury is represented by The Magician . Cancer represented by The Chariot . The Planetary ruler The Moon is represented by The High Priestess . Leo represented by Strength . The Planetary ruler The Sun is represented by The Sun . Virgo represented by The Hermit . The Planetary ruler Mercury is represented by The Magician . Libra represented by Justice . The Planetary ruler Venus is represented by The Empress . Scorpio represented by Death . The Planetary ruler Pluto is represented by Judgement . Sagittarius represented by Temperance . The Planetary ruler Jupiter is represented by The Wheel of Fortune . Capricorn represented by The Devil . The Planetary ruler Saturn is represented by The World . Aquarius represented by The Star . The Planetary ruler Uranus is represented by The Fool . Pisces represented by The Moon . The Planetary ruler Neptune is represented by The Hanged Man . The Court Cards The court cards are the embodiment of the sign's modality and element. All of the Cardinal signs are represented by queens, the Fixed signs are represented by Kings, and the Mutable signs are represented by Knights. One thing to note, is that each of the court cards represent the energy of two signs. That is 20 degrees of their elemental sign and 10 degrees of the preceding sign. In the YesSpiral Tarot and Astrology Wheel this fact is not illustrated for ease but is explained here for your own knowledge. The suit's element informs you of its tarot card suit: Wands = Fire Earth = Pentacles Air = Swords Water = Cups Cardinal = Water Queen of Wands aka Water of Fire represents 20° Aries and 10° Pisces Queen of Pentacles aka Water of Earth represents 20° Capricorn and 10° Sagittarius Queen of Swords aka Water of Air represents 20° Libra and 10° Virgo Queen of Cups aka Water of Water represents 20° Cancer and 10° Gemini Fixed = Air King of Wands aka Air of Fire represents 20° Leo and 10° Cancer King of Pentacles aka Air of Earth represents 20° Taurus and 10° Aries King of Swords aka Air of Air represents 20° Aquarius and 10° Capricorn King of Cups aka Air of Water represents 20° Scorpio and 10° Libra Mutable = Fire Knight Wands aka Fire of Fire represents 20° Sagittarius and 10° Scorpio Knight of Pentacles - aka Fire of Earth represents 20° Virgo and 10° Leo Knight of Swords -aka Fire of Air represents 20° Gemini and 10° Cancer Knight of Cups - aka Fire of Water represents 20° Pisces and 10° Aquarius * You may be wondering where the Pages are and are coming up in the next part as they represent seasonal energy. Next up, in part 3 I'll go over layer 5, Planetary Rulers and the last layer 6 The Seasons: Aces and Pages.

Eight Paths to Nurture the Whole Self Maintaining health is top of mind to many but what does being healthy even mean? Social media will lead you to believe it is about eating kale, sipping on smoothies, and practicing goat yoga but health and wellness runs much deeper than that. The paper Dimensions of wellness: Change your habits, change your life by Stowen says that wellness is a holistic integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, fueling the body, engaging the mind, and nurturing the spirit. Wellness encompasses eight interdependent dimensions: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, financial, vocational, and environmental. In the sections below, you’ll get a glimpse into each of the eight dimensions of wellness — and simple reflection questions to start tuning into where you may want to focus next. For a deeper journey through all eight, be sure to grab the free worksheet at the end of this post. What are the Eight Dimensions of Wellness? 1. Physical Wellness The health and longevity of the human body can be increased with physical exercise. It is also important to factor in sleep, hygiene, and a healthy diet. Also, remember your water, it prevents dehydration which causes cloudy thinking, mood swings, and constipation. Journaling prompt: What does my body need more of —and less of—right now to feel energized, supported, and strong? (Hint: Think sleep, nourishment, movement, or rest.) 2. Emotional Wellness The ability to recognize, identify and define emotions and their triggers. One way to achieve this is to practice self-awareness by noticing how we feel and naming it. Another is to practice adaptability when a change cycles into our lives. Also, remember to have compassion for yourself by setting time for a long shower (or bath) journaling (with tarot), or meditating. Journaling prompt: How do I manage stress and emotions? What practices support my well-being? 