Category: The Cauldron of Change & Rebirth

Navigating transitions, shadow work, letting go

Spring Equinox Wisdom & Oracle Reading!

Welcome to the season of Spring Equinox, also known as Ostara, derived from the Germanic Goddess Eostre, or Alban Eilir (Welsh for Light of the Earth) in Druidic tradition.

This is the season of new beginnings! It is also the astrological New Year, as on March 20th, the sun enters fire sign Aries. The energy helps us to access our inner courage, trust, raw energy and faith that pushes us out of our comforts zones to grow- internally and externally. The flame within us is gaining strength, urging us to take bold steps forward in our personal growth and towards manifesting our dreams- whether they be big or small, the dreams we begin to nourish now have the energy of the earth and cosmos behind them. We don’t need to have a full, complete idea of what we want, even just a feeling of ‘yes’ or ‘no’ sense within us we can follow to take us in the right direction. We can trust our instinct to follow what energizes and feels like a ‘yes’!

The first shoots of new life beneath the earth are drawn to the surface by the warmth of the sun, and push through to greet it! The shoot trusts their instincts and the warmth pulling it up. It carries the strength necessary to forge a path forward, breaking ground and eventually blossoming into who they are meant to be.

Likewise, we can reach for what draws us, warms us, and let it evolve us.

As we harness the emerging energy of spring, we will find it easier to make positive changes in our lives. Sometimes though, we may run up against challenges or obstacles, and get frustrated. But instead of forcing through, getting impatient, or giving up, we can take a moment to breathe, and come fully into the moment. There may be ways we haven’t noticed, options we were to narrow-minded to perceive. We must open up to all that is available to us. We may need to cultivate a bit more patience and give ourselves more time than we originally planned. Some dreams are meant to unfold over more time. Some dreams take a long term commitment. Aries season will teach us what is doable now and what will take time. We may not be able to act on everything yet. But the first steps can definitely be taken.

We’re meant to trust the desire within us to pull us forward, and just take it one step at a time, being open to learning through the process.

Is there an area of your life where you are being called to make a change, take a step forward or try something new? Go for it. There’s no such thing as mistakes, only learning. Let this time be your chance to experiment and follow your heart. Feelings of vulnerability or self-doubt can accompany this time, so honor your tenderness with love. Know that you are loved and protected by Spirit through this process. The Earth Mother each spring gives her all in her offerings, knowing not everything will blossom or be harvested. The important thing is making the effort and trusting that what is meant to grow, will!

We can think back to bulb planting season- the autumn, and think about what has been incubating deep below the surface, resting, gaining strength, nourishment and waiting in our lives since then. This may be something that comes up to grow and flourish this season. The winter season may have clarified what no longer serves us and what inspiration or spiritual beliefs carry us through hard times. We can build on that inspiration in spring.

The wonderful thing about the equinox is that light and dark are in balance. This helps us see situations with a balanced clarity and wholeness- both our inner and outer needs can be addressed with greater ease. It is a strong time for decision making as we can better focus our energy on what we really want and take the necessary steps to get there.

It is a great time for trying a new diet or exercise regimen, picking up a new hobby or craft, a new area of study, creating career and project goals or meeting new people!

Ways to celebrate the Spring Equinox season:

  • Plant some seeds and grow your own plants (indoors still likely if you’re in Canada)
  • Buy fresh flowers to decorate with
  • Begin to write a plan of action for your vision or goals, take the first step
  • Create something new that energizes, inspires or speaks to your inner child
  • Try anything new! Read a new book, start a new health regimen, buy new clothing or adornment, take a class, meet new people,etc.
  • Get out for a walk in nature
  • Spring cleaning of the home and hearth
  • Connect with your Power- spiritual power through meditation, connection with deity or spirit guides, the divine energy flowing through your body through mind-body practice.
  • Cultivate your relationship with your plant and animal & allies- read my blog post on this.

Animal Allies for support:

At this time of year, as a time of volatility and change, I like to enlist the help of spirit allies to help midwife us through the process. I especially like to focus on the animal allies, because they carry that instinctual wisdom that we can emulate to help us step forward in our lives.

