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Make Magic!

Hands with burning candles on dark background

I hope this finds you well and and fluffing the feathers of your own inner nest! Things are taking big shifts in all directions!

 What’s real and what is imagined

 We all know, things are not as they seem. But do we know and practice deciphering what’s real from what is imagined? How does one know for sure? Isn’t that being judgemental? Such opening questions! And openings bring new beginnings. When we operate from overwhelm, unprocessed grief, deep unfulfilled longing, or a feeling of obligation or powerlessness – we will tend to be more often going through “the motions” and react to things from whatever our reference point is. Our mind might tell us “it’s quicker and we don’t have time or opportunity to slow down right now”. These are habits, patterns we’ve practiced for a long long time most likely. That doesn’t make them accurate. Even if every other person would agree, it doesn’t make it accurate.

For our healthy state to be maintained, we will want to cultivate methods and patterns of deciphering truth from fiction for ourselves. One good way to start is to track ourselves. Perhaps we speak in generalities and notice that clarity is not coming through to the point where it feels false even to us. or maybe hearing “political promises” strikes us as false. Pay attention to those feelings. And if it strikes us as false, we don’t gain anything by taking the opinion that the person intends harm, is a bad person, or that we have nothing in common with them. Simply the fact that it resonates as “false” is enough to help guide us to what in this moment is our truth.

The power of unity rests on acceptance/forgiveness

 Unity, to be unified, aligned in support of a common goal – is what most of us long for. It is connection; a goal and byproduct of love in a most practical form. It is interesting to notice that one must feel safe to be in union with another. However, do you see the difference it makes when we trust ourselves to keep ourselves safe vs. feeling dependent for others to keep us safe?

 In Jerusalem there is a choir made up of Jews and Muslims (JYC Global Family during covid video, get the tissues!) unified around music and the peace and love it motivates around the world. These mostly young people, have very different spiritual beliefs and practices, family traditions and values. But they set differences aside to unify around a common goal of peace in the world.

With an open and honest acceptance of things we feel a sense of forgiveness rather than resentment. The burden of anger, hatred, and disconnection from Spirit is absolved when we acknowledge and release any tendency to take differences personally. We are stronger together! There will always be differences. Diversity makes us healthier. We are NOT unsafe because of our differences; we can learn and grow from them. May we trust ourselves enough to trust another as they have shown us they are. May we find the divinity in all life, here and now.

Seeing the beauty, love, wholeness, divinity of all life

 I have spent a good portion of my life looking for love outside myself. Trying to find what I’m missing, what would make me “better” so I could be “good enough” (whatever that is). I realize that much of this was projected onto me from family and friends, it was modeled by TV, movies, commercials for clothing, make-up. etc. At some point early on, there was a separation that separated me from myself and superimposed others where I used to be. Now I am realizing that this Life is NOT about measuring up! It’s not about finding the things to add so I won’t be deficient. It’s about really being here, right here, right now – and slowing down enough to feel, see and hear all the love, beauty, and divinity that is her, now!

Powerful New Moon Friday Nov 1st – A time to activate love and magic!

 If any of you are inclined or even curious, I invite you to rise tomorrow, light a candle and speak intentional words of affirmation! New moon is the time of calling in. Just to illustrate what that might sound like, I’ve included below some “wishes” from Jan Spiller in her book New Moon Astrology that I recently adopted. Maybe something will resonate.

Wishes to Aid in Forming Positive Relationships:

“I want to easily experience a feeling of healthy, happy, self confidence in all my relationships.”

“I want to easily find myself viewing others in a way that creates healthy, happy feelings of unconditional love.”

“I want to easily find myself approaching relationships and life from the perspective of lightheartedness and mutual enjoyment.”

Wishes to Release Self Negating Thoughts:

“I want the habit of self judgement totally lifted from me.”

“I want all feelings of worthlessness easily lifted from me.”

“I want all ideas that I am unlovable totally lifted from me.”

“I want to easily find myself releasing the habit of putting myself down.”

“I want to easily find myself placing a high value on my time and energy.”