3. Social Wellness The network of family, friends, and acquaintances that provide meaningful connections. Spending time with people you love creates a support system that endures life’s ups and downs. However, during the pandemic it is important consider CDC guidelines of preventing the spread of COVID and it can be done if safety is considered. Keep the gathering small, practice social distancing, wear a mask, wash hands, and stay home if you are unwell. If staying home is for you, how about writing thoughtful letters and or cards to your friends and family? 🌟 Want to explore all eight dimensions with deeper reflection prompts? Download the Dimensions of Wellness Self-Reflection Worksheet  and start weaving your personalized path to holistic balance. 4. Intellectual Wellness The stimulation of the intellect to cognitively engage. Check out online courses on topics you find interesting, attend your local community meetings online, start journaling and studying. 5. Spiritual Wellness The devotion of time to connecting spiritually to feel grounded. This includes but is not limited to religion, it is more about one’s sense of purpose, direction, and meaning in life. 6. Financial Wellness Stability of income to manage savings, expenses, and debts. How much money is earned plays a role but the most important aspect is managing income to live within means by avoiding: overspending, hoarding, excessive frugality and focusing on building an emergency fund, saving for the future, and creating a budget. 7. Vocational Wellness Satisfaction and fulfillment from work that is meaningful. Feeling happy about work comes from feeling supported, respected, accomplished while growing and developing professionally. 8. Environmental Wellness Appreciation of the Earth’s natural resources and immersion and experience with nature. Having a reciprocal relationship with the environment strengthens local and global communities. This can be achieved by keeping your space clutter free, producing less waste (cut down on disposable items), cutting back on motorized transport, every small step adds up for large impact. 🌿 Building a balanced life doesn't happen all at once — it grows day by day, choice by choice, dimension by dimension. If you're ready to weave deeper wellness into your daily life, I've created a free Dimensions of Wellness Self-Reflection Worksheet  to help you get started. 🌙 [ Download your free worksheet here ]  and take your first step toward nurturing the whole, beautiful, evolving you. Updated August 2024 Updated April 2025

The traditional keywords for the tarot card, 7 of cups are imagination, fantasies, dreams, and choices. When I was first studied this card, I was curious, what do the contents of the seven of cups symbolize? In the book Tarot and Astrology , Enhance your readings with the wisdom of the zodiac, Corrine Kenner correlates the contents in the seven cups with the seven ancient planets, Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. The seven planets also correspond to seven Major Arcana cards and 12 zodiac signs. In Astrology, the Seven of Cups falls under the third decan of Scorpio, November 13 - 22. It is known as the Lord of Illusionary Success and it's sub-ruler is Venus . Which cup would you pick if you had to choose one to lead you in a new direction in life? The traditional meaning, along with the planetary correspondences, of the seven of cups is an indication to dream up a new direction to take in life. For example, in 2019, I consciously chose the Death Card as my Scorpio New Moon Card . At the time, I wanted a major change to occur in my life. I chose the Death card which symbolizes change and transformation to keep me focused on my desire for change. If at the time, I had used the seven of cups as a significator card , I would have chosen cup number 4, the castle, which represents The Tower, the planetary ruler of Aries and (in ancient astrology) Scorpio. The Trump aka Major Arcana card of Scorpio is Death. What do the contents of the seven of cups symbolize? The seven cups in the VII of Cups card correspond to seven planets, as well as their corresponding Major Arcana cards. Venus — head, The Empress - Taurus and Libra The Moon — veiled person, The High Priestess - Cancer Mercury — snake, aka the ouroboros, symbolic of the lemniscate, The Magician - Gemini and Virgo Mars —castle, The Tower - Aries and Scorpio Jupiter — collection of jewels, The Wheel of Fortune - Sagittarius and Pisces Saturn — wreath, The World - Capricorn and Aquarius The Sun — winged dragon, symbol of fire and strength, Strength - Leo I wrote about the correspondences of all the tarot cards in a three part blog series called Astrology and Tarot Wheel. It will answer many questions you may have. Find it linked to this post. If you still have questions please do comment below, I would love to help. In the meantime, download your own PDF version of the Astrology and Tarot Wheel to use as a quick reference as to where the all the tarot cards fall on the astrological wheel.