Is there an animal that’s been showing up for you lately? Or one that you feel drawn to or a deep connection with?

You may want to cultivate this relationship. Learn about them. How do they navigate challenges and survive? What do they eat? How do they create family or socialize? What senses do they rely on? What is their energy like? Most importantly, what qualities do they awaken within you?

If you want tips on connecting with animal and plant allies, you can read my latest blog on that here.

Also, if you are interested in celebrating the spring equinox and connecting with an animal ally and you are in or around Toronto, come to my in-person spring equinox circle on March 27th!

Spring Equinox Oracle Reading:

Speaking of Animal Allies, I invite you to choose an oracle card from the Animal Elders Oracle by Asha Frost & Hawlii Pichette!

First, take 3 deep breaths, calm, ground and centre yourself. Then ask- ‘what animal energy would be helpful for me to connect with now?’ Choose your card below and scroll down for the description!

Animal Elders Oracle by Asha Frost & Hawlii Pichette

Remember that number, and scroll down for the description! Words are of the deck’s author, Asha Frost.

  1. Elder Heron- Practice Patience

Heron knows when to stick their long neck out and strike to hunt their food, and they know when to stand silently in the reeds. With an inherent trust in their knowing and heart, they follow their unique self-guidance, teaching us to do the same. You are asked to return to what you know to be true and release outside noise and opinions of those who surround you. Sometimes the path can seem like it moves at a slower pace, as you are asked to trust the flow of life and the inner stirrings of your soul.

Patience is indeed a virtue at this time, and you will soon see that listening to your wise inner voice brings immense joy and breathtaking beauty when you finally decide to spread your wings and soar. It’s a magnificent sight to see when Elder Heron finally takes flight with a fish caught in their beak- a journey that will be yours when you commit to patience and quiet listening.

Elder Heron Speaks: “Call on me when the world around you gets noisy and you are having a hard time discerning what is best for you. I am here to steady you and remind you that you can depend on yourself for wisdom and advice. It’s safe to slow down, trust, and be patient. Everything is unfolding at the perfect pace. When you are in doubt, I will return you to the truth that your heart always knows.”

2. Loon- Dive Deep

Elder Loon is here to compassionately guide you to see what is hidden beyond the light, at the bottom among the reeds, so you can bring healing to it. This Elder gently swims around you, inviting you to meet what is rising from the depths of your being. Is there a part of your child self that needs to be seen? Or perhaps there’s a belief that you have inherited that can now be handed back to your ancestors? Loon journeys with you to gently unearth anger, grief or other pain that is ready to flow out of your heart and body.

Elder Loon reminds you that balance in your mind, body and spirit is available when you tend to what is calling from the inside. This might take more introspection than you are used to, but with this Elder’s help, you can move the layers of what no longer serves you out to the land and waters. Your old stories and feelings are sacred, and Elder Loon promises to hold them as such as they rise out of your being, like bubbles to the surface of the water.

Elder Loon Speaks: “Call upon me when the opportunity to dive deep summons you. I am adept at underwater hunting and can stabilize all that is ready to surface. With my help, this process can feel effortless as long as you welcome my medicine. I am deeply attuned to keeping your sacred waters clear and purified, so receive my song into your heart so I may be your ally.”

3. Elder Beaver- Remain Focused

Elder Beaver reminds you that they will never take on more work than they can handle; they simply complete the work that is required of them. Only when they hear water draining from their territory do they shore up the leaks. In this way, they are beautiful teachers of energy conservation. Let go of everything that may be distracting you or pulling you away from the task at hand. It’s time to focus and gather the resources that will create a secure foundation.

There is no time to procrastinate, as all of creation is here now, supporting you and cheering you on. Elder Beaver swims effortlessly through the waters, reminding you to clear out what is no longer essential to your life. You are asked to bring all your focus to your plan, channel your energy into your big dream, and go for it. It’s time to step it up and do the work that needs to be done. When you follow through, with Elder Beaver’s help, you will be able to marvel at what you have built and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Elder Beaver Speaks: “Invite me into your life when you need inspiration to move forward on the project you are holding in your heart. During this time, you need to be impeccable with where you are directing your energy. I am here to assist your strong desire to fulfill your vision. Intention and focus are the medicine I bring, and I promise to remind you to conserve your energy for what matters. There are times when we can forget to enjoy what we have built, so before you gather more branches and mud, my presence will encourage you to revel in the beauty of your creation.”