“I want to easily find myself interacting with others in a way that enhances my self respect.”

Wishes to Enhance Optimism and Trust:

“I want to easily find myself transforming anxiety into faith in positive outcomes.”

“I want all self doubt to easily be lifted from me.”

“I want to easily find myself consciously and consistently trusting my inner spirit and intuition.”

This brings to mind one of my favorite songs from Rising Appalacia titled Make Magic. Let’s claim our birthright and surf the elements while making magic!

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You Are Invited!

We are Gathering Women’s Wisdom — A collective of individuals each standing in her individual power, awareness, and experience. A sisterhood of collective wisdom, safety, and support. Our gatherings are a container for deeper connection, authenticity, and joy. We offer and receive meaningful personal exploration and exchange, compassion, acceptance, and inspiration. In the welcoming embrace of these soulful playmates, we endeavor to each find nourishment for a self-sustaining, empowered life and thrive together.

You are welcomed to browse the posts to see what aspects we have navigated and get a sense of the group interest and focus.

This collective is supported by donations.
Your donation is deeply appreciated and can be sent through PayPal to cynthia@gatheringwomenswisdom.com.


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Navigating New Waters

This comes to you infused with appreciation for all you bring, carry and influence in this circle and beyond. It may feel unseen or even misunderstood at times; but every act of love no matter how small deeply matters to the web of Life we are each part of. Thank you for choosing to keep showing up!

Our topic to contemplate for this Saturday’s discussion group is Navigating New Waters. In light of the reality that “everything is connected” each of us are undoubtedly feeling some variation of change and the elements that change influences in our awareness and our physical world. It may be in the area of health, career, relationship, economic, spiritual, or all of the above. Whatever the case, know that you are not alone in this experience! These are new energetic waters on planet Earth and we are navigating them together. Let’s lean into that experience and explore.

It can be a surreal experience to be aware of deep change, loss, even injustice – and yet at the same time; go about our day “business as usual”. We each, at varying degrees; know the feeling of being aware of significant details in our lives that do not get disclosed to others due perhaps to lack of healthy opportunity or the inappropriateness of that disclosure or maybe due to our lack of clarity about how to disclose it. It sometimes is disorienting for me to tend to the details of running a retail store filled with beautiful gifts and books for sale; when my heart is heavy with concern related to loss of life and liberty in our greater community. I feel like I am straddling the chasm of what I “know and feel” to be true and what is socially acceptable to speak about or act on. There are so many layers to this awareness. Sometimes there can be a feeling of being an “imposter” that washes over me.

Let’s debunk the imposter aspect of this, now. Generally speaking, an imposter is someone pretending to be something they are not. Sometimes, this may be accompanied by the intent of selfish gain. In a situation of awkwardness or being sensitive to others, this surely is not the case. There is value in recognizing the balance of our “rights” and “responsibilities” in a relationship. Everyone in our sphere of influence is not obligated to know our every thought and feeling or to offer us approval for them. Likewise, we are not obligated to disclose every thought and feeling to those we are in a relationship with! We have certain agreements in relationships that help define the purpose and function of that relationship. So for me at work, it is not that I am pretending to not have concerns outside of work, it’s that my agreed role at work does not include full disclosure of my personal life. I see these like walls or partitions that support the functional space of the agreed role in order to create focus and organization. Feeling the uncertainty of whether I am an imposter or not, may have more to do with an old pattern of looking outside myself for approval or rejection. It may be a sign to let me know I have a need to sift and sort though my own Self, and get clear on my intentions, values, and what I stand for in this life. When we maintain our integrity of intention, we benefit from the clarity and calm that it accompanies.

“To thine own self be true.” Act1, scene 3 of Shakespeare’s Hamlet

I guess the question is; when we think of “our own self”, is it limited to what we have known and experienced in the past? Or does it include aspects unknown to us yet? Are we open to the future not equaling the past? Do we believe something is “wrong” if it’s different from what we are used to? If so, how can we choose growth into our highest potential or the work we came here to do?