Simple practices to align your intentions and energy with the lunar cycle. The Moon is our guide and teacher. Its rhythm invites us to pause, reflect, set intentions, and release — again and again, month after month. This practice, which I call the YesSpiral Moonth, is a way to return to yourself every month. This practice helps you connect your intentions, goals, and personal growth to the rhythm of the moon. You choose how intuitive or structured you want your relationship to the moon to be. What matters most is that you show up open and ready to receive the messages that come through. Ritual's can be simple or elaborate. When practiced with focus and intention, even a simple act—like lighting a candle or taking a deep breath—can help you get into the midset to realign with your goals and your growth. This practice moves with the Moon. Each phase invites in a different focus: setting intentions, taking action, reflecting and celebrating, and releasing to make space for what’s next. In the steps that follow, you’ll create a simple ritual for each moon phase—New, Waxing, Full, and Waning. This practice adds depth to your journaling, clarity to your intentions, and paces your month. You can use it alongside your lunar workbook or as a guide to create your own ritual flow. Step 1: Prepare Your Sacred Space Your ritual begins the moment you say yes to it. Find a space where you can slow down, focus, and connect with yourself. Use a scent you enjoy to help mark the beginning of your ritual. This could be incense, an essential oil, Florida Water, or a hydrosol. Light a candle to signal your beginning. Take 3 deep, intentional breaths — one breath to arrive, one breath to be here now, and another to open to what's next. Gather any tools you’d like to work with, such as tarot cards, crystals, herbs, oils, photos, or other meaningful objects. Step 2: Ground, Center, and Call the Direction After preparing your space, you can deepen your connection by calling in the Directions. This practice can help you slow down, center yourself, and connect with the elements and their gifts. Stand or sit facing the direction you're calling. As you turn to each direction, pause and notice how you feel as you honor the element and its gifts. Take a deep breath before and after each direction. Spirits of the East: I welcome clarity, vision, and the breath of new beginnings. Spirits of the South: I welcome passion, courage, and the fire of bold action. Spirits of the West: I welcome emotions, healing, and connection with my intuition. Spirits of the North: I welcome wisdom, structure, and the roots of steady growth. Spirits of the Center: I welcome balance, unity, and the spirit that connects all things. Expansion Exercise: Deepen Your Connection with the Directions After you call each direction, pause and add your own words, prayers, or reflections. You can expand the call by answering: East (Air): What new vision am I inviting in? South (Fire): Where am I ready to take bold, courageous action? West (Water): What emotions need my attention right now? North (Earth): What wisdom or structure will support my growth? Center (Spirit): How can I create more balance in my life? Step 3: Moon Rituals — Align with the Moon’s Rhythm Each phase of the Moon offers a different invitation. Let your ritual evolve with the cycle: 🌑 New Moon: Set Intentions with Candle Magic Light a candle to begin. Write 1–10 clear, positive intentions. Your intentions can focus on different areas of life, or they can explore the same theme in different ways. For example, if your focus is communication, you can write intentions about communicating with family, expressing your needs clearly, or speaking confidently in professional settings. Visualize them taking root and growing. New Moon Affirmation Prompt: This (zodiac sign) moonth, I commit to (action), remembering that (wisdom from journaling). When ready, say: I light this candle to welcome new beginnings.I plant my intentional seeds and trust they will grow with time and care. Speak your completed New Moon Affirmation aloud. When ready, extinguish your candle, sealing your intentions for the moonth ahead. Finish with Blessed be. 🌓 Waxing Moon: Take Aligned Action Light a candle to begin. Review your New Moon Intentions and choose one to shape into a SMART goal. Choose one action that will move your goal forward, and commit to completing it. When ready, say: I light this candle to ignite the flame of growth.I trust my actions are guided.I focus my energy on building what matters most. When ready, extinguish your candle, sealing your focus for the moonth ahead. 🌕 Full Moon: Celebrate, Reflect, and Forgive Light a candle to begin. Pull 4 tarot cards to reflect: Blessing: What gifts are manifesting now? Celebration: What accomplishment, growth, or truth deserves recognition? Forgiveness: What am I ready to forgive within myself or others? Lesson: What deeper understanding has come through this cycle? Full Moon Affirmation Prompt: At this Full Moon in (sign), I celebrate (accomplishment or growth), forgive (what I'm releasing), and honor (the lesson I'm carrying forward). When ready, say: I light this candle in gratitude for the blessings I have received. I celebrate who I am becoming. I forgive what no longer serves me.I welcome peace and clarity into this cycle. I move forward lighter, wiser, and ready for what’s next. Speak your completed Full Moon Affirmation aloud. When ready, extinguish your candle, sealing your reflections and growth for the moonth ahead. 🌗 Waning Moon: Reflect and Release Light a candle to begin. Revisit your intentions, smart goal, and notes. Make a list of what no longer resonates or is in alignment. Symbolically release it — burn it (safely), bury it, or let it go through a chosen ritual. When ready, say: I light this candle to clear what no longer belongs.With gratitude, I release and make room for what’s yet to come. When you’re ready, extinguish your candle, sealing your clearing for the cycleƒƒ ahead. Step 4: Journal + Revisit + Reflect Use your journal or planner to track the shifts you feel throughout the cycle: Revisit your intentions. Reflect on what has changed, what you’ve learned, and how you’re feeling. The power of this practice comes from returning to it. Revisit your journal often. Review your current cycle, and occasionally look back at previous moonths and years. Over time, you’ll begin to see patterns, progress, and recurring themes that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. As you revisit your journal, ask yourself: Are my intentions still aligned? What am I learning? What’s ready to evolve? Let this practice spiral with you, one moonth and one cycle at a time. May you spiral into synchronicity as your intentions take root, your actions flow with purpose, and your spirit gives you the courage to grow, change, and begin again.