4. Elder Muskrat- Believe in Yourself

Elder Muskrat glides through the waters into your space today to remind you to believe in yourself. Are you stalled in your progress toward completing a project? Or maybe you have a huge dream and feel like you don’t have what it takes to succeed. If outside opinions have lodged in your heart or the words of the world have taken down your confidence, Elder Muskrat offers a steady dose of fortitude to prop you up.

Muskrat rustles up the reeds and ushers in your ancestors who have been watching your medicine walk. They stand in a circle with this Elder all around you, offering ripples of assurance and conviction. Elder Muskrat helps you to journey back to your original instructions where your creation story told you who you are. Just like the Muskrat had unwavering faith that they could save the earth, you too can believe in your ability to do whatever you desire.

Elder Muskrat Speaks: “When your soul is weary and you feel like the world has pushed you down, call upon me to help you rise to the surface. I will help to buoy your self-esteem and shake off outside voices and opinions. You carry enormous strength in your heart, and when you forget, you can lean on me to remind you that you are not powerless. You are the hero of your own story. Hold yourself in the same regard as your ancestors. Believe.”

5. Elder Moose- Honor Your Lineage

This Elder is a proud and powerful symbol of endurance and resilience, reminding you that your ancestors moved through so much and the medicine of their strength resides in you. This is a time of honoring, reconnection, and activating past and present healing. Elder Moose brings the ancient wisdom of those who came before them and asks you to say a prayer, build an altar or set an intention with your ancestral guides.

The old ones surround you closely as Elder Moose reminds you of the importance of where you came from, the medicine of your ancestral lands that formed you. Ancestors who held certain mastery and heightened abilities step forward, and you are flooded with that same vibration and gifts. With Moose’s towering bulk at your side, you are safe to unlock the secrets of the past so you can reclaim your brilliant future. And all of the ancestral spirits rejoice.

Elder Moose Speaks: “When the old ones speak through your dreams and their ancient ways of knowing rise through your bones, know that I am walking by your side. As a lineage keeper of the forest, I remind you that the stories that live within your blood are good medicine. Call upon me when you want to acknowledge the pain of the past in order to bring healing and reconnection. You are a future ancestor, and we need your rich wisdom.”

6. Elder Fox- Step up and out

Elder Fox asks you to notice where you might be choosing to shrink or draw attention away from yourself. Have you been putting others on pedestals and missing the incredible purpose you carry in this world? Staying in the background and supporting others on their mission is admirable; however, at this time you are asked to turn your attention and capacity back to your divine path.

This Elder reminds you that you have more resources than you know, and there will be opportunities coming your way to share them with the world. Get stealthy, like the Fox. Hold your head up high, and be on alert for invitations to shine your light. It’s time for the attention to be on you. Step out of your safe hiding spot and know that you carry deep intelligence and knowing. All you need to do is to take the next step and be seen; it’s your time.

Elder Fox Speaks: “I know that it can feel safer to stay behind the scenes and be protected by the shadows, but I’m here to tell you that the people who need your gifts are waiting. Call upon me when you need that push to step onto the stage of life and take up space in a more visible way. Grab onto my bushy tail when you feel like you aren’t enough, and let me lead you into the sunshine. Let those you’ve placed on pedestals be your mirrors, and rise to meet them.”

7. Elder Hummingbird- Remember the Magic

Elder Hummingbird calls you back into the magic of your child self when you held awe and wonder. Do you remember wishing on a star? How about the joy of blowing on a dandelion puff? The innocence of your child heart is asking to be remembered. You are invited to see how even though you’ve journeyed through the ups and downs of life, the spark of magic remains a part of you. Gifts and blessings are here to touch your life, and this Elder asks you to expand your capacity to receive them.