Despite habits or patterns I have that keep me feeling safe with the familiar, I choose to say yes to my higher self and that paradigm. Could there be a benefit in upgrading our “self-care” practices to help us better align with this option? Consider adding one or more of the following to your list of “Self Care” practices:

* ways to decompress when feeling close to overwhelm
* energy clearing practices that are flexible to accommodate time and location
* meditation practices that are flexible to accommodate time and location
* physical movement to balance body and mind (and energy body)
* grief clearing practices; how to recognize grief and move it responsibly
* belief system “boundaries”; what thoughts and beliefs are we willing to and NOT to host/entertain
* your choice of methods for “mid-course corrections” or reset techniques for yourself (have them written down before you need them)
* your choice of how to “reset” at will (have them written down before you need them)

I invite each of us to review the list above. You are welcome to harvest any or all that resonate as useful for your needs.

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You can’t push a wave but you might try going with the flow!

I hope this finds you patient with the twists and turns of life, and present to your heart energy and loving support all around you.

First off, congratulations! You have shown courage and tenacity getting to this very moment. It hasn’t been easy. There have been unexpected challenges beyond what we might consider normal. You’ve had to really reach deep down into your depths to consider how you might want to proceed in some tricky situations. And, you’ve done it! Regardless whether it was health related, issues with a loved one, work, finance, or those outside us that heavily influence us; it’s been intense.

We’ve clarified our commitment to what we hold sacred, important and a priority. And maybe, in quiet reflection we can feel our own growth as a result. If so, hallelujah! If we can’t see our growth quite yet, be patient with the process and perhaps take some intentional down time to be still. Clarity comes in stillness. By all means, please know you are NOT alone! There isn’t anyone I know who isn’t feeling challenged in some way right now. Let’s reflect to each other the strength and beauty we can truly witness.

The value of knowing a few safe and supportive friends is becoming more valuable every day. Even one person you can call on to listen, or offer suggestions of support, or someone who can be a sounding board for you in times when it really is needed – can make all the difference! I want to intentionally cultivate healthy relationships with those who share that interest and practice reciprocity. It feels like there is a generational shift happening and things look and feel different than they used to when I was growing up. I remember very distinct age groups of affiliation that I don’t experience now. Class distinctions are not the same as they used to be. Used to be you could look at how someone dressed and assume their status in the world. Now, not so much. I’m called to say “yes” to a new relationship with what’s unfamiliar or even unknown. I want to be patient and present to myself and the world around me. I don’t know what exactly lies ahead, and that is honest. Maybe because it’s being determined as we speak and we are part of what is influencing the outcome! (No pressure!)

My better angels are telling me to invest in my maximum creativity. To invite and develop my intuitive connection to myself and the natural world. And to allow myself to open psychic pathways to possible future scenarios, envisioning the highest good for All. I know, life finds a way, and we are living in a time of transformation. The kanji character for crisis and danger also means opportunity. You are here for a reason. You belong here, now, in this very place you read this from! So, you can’t push a wave but you might try going with the flow. Whatever else, be gentle with yourself because you deserve it. 

All is well. Own for yourself what you know in your bones! You have guides, waiting for your invitation to their support. Loosen your grip on insecurity. Just be yourself and the rest will take care of itself. What is no longer relevant will fall away and be replaced. In the meantime, trust your knowing. You got this!

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Nothing to Fear, Nothing to Fix

I hope this finds you well and ever refining your practices of love and gratitude for all that is.

Everyday there seems to be more and more reminders of how important it is to ground, settle within Self, and then to choose what we are calling in. We are privileged in many ways and possibly overlook some of the ways we can clarify and allow the Universe to support our values and purpose. As we loosen our attachment to our “story” of family, history, work, body, world, etc., we may feel disconnected. That is normal. We are disconnecting from beliefs and confinements that held us in a particular place. (“Disconnection Precedes Transformation” was in Lee Harris’ September Energy Update.) That’s good news; it means we are in the part of the growing process that is about to receive the next level of our gifts in our journey. We can trust this in-between time. It’s temporary and it’s leading us where we need to be next. It may be uncomfortable, but probably more unfamiliar than anything else. This reminds me of the Joe Dispenza book titled “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself“.