Align Your Intentions with the New Moon Cycle Spring is nature’s fresh start—and yours, too. 🌱 As the Earth wakes up, we’re invited to do the same: clear space, plant new seeds, and nurture what we want to grow. Many traditions recognize spring as the true new year —a time when intention meets momentum. With Aries, Taurus, and Gemini leading the way, this season invites us to: 🌟 Take courageous action (Aries) 🌿 Build something sustainable (Taurus) 💡 Stay open to new ideas & perspectives (Gemini) Over the Spring Season New Moons, we are invited to work through these energies, creating a progressive, structured approach to intention-setting, refinement, and embodiment so that by summer, you’re not just thinking about change—you’re living it. 🌱 The Three Spring New Moons 🔥 Aries New Moon (March 29, 2025) – The Spark The initiation phase. Aries is about bold action and saying YES to what excites you. This is your moment to set a clear, powerful intention. Ask yourself: What’s calling me forward? 🌿 Taurus New Moon (April 27, 2025) – The Grounding The commitment phase. Taurus reminds us that big dreams require patience and consistency. This is when you solidify your posture and build a strong foundation. Ask yourself: How can I create stability for my intention? 💨 Gemini New Moon (May 26, 2025) – The Expansion The integration phase. Gemini brings curiosity, adaptability, and momentum. This is when you refine your approach and fully integrate your goal into your life. Ask yourself: How can I weave my intention into my daily experience? 🌿 The Spring Awakening at the Equinox Gateway (March 19-25, 2025) The Spring Equinox is a time to find balance before stepping into new beginnings. It is the perfect time to connect with your inner spiral-calling with tarot. Spring Awakening Tarot Spread: Align with Your Inner Spiral 🔮 Center – Major Arcana / Aces → The Path The guiding force, the core journey, or the big lesson emerging this season. 🌟 Left – Court Card → The Posture Mindset & Energy – How you are showing up and the approach needed to navigate this path. 🌿 Right – 2-10 Minor Arcana → The Practice Daily Action & Rituals – The tangible steps, habits, and commitments that will bring your path to life 💡 This spread will be part of the Spring New Moon Focus Zoom Call on Sunday March 23rd 🌀 Working with the Lunar Phases for Spiral Action During this Spring Awakening at the Equinox - your intentions go from your mind onto paper paper and then — they evolve throughout the lunar cycles to weave themselves into your life. Here’s how to work with each lunar phase to design the life you want: ✔ New Moon (Set Your Intention & Begin the Journey) Journal about where the New Moon falls in your birth chart and how it aligns with your personal growth. (See Strategic Planning with the Moon Through the Astrological Houses for guidance.) Set a progressive intention: Aries → The big vision Taurus → The structure to hold the vision Gemini → The practice to sustain the vision Use the YesSpiral New Moon Tarot Spread for intuitive clarity. (Related: Spring Season Tarot Cards ) ✔ Waxing Moon (Commit to Action & Sharpen Focus) Observe how your energy and experiences unfold—journal your reflections. (Need inspiration? Read The Cosmic Power of Handwriting for moon-guided journaling techniques.) Refine your focus—shift from broad intentions to one SMART goal. With group support, work on progressive goal crafting: Aries: Define the goal Taurus: Establish and reinforce it Gemini: Make it an unconscious part of daily life ✔ 🌕 Full Moon (Reflect, Celebrate & Receive Clarity) Mid-cycle reflection using Part Two of the New Moon Spread: What is unfolding? What challenges are emerging? What wisdom is being revealed? ✔ Waning Moon (Assess & Adjust) Reflect on your accomplishments, lessons, and necessary adjustments. Gemini Moonth Special: Set aside time for an End-of-Season Check-In—celebrate your progress and prepare for the next cycle. 🌙 Join the 3-Moon Focus Mini-Cohort Want to go deeper with guided support? This entire process will be the focus of the Spring New Moon Mini-Cohort—a structured, guided journey through the Aries, Taurus, and Gemini New Moons. 🔹 Live calls for each New Moon 🔹 Exclusive tarot/oracle spreads 🔹 Guided intention-setting & group accountability 📅 Enrollment is open! 🌱✨ Spring is a season of transformation - make it intentional. 💫 Want a budget-friendly way to align your goals with the moon? The 3-Moon Focus Workbook is a self-guided tool to help you set intentions, track progress, and flow with the lunar cycles. Work through the Aries, Taurus, and Gemini New Moons at your own pace, on your own time. 🌙 Affordable. Flexible. Transformational. 📥 Get your copy today and start designing your season with intention!