The fluttering of the Hummingbird’s wings is a miraculous sight to see, and with this delicate bird at your side, this same quick vibration is offered to you. Look for the magic all around, see the beauty that Mother Earth offers you, and open your heart to receive. The nectar is here to feed you, and the blessings of your life are about to bloom in a riot of kaleidoscopic color.

Elder Hummingbird Speaks: “Invoke my spirit when you have forgotten the magic of life, for I can fly in all directions and gather it from the past, present, and future. I flutter before you and expand your heart to remind you of your inherent worthiness to receive sweetness. I carry an incredible quality to remember the flowers that have nourished me, and I bring this memory medicine to you. I shall help you to recall the sparkle in your eyes and the hope in your spirit that you once held. Magic abounds.”

8. Elder Blue Jay- Speak Up

Blue Jay has a very distinctive call that echoes through the trees. It’s a call that commands attention and invites us to listen. A powerful mimic, this brilliant bird can even imitate a human’s voice. This Elder’s precise call reminds you that even if people might not be ready to hear your truth, your words are here to initiate change. There is medicine in speaking your truth and not swallowing what you know to be true simply to keep the peace.

The path of truth invites you to root fully in your integrity. It’s not always the easiest or most comfortable choice, but Elder Blue Jay can help you to dig deep and say what you mean, not just what you think others want to hear. When you share the wisdom that has been vibrating in your heart and soul, the whole world benefits. Trust the words that are waiting to be expressed, for they are blessings for all of creation.

Elder Blue Jay Speaks: “I carry powerful vocal medicine and offer it to you. Invoke me when you need assistance in bringing the words of your belly and heart to your lips and tongue. People may turn away from your truth, but your words will land for them when they are ready. My bright blue feathers activate your throat, opening the portal for your bold expression. Call upon me when you want to get your point across clearly. Once you know in your heart that you must speak, there is no going back.”

Did your card resonate? I hope it did!

Wishing you blessings of courage, self-love, passion, growth and new beginnings for this fiery season of Aries and Spring Equinox!

xo

Serena

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Winter Solstice Wisdom & Oracle Reading!

As we come into a New Moon on Dec 19th and the Winter Solstice on December 21st, we have arrived to the tender threshold of an end and the beginning of both the lunar and solar cycle.

We may be arriving bone-tired, processing grief and old wounds, but we have arrived. Perhaps we’re feeling reflective, inspired, hopeful, optimistic or perhaps a bit anxious or uncertain. Or all of this and more. We are held in the dark womb of rebirth now, as we await the return of the light of Solstice and its slow increase over the months to come.

Even if the months to come are colder, here in the northern hemisphere, the light’s return offers us new clarity, hope and healing to pave the way for new adventures and manifestations that begin in the spring.

Winter may seem ‘barren’, yet I don’t believe this is true. This dark womb season is teeming with potential- energy in waiting. Possibilities. Dreams. Old stories being composted into new adventures. An old self evolving into a new one. Some dreams will be ripe for manifesting this year, and others not quite yet. There is new life incubating beneath the surface- we just can’t see it. There is still much mystery, asking us to trust in the invisible, the life fruiting behind the scenes.

The darkness is what makes the light known and seen. When we struggle, it becomes most clear what really matters, what holds us up through hard times, and what is worth building upon.

The light represents our inner spark- that which holds meaning, what keeps us going through the dark months ahead. This often comes in the form of inspiration, our faith, and anything which warms our heart- simple creature comforts, to spending time with loved ones, pets, nature or a dream of a more equitable society.

The quiet and inward energy of the Winter season clarifies things for us- it brings into focus what warms us when we’re cold, what lights us up when we’re down, and what rises up into focus when we’re less distracted. If we actually let ourselves slow down enough to notice, we glean wisdom and self-knowledge necessary to build more fulfilling lives and set more authentic goals.