This shift of disconnection also signals our growth in awareness around subtleties in ourselves and those around us. It may seem like the world has shifted from “black and white” to many shades of grey, where it’s harder to tell the good guys from the bad guys. Our ego may prefer to know “who’s right” and “who’s wrong”, after-all; it’s job is to protect us from danger. Notice for yourself, as you have learned to recognize the amazing abundance, beauty, love, and opportunity to expand your receptivity to these natural aspects of Life; haven’t you been able to perceive more of it?! Like tuning into a radio station by adjusting the dial, the sound gets louder and more clear. It may continue our deepening relationship with subtle energies that include new experiences too; like developing our intuition, psychic awareness, connecting to the other side, animal or nature communication.

Allowing our destiny to continue to unfold takes trust and courage. We learn to allow fear and anger to transform to love. How great to be in observation and not feel the need to decide how it will turn out! We can recognize the process of ‘now’ that we are part of, that is not predetermined. We could also connect with the part we are playing toward an outcome.

Especially during change, trust YOUR journey through the world, rather than the world itself. Part of the awakening and empowerment of humans living on the planet now, is that we are learning of deception and corruption within the structures we live in. It can be unsettling, feel overwhelming, and erode our understanding or beliefs about the world. Yet, we are the movers and shakers of our time! We have internal guidance and inspiration that will shape the world differently than it is today. In other words, it is not an accurate reflection of who we are or what is possible to look at as a reflection of the current state of things!

The opening of the heart is preceded by the rise in emotion. Whether in relationship with ourselves or others; this process can be delicate to navigate. As our perception shifts ever more from “I” to “WE”, and we hold an identity of being a part of the whole and not separate; we will be better able to flow with these flare-ups, knowing that it is part of the process and we do not need to fear or fix it. What a gift! There is nothing to fix really. “It’s easier to ride the horse in the direction it’s going.” Let’s enjoy the ride and share the experience!

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The Newer, New Normal

Wow, what a ride, eh? How are you handling all the energy and change? Well, we are showing up and engaging with what has needed (or demanded) our attention. Excellence not perfection. All we can do is our best, and if we do our best that is enough!

Exhausted? Maybe, yeah. Yes, and isn’t that understandable? Give yourself major credit for what has been experienced and the courage, tenacity, and commitment it has required! Whew! Amen…

Now, we can pause, reflect, and integrate refinements from our experiences to apply going forward. Things will continue to ramp up energetically in August so we will want to calibrate our expectations and energies accordingly. Adopting ways and methods of taking frequent even short pauses will help reset our nervous system and support our long game. Using an app on your phone or laptop that you can set up to notify you when it’s “time to pause” can be so supportive. (I use Triple Flame Timer for free.) Parking farther away when shopping gives me much more time to decompress before merging with the other busy shoppers. Or taking a pause at transitions; like when I get into the car before driving, when I’m ready to leave the house before leaving, or any other transition that pops into your mind. I even take a few moments between tasks at work to reduce anxiety that may have crept up without my awareness.

“Complexity equals anxiety. Simplicity equals serenity.” –Triple Flame Timer

I read somewhere recently or maybe it was Bashar; that enlightenment happens regardless of spiritual or religious practices. When we are in a relaxed receptive mode, we can receive guidance and inspiration from Source, God, the Cosmos, and so on. We are one with this great consciousness, and often can forget and become disconnected from it. (“It doesn’t matter how long you have forgotten, only how soon you remember.” – Lyndsey Scott) For me, this is simple and profound. It’s also not how I was raised or how I experience mainstream society. So, it’s up to me to implement the practices I choose for myself.