Recipe for Immunity Boost This Autumn: Fight Colds, Flu, and More It's autumn! My favorite time of year when the morning and nights are cool and cozy and the days are sunny and warm. It's also the season for coughs, colds, and flus and boosting immunity is important . Keep reading for a simple and delicious recipe to help boost immunity. One way I stay healthy during cold and flu season is by taking Elderberry Syrup. It's super tasty and a small amount each day goes a long way. The immune system is always working and when you feel symptoms of a cold or flu it means your body is actively working to fight off pathogens. Pathogens include: viruses, carcinogens, pollution, germs, toxins, fungus, bacteria, and parasites. Medicinal Properties The botanicals in this recipe work together to fight pathogens and promote resilience. Skip to the recipe Elderberry, botanical name Sambucus nigra, is known for general prevention of colds and flus. It helps the body relieve congestion by clearing infection and inflammation. You may find dried elderberries at your local health food store. Ginger , botanical name Zingiber officinale, is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral. This rhizome (not a root) is so popular it can be found fresh in most grocery stores. Cinnamon , botanical name Cinnamommum spp, is antiseptic, fragrant, and delicious. It is also widely known and carried in most grocery stores spice section in powder and stick form. For this receipe I prefer the stick form. Cloves , botanical name Eugenia caryophyllata, is antiseptic and another kitchen spice easily found in the spice section of grocery stores. Honey is a natural sweetener with antibiotic and antiseptic properties. To maintain the antibiotic properties of honey avoid boiling water, pour into your syrup (or tea) when it has cooled to the touch. For most potent results get a local honey at the farmers market, your favorite herb shop, or local food store. My three favorite sources for bulk herbs are: Flower Power Herbs and Roots  organic herb shop based in the East Village of NYC Foster Farm Botanicals  organic farm based in Vermont Mountain Rose Herbs  online source for organic bulk herbs Elderberry syrup is a herbalist staple and many make it with just elderberries and honey. I like my herbal preparations to be tasty so I've added ginger, cloves, and cinnamon, you can omit them if you like. Elderberry Syrup Ingredients Medicinal Properties 2/3 cup of dried black elderberries 3.5 cups of water 2 tbsps chopped ginger root 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks or 1 tsp of cinnamon powder 1 tsp cloves 1/2 cup - 1 cup raw honey (taste for sweetness) (Optional) 1 oz of elderberry tincture *Vegan: substitute honey for vegetable glycern Elderberry Syrup Recipe Pour water into a medium saucepan, add dried elderberries, chopped ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. **Honey goes in last (when liquid has cooled) Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer for 45 minutes - 1 hour. Liquid will reduce by about half. Pour liquid through a strainer into a glass jar Discard botanicals and or compost them Allow liquid to cool to lukewarm Once liquid has cooled to the touch, add honey and stir well Optional: Add elderberry tincture to super boost syrup potency Store in fridge and take a tsp daily for immune boosting properties (will keep for months if refrigerated) What are you doing to boost immunity this cold and flue season? How do you make your elderberry syrup? Is this the first time you ever heard of it? I'd love to know, comment below.

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".

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.