Winter Solstice initiates Capricorn season. This ambitious and pragmatic earth sign holds much wisdom for us to glean beyond its what our capitalist society often points out about it- it’s much more than money and business. Capricorn is the wise elder archetype. They knows what holds meaning, how to care for our elders- the elder within and elders in our lives. They understand the importance of being a good ancestor and creating a legacy- in whatever form that takes. They teach us how to pull up our spiritual strength from within and not only survive but thrive during the winter seasons of our lives. Capricorn shows us the importance of history and how to patiently weave a tapestry of experience that serves not only us but those who come after.

Capricorn season also teaches us that our goals must align with who we truly are, rather than who we think we should be. A healthy dose of realism is helpful during this season, as we may need to take baby steps towards our dreams, and tend the foundations before setting forth on a high energy-consuming path. Our goals for the next few weeks may need to involve more self-care, gentleness, slowness and presence than we see in our visions of the future. The reality is often a bit slower than our vision would like.

With each passing day this season as we head towards Imbolc in early February, we get a bit more light, a bit more clarity on the path we are on and where we’d like to go. Despite cultural pressures to begin brand new regimens and attain rigid goals starting in January, we don’t need to rush or have it all figured out yet. This is not the way of nature.

Nature asks us to take our time digesting, reflecting, grounding into the present moment. New visions will dawn on us. New desires will stir. A pathway forward will become clear. But this must happen on its own. Nature trusts this process and asks that we do too. We will sprout and grow again, in new ways and in perfectly orchestrated divine natural timing.

Some simple ways of honoring this time are:

  • Deciding to get a bit more rest- go to bed early or sleep in or just sit down and relax intentionally without distraction in your day
  • Meditate
  • Go for a walk in nature
  • Listen to calming music
  • Journaling or reflection
  • Light a candle and say a prayer for yourself, others, and welcome the Sun and the light’s rebirth
  • Intuitive movement, drawing or art
  • Yoga or breathwork
  • Oracle card/Tarot reading

An Cailleach & Oracle Reading:

The Celtic Goddess An Cailleach is the ancient giantess ruling over the cold and dark season. Her name means ‘Veiled one’ emphasizing the mysterious aspect of the season. An Cailleach is the One Who Shapes the Land, tends animals, creates winter storms and bestows sovereignty on Kings. She is mysterious, powerful, wise and commands respect. She teaches us to open to the mystery, to access our inner strength, respect the land’s wisdom and open to new dimensions within and without.

For the Winter Solstice Oracle Reading, I always favor this deck by Jane Brideson- Wisdom of the Cailleach. The imagery is so beautiful and powerful. May you be guided by its wisdom as well as your own as you navigate this magickal season!

Now, take 3 deep relaxing breaths. Once you’re calm take a look at the cards below and ask ‘what do I need to know for this Solstice Season?’ And choose a card. Scroll down for the description. Words in italics are by me and the rest are by the author.

Wisdom of the Cailleach Oracle by Jane Brideson

Remember that number and scroll down to find it’s meaning!

  1. Change- Transformation, Rebirth, Restoration

Change, rebirth, evolution. Chance, coincidence, a surprise or unexpected event. An opportunity to begin afresh. A realization or insight that reshapes your life.

Are you ready for a shift? Change is in the air. Be open and flexible. This year, 2026, is also a Wheel of Fortune year, emphasizing change. If things have been heavy, things will now lighten up. If things have felt slow, they may speed up. If you’ve been struggling, you’ll soon find ease. This is a great time to experiment, try something new, even something very small, like visiting a new neighborhood, town or taking a new class or reading about a subject that interests you. Be open to new ideas, possibilities and allow yourself to explore new territory. The hare is intuitive, instinctive, fertile and connected to the moon. Life moves in cycles- it’s time to let go of the past. Rebirth is imminent. Let your intuition lead the way and leap into the unknown!

2. First Shoots- Birth, beginnings, growth.

An awakening to new possibilities, a new start. Birth and growth of new ideas. An opportunity to learn new skills or put new ideas into practice. Time to emerge and take the first step.