As easy as this sounds, it comes with a disclaimer. Think of it this way; when there is clarity, be it mental, physical or emotional – there is distinction. Where there is lack of clarity, the lack of detail minimizes friction or difference of opinion. This leads us to our next opportunity for expansion; harmony. Harmony is the collaboration of different notes arranged to compliment one another. (The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.) We may shift and grow at a different tempo than another, a loved one, family member or friend. As we remember ourselves, stay in integrity with our intuition and guidance, we can learn to also respect and allow for the other to be at their own pace. Finding the open space of neutrality; to live and let live, is a powerful skill of peace. And by practicing this allowance for Life to flow at it’s pace rather than our preference; we set down the tools of war we were given to carry. The black vs white, right vs wrong, good vs bad, way of seeing life from a very limited perspective. And instead, carry the perspective of multidimensionality. That is ever more accurate here and now.

As we grow and learn to accept ourselves and others, we may experience transformations in many aspects of our lives that bring a sense of loss or grief. Know that when this happens, it is NOT a reason to believe something is wrong. There is a temptation to tell ourselves we did something or said something wrong because another is upset with us and having a really hard time, or is telling us their perspective of how we are wrong.

To believe that our wellness is wrong, would be out of alignment with Source, God, Love, the Cosmos; to see things in this manner. However, it is again understandable that we are carrying around perceptions and beliefs, patterns that we were given. We can in our relaxed clarity notice and recognize these patterns for what they are. Cultivate compassion and hesitate to react too quickly. If there is upset, let it be and have a cup of tea! Use the time to check in with your guides and teachers; physical or nonphysical. Let this be your newer, new normal.

When traveling a long journey, you want to start with a full tank of fuel and make time to refuel whenever possible! With your new found clarity you will attract and recognize those with whom you are aligned and easily things will fall into place that are part of where you are traveling now! Your Soul is calling you forward to the places you are meant to go in this lifetime! It’s time to trust the process, listen often and intentionally, and let Life carry you faster and more easily than your mind can keep up with! Great! Let’s enjoy the ride together…

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Recognizing & Reclaiming what you “know”

The word “independence” is a powerful one. Does it conjure images of strength, power, confidence, self sufficiency, or determination for you? It might also convey a sense of the end of dependency or vulnerability too. What is it for you personally? How does one use it in balance to contribute harmony?

I’d like to share my perspective and look forward to hearing from you what yours is.

First, it brings to mind the opposite of dependency and there is a safety that I feel. A self-actualization, a freedom of movement and anonymity to be myself. Second, I connect it to an over-correction of dependency that actually disconnects me from my heart so that I feel “safe” from hurt or disappointment, like a pseudo-strength or sense of power that ultimately can be very restrictive and contracted.

Our definition and use of this word can vary widely. Turns out, like most things in Nature, there is a third or balancing component to the polar opposite of dependent – independent, and that is interdependent. Much like the balance of a three legged stool, or breathing in – breathing out and the space between the in and out; there are the less obvious aspects of balance all around us waiting to be discovered.

 We learn about each of these, usually in a particular succession. First as little people, we learn about our dependence on our parents, home, and family for care, protection, learning, and survival. We feel safe (at varying degrees) there. Once we move past surviving and knowing more about how to keep ourselves safe, we long for independence. We may start exploring with types of rebelling or branching out as individuals to cultivate this further. We look for ways to prove to ourselves and others that we are able to express our independence. And then, in many ways, we realize that we not only want and need a sense of independence but also belonging, contribution, and community. We know that life is richer and more vivid when it is shared. At this point, we may choose to discover the middle way of interdependence; the space where two or more people are able to be independent in taking care of their own needs but also choose to acknowledge their connections and collaborations also.

I’m afraid I’ve made this sound all too neat and tidy. It was not so in my experience! I struggled with feelings of dependency and the pseudo-safety I felt it gave me, well into my twenties. I would seriously question and doubt myself, my abilities to keep myself safe, and settled on a life/relationship strategy that was based on making myself valuable to others so they wouldn’t leave me. This has worked as a strategy – but has had negative consequences like; giving more than receiving, emotional and physical exhaustion, as well as resentment that my needs are not respected or cared for. I have learned more recently that this imbalance has also contributed to physical pain and limitation. Mind you, this was NOT my conscious goal! But it has been an incredible learning experience that is far more integrated in my heart and soul than anything someone was kind enough to “tell” me for my own good. Sometimes the packaging and the gift don’t match.

Now I am intentionally looking for a more sustainable and compassionate definition for myself around healthy balance; personally, physically and in my relationships. I don’t want to continue the pattern of disconnection or isolation that has been mistaken for independence or safety. Likewise, I no longer want to practice dependence in cases where it “lets me off the hook” of taking responsibility for myself. Any over-correction will create disconnection. Disconnection will restrict alignment with Source energy, inspiration, joy; Life. It is not uncommon that we can get stuck in a pattern of over-correction or over-protection and not realize we are at the wheel of our discontent.

Love, Light, Source energy, or God is always and in any circumstance providing for us and, we may not always be receiving. When we feel like we are alone, we disconnect. When we feel rejected or overextended, we may be disconnected. These disconnections are part of a constriction that can result in Perceiving Danger Pain (PDP) or Too Much Stress (TMS) which are correlated to physical limitation, pain, and over taxing our nervous system. Whew, I know this is probably feeling like a lot! So let’s not overextend, but just let it simmer a bit. If you want to reread this again later, great. If you want to just set it down and not stress about the finer details, great. No worries. This is not a test. Just food for thought…

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We Are Making History, Everyday

I think we’d all agree, the Universe has been offering abundant learning opportunities for each of us! Astrologically, we are seeing historical events since the beginning of March and throughout the summer! Different people, different lessons, right? I think this design of differences is part of the infinite web of connection and support we are intrinsically part of.

A dear friend recently commented to me that despite my long term challenges over the time she’s known me, I don’t seem to get emotional. She’s right! I thought on that for a bit. Is that an indication of a closed heart, I thought. But then why would I cry while singing beautiful songs, when I see amazing performances, or the like? Well, this morning while in my morning pose with a hot beverage and cuddle-kitty on my lap; I received communication from a (different) dear friend and teacher that was so loving, so gracious – that I felt valued, really seen and respected, and I wept like a baby. Every time I think of it, I cry. There it is; my lesson. Learning to receive love, respect, and genuine kindness. I’m apparently unfamiliar with that ‘super power”. Living with unending hardship, I have adapted to.

This has reminded me of that phrase “There but for the Grace of God go I”, but from the perspective that we each have our challenge, our wounds, and fragility. And they will show up differently or perhaps be impossible to detect by an onlooker.

I appreciate the positive influence of folks who live with a more neutral perspective. I feel safe in their company, more willing to express myself, and more likely to feel understood. This experience has motivated me to notice aspects of my own conditioning that may be residing and acting out that might be described or experienced as critical, judgmental, resentful, or retaliatory. The time and culture I grew up in had no “racial inequality” because equality didn’t exist yet. Women were not seen as equals (still aren’t) and that’s just how it was! I’m grateful for the awareness and options available now, but/and I still find little pockets of old patterns I carry. It feels like having two languages. I know them both and have to choose which one is more accurately expressing me in this now moment.

We just received an accusation of racial discrimination at the store. The topic itself is disturbing to me, but the experience of being a party to it happening is beyond that. It would be “normal” to post a response of reassurance of our intention and offer a gift card if they give us another try, or something. But I just couldn’t go there. It doesn’t matter if I/we “did something wrong” or not. We, those of us walking around are carrying the choices of our ancestors. We’ve inherited them. Those choices then are part of how we got where we are now.

We ARE the perfect ones to own those consequences and do our best to bring healing now. So, no; not going to kick the can down the lane and claim a “faultless” role. And, we do have residue of old patterns in our sub-consciousness. That means things are present in our psyche that we may very well be unaware of. The clarifying question is what do we stand for? What can we contribute here, now, for the greater good? For all, not just ourselves. And I see that as one way of holding neutrality. Focusing on the bigger picture, the seven generations perspective.