This time is calling you trust what you feel stirring and emerging deep within. There is new life waiting for the right moment to burst through and show themselves in the light! This card holds a bit more of an Imbolc or even Spring energy to it, so for you, there is likely to be an early sense of renewal and growth this season. Something you’ve been working on behind the scenes may begin to show promise. You may feel new ideas stirring and calling to be expressed in a vision board, or plan for the near future. You may notice your energy increasing as the season goes on and new opportunities begin to show up. If you have creative aspirations or something you’ve been wanting to try or start working on, give it a go! This is a time to begin those baby steps forward, and trust the energy for it will be there.

3. Rest- Recuperation, patience, retirement.

Rest and refreshment. Withdraw from a situation, patience and restraint is needed so reserve your judgement. Resignation or retirement from work. A time to recover health and stability.

This card holds the traditional wisdom of wintertime, as it calls for you to slow down and allow some stillness, rest and recuperation. You’ve been working hard, perhaps struggling, fighting or pushing out too much energy, and now you can put down your sword, your responsibilities, your load, and just rest. What comforts you? Where can you make some space in your schedule to do less? Do you have supportive relaxation and sleep rituals that help you slow down and get a good night’s rest? This is the time to nourish your body, mind and soul by letting go and relaxing in the Great Mother’s dark womb to be renewed. Enjoy some alone time, and curl up in comfort. Take time off work for a solo retreat if needed. You’ll feel refreshed and ready for new activities once you’ve recuperated. Enjoy!

4. Moon- Intuition, dreams, illusion

Imagination, inner vision, creativity. Recognition of your body’s cycle and energy levels. Heightened awareness, insight and understanding. A time to use your intuition and follow your dreams.

There is magick in the air here! What a wonderful time to start tapping into your intuition more and taking more time to journal your insights! Do you record your nighttime dreams? This may be a good idea in order to gain wisdom that will help you navigate this season. Do you have any creative hobbies that nourish your soul and express your spirit? How often do you gaze out at the moon? Take some time to be outside this season and let the moonlight bathe you in each of her phases. Notice how each phase affects your mood and your energy levels. We are cyclical beings and flow with the tides. Understanding this flow allows us to accept change and flow with it rather than holding rigid to unnatural structures or ideals. Practice tapping into your cyclical, intuitive wisdom as it arises rather than logic or doing things out of habit and notice what changes.

5 . Sovereignty

I am

Mighty stag, doe in fawn.

fierce guardian of the herd.

I am

your pathway to wild places, your solace, grief and savage spirit.

My worn hands and soothing song

shall lead you over sacred hills, through thickets of uncoiling ferns

By twisted track to find hearts’ ease

Deep in the valley of my embrace.

The Cailleach is a sovereignty goddess which means she is essentially the spirit of the land itself. In Celtic traditions it was necessary for prospective kings to be approved of. In a ritual- often with a female representative of the sovereignty goddess, through marriage or sexual union she bestowed him with kingship. Respect for the land (and feminine energy) was necessary for a king to be worthy of his throne. Sovereignty can also speak to owning your own self and space sacred, and respecting your needs and boundaries. How can you bring sovereignty into your life now? Do you feel connected to the land you walk on? How is the relationship between you and the land? Your relationship with yourself? Love, respect and protection are energies to explore here. You may wish to spend more time outdoors, connecting with nature, and/or respect your own needs and boundaries more.

6. Possibilities- Trust, hope, potential

Hopes, dreams and plans for the future. Trust that all will be well in this moment. An opportunity to explore your potential. Time of optimism and freedom.

How often do you gaze up at the sky in awe? This card helps us connect to our inner child and the part of us that still wants to wish upon a star. Keeping a sense of awe and wonder are key as we get older and think we have things figured out. There is always more to learn, and the great mystery never ceases to surprise us, if we are open and curious. What kinds of possibilities do you see for yourself in the future? Can you expand them a little more? What if the future is even brighter than you imagined? Hold a positive vision for yourself and your future. There is so much shifting in the world right now that things that weren’t possible before could be now. Dream, vision, stargaze and believe in the beauty you see and wish to create.

Did your card resonate? I hope it did. May this Winter Solstice season bring you so many gifts of rest, warmth, hope and renewal and we rebirth the light and open to new paths forward in 2026!