Another piece to this is the part about carefully considering aspects, perspectives (ours and the other(s)), and choosing based on our wise inner guidance. As well as relinquishing any attachment or expectation for external approval. “Sweeping the temple steps” is a form of worship whether anyone sees you or not. Big one! And this is the road to living fully actualized and free.

The richness we experience together comes from the richness we share with one another.

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Time for more Grace…

It sounds almost cliche’ to say “time is speeding up” or recount with each other how life keeps shifting in newer and more challenging ways – it’s been ramping up for quite a while. But, it’s true. The recent lunar and then solar eclipse was like a “one-two punch’ of sorts. I found myself filled with energy and clarity and then totally spent needing a nap. I noticed a keener awareness of details or deeper levels of pattern and purpose than usual. I have felt less attached to aspects of “right” or “wrong” as if the extreme solar flare influences have taken a few layers off my normal filters somehow. I feel both closer to the surface and living at deeper levels of my own consciousness. And it hasn’t been easy or comfortable. I have been calling in “Grace”! For myself, for the other, and for the planet of life that will host future generations. It is time for massive amounts of Grace.

Many of us are familiar with an older book from Eckhart Tolle titled “A New Earth” where he talks about living here on Earth but in a different way. He also talks about how our shift in consciousness with ourselves, in relationship with each other and the planet – will bring a new earth frequency into being. I get so excited when I encounter this kind of thinking because it really calls the deepest part of myself forward. It’s as if I already know this is true and just haven’t heard it in a really long time. Anyway, I share this because I think it helps illustrate what I’ve been glimpsing.

As humans, wired to survive; we have an instinct that things should stay the same to support our survival. And experiencing some smaller and some larger shifts can understandably feel a bit threatening in a way. Now with Chiron lighting up our identity wounds we may also doubt our abilities and feel powerless in the face of big changes that we “don’t know how to” navigate. But ask yourself; who is speaking here? Isn’t it a past you, and not the current you? The past you was aligned for situations and energies of the past. But the current you has been experiencing so many upgrades energetically! Vibrational increased frequencies, downloads, and encounters with guides, teachers (this world and beyond), and perhaps even more. The current you is equipped in ways you haven’t seen before, and are completely aligned for the current times. Right? Does that resonate??

One of the challenges then is for our identity to be willing to shift into this larger capacity and we will acclimate, rather than judge it or refuse to claim an expanded identity. Nelson Mandela said “Our greatest fear is not that we may fail. Our greatest fear is that we may succeed and that we are very powerful.” That may be coming up from time to time right about now. And if we resist our own growth and fullest (now) potential, it can bring great unrest to our physical, emotional, and soul systems. Check that for yourself…

A teacher of mine using Family Systems work once reminded me; “Life is living us, not the other way around.” That puts such a different perspective on things! For me it takes some responsibility off my shoulders and also is humbling. It causes me to participate more as an observer which is the more neutral stance and then I become present for what is happening and better aligned for a centered response rather than a reaction. The truth is, I’m not in control. I don’t know what to do a lot of the time! And yes, that can feel very uncomfortable or even unsafe. But that’s when I can discover who I am NOW. If I’m willing to just take the next step, and be honest with myself that I don’t have “the” answer and may make a mistake – well then I’m on on steady ground. Turns out, that is enough for now.

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Trust your own and others’ journey.

There certainly seems to be many energies flying these days. SO much so that I notice I have been more conscious about grounding and taking brief pauses because I have a familiar feeling, like I’ve been at the carnival a bit too long and my head is spinning! Does that resonate for you? There are many aspects of life showing themselves more clearly than “normal”. At the same time, I notice more shifts too. It’s like the way the air feels or smells right before a storm. The sun is shining, there’s the daily routine and there’s something else but just out of sight.

Astrologically, there is what looks like a traffic jam of planets on a natal chart. Aries energy is active, quick, and can be too quick. And Mercury is in retrograde till 4/25 perhaps adding to the complexities in communications, business dealings, and machinery. Keep in mind that this “climate” doesn’t just apply to our outside world, but equally inside too.

We have Pluto in Aquarius – Pluto the planet of transformation through death and rebirth in the Aquarius the sign of innovation by way of non-conforming partnering up! A very good strategy might be surrender, faith, and lots of humor.

And also in the foreground is Chiron (personal identity) activating the North Node (wounded healer). We may be feeling aware or sensitive around aspects of our identity that are old issues. Old wounds wanting our attention to honor and soothe the pain. Note – This may be an opportunity to innovate somehow and gain the support of this cosmos climate!

We are in an accelerated transformation phase, high growth for those who are choosing to see issues, prolonged downtime, or high volume activity as a growth opportunity. And if not, then it may feel like changes but less satisfying. No judgement. This is not “one size fits all” and we each are in the perfect place at the perfect time. There seems to be a constant question or invitation to consider “What is my balance point in THIS situation, or in this moment” going on. And also “What new ways are there for me to find balance that I haven’t tapped into before?”.

My observations have influenced small but significant shifts in my responses to my world. Here are some to name a few:

  1. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
  2. Because I can do it, doesn’t mean I should do it.
  3. There are things I think would help another, but would they consider it help?
  4. I’m not responsible for everything! But I am responsible for my Self care.
  5. If I can’t decide/finish it/find the energy, then that is a good time to look at what my unmet needs are and address them; not try to push through.
  6. Because I feel alone in this “situation” doesn’t mean I am alone. I sometimes just need to ask for help.

What shifts have you been observing in your world?

What visions are you holding or calling into manifestation? Maybe you could share one with us?

In closing, I want to touch on the fact that we are in the Eclipse Portal; between the lunar eclipse on March 25th and the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8th. Whatever your perspective about that, it is a significant astrological event. This is an important time to listen to your inner voice/intuition/gut feelings about things. This is a good time to tune out the noise and excessive opinions that may find their way to you as you focus on your own sovereign authority. We are where we are – for a reason. Trust your own and others’ journey.

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Spring is Stirring!

In the Celtic Wheel of the year, Ostara marks the Vernal Equinox, when night and day are of equal length once more.This significant demonstration of balance as we begin the shift to longer, lighter days, and watch the flowers and leaves begin to bud; is renewal. This is a time of transition between Winter and Spring and we see lots of magical contradictions. Birdsong and storms, daffodils and mud, a new dress under a winter coat.

Lengthening days correspond to rising energy levels – in nature and in ourselves. This renewal also shows up in what we call Spring Cleaning, as we shed the heavy or accumulated aspects of winter in our home and in ourselves.Once again, we feel hope, promise and possibility!

It’s interesting to know that Ostara is traditionally associated with fertility, renewal, and rebirth. The Christian celebration of Easter has many connections with Ostara. Also, the hare, which is linked to the moon, rebirth, and immortality, is a traditional Celtic symbol for Spring, and is thought to be where the Easter Bunny comes from. And the egg – represents fertility, growth, and balance, all aspects of the Spring Equinox. Spring brings the energy of equilibrium.

How is the Spring energy showing up in your life and surroundings?
Do you have family traditions linked to this time of year or seasonal change?
What are some options available to you to consciously activate this energy in your life?

It’s a great time to bring Spring indoors.There’s nothing like bringing home a few of the first flowers of Spring! Daffodils or perhaps a branch trimmed from a fruit or other tree that is in bud. Put the branch or two and add them to a vase of water. Watch them transition day by day into full bloom! At my house Bella and I have been planting veggie starts and watching them sprout and grow so quickly. Our thoughts and planning of what to plant for food, where to plant it outside – has us reaching our sights well into our future. This practical example of hope is very powerful and should be exercised as often as possible. It is an affirmation of Life!

It’s so comforting and grounding to spend some time outside and notice the birds and animals stirring. There may be a bird’s nest right outside your window. the sunlight and floral scent in the air can quickly raise our vibration. This is part of living on planet Earth. There can be and are many challenges during times of transition in a human life. And here, mother Earth is always right beneath our feet and providing acts of love, beauty and wisdom to be witnessed and learned from. “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” What is this Spring energy teaching you about yourself?