Blessings,

Serena

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When the Cauldron Feels Empty-The Sacred Void

As the darkness increases and the cold sets in, we can experience a challenging time emotionally and mentally, here in the northern hemisphere. Late Autumn and the Scorpio season brings themes of death, transformation and rebirth, as well as deep diving into the locked closets of our emotions, lineages and past life memories. We may find ourselves in the sacred void of the unknown, a place of release and cleansing, and a liminal emptiness that calls for pause, rest and recalibration before the new light of Solstice comes.

This year is particularly emo, with tons of planets in water signs, and in retrograde, bringing the past right up in our faces- to tie up loose ends, close old chapters, clear away baggage and anything that we’re holding onto that doesn’t belong in the new cycle being birthed in 2026.

We all seem to be going through our own rebirthing process, myself included. It reminds me a lot of the labor of childbirth. Waves of change flowing through me as old skins and inherited patterns release and something new slowly gets closer to being born within. My nervous system and body have been undergoing deep healing as I clear old patterns and trauma from my current and past lives as well as lineage wounds. It has been laborious and not fun to say the least, but I know it is helping me get where I need and want to be in the future. I am already amazed at how much lighter and freer I feel after releasing a lot of stuff over the past few months.

I want more for myself. I want my authentic self fully back home within so I can share more with the world. I am freeing myself of the weight of others’ expectations that I’ve been carrying my whole life. I am breaking unspoken rules and releasing absorbed projections that have taken up a lot of internal space, keeping me small. These have been streaming out of me- through my dreams, my emotional and physical body. Thankfully, I have the support of healers in both human and spirit form and the Earth with me on this journey.

Some days in this liminal transition time, I feel unmotivated and empty. When I was thinking of what I wanted to write for this post, all that came to mind was ‘my cauldron is empty’.

I felt like I didn’t have anything to share. No inspiration or helpful information I thought people would want to hear. Because, I have been in liminal space, a bit of a personal void. Yet there is nothing empty about the void. It’s actually quite fertile and filled with gratitude, grace, magic and mystery. It has transformed me in powerful ways and continues to. I’ve become impressed and fond of it. Surely there must be something I can say about this void or emptiness that could be helpful? I’ll give it my best.

Finding our Way through the Dark

We may find ourselves in the void in many instances in our lives when things are in transition. Between one chapter and another. During times of loss, illness, healing, separation, death, as well as birth, marriage, moving house, starting a new job, lifestyle or embracing a new identity. It can also be in a seasonal change.

We recently unexpectedly got a heavy dumping of snow here in Toronto, before all the leaves had changed and dropped. Temps dropped to winter levels. It felt like the vitality of the earth had just suddenly gone before I got to say goodbye. It triggered a heaviness in my heart- a reminder of the times circumstances or people slipped away in my life unexpectedly, and I never got to say goodbye or grieve properly.

We also recently changed the clocks back to standard time- much better for our circadian rhythms, but it takes some getting used to. All of a sudden the night goes on forever and the daytime, if it’s overcast or rainy, just feels like more darkness. This combo of darkness, dampness, and saying goodbye to the growth season made me feel particularly low and old wounds came to the surface to be felt and healed. Our environment can affect us on deep levels.

The seasons always mirror a part of our life- fall reminds us of what is on its way out, what is dying, or ending its cycle. We may feel more emotional or on edge as we clutch to nostalgia, ride waves of grief or fear the unknown. We know an emptiness awaits us, and we may fear that emptiness.

Yet, in order for new life to bloom, a period of slowness, rest and incubation is necessary.

 Emptiness is simply potential- it holds all the fertility and possibility in the universe.

It awaits our spark of energy to ignite it and set in motion a whole new path of possibility. But there is a time to simply wait, to allow it to be- so our energy can build itself up before the new spark can come into existence.

Life requires a time of rest, integration, recalibration and renewal. We sleep 1/3 of our lives for this reason. We don’t function well without this sacred surrender to the void. The surrender to rest allows us to awaken with new energy the next day.

Having experienced a lot of insomnia over the last year, I was reminded just how precious sleep is. I saw a sleep therapist for a few months which really helped me get back on track. One thing I learned was how important it was for me to re-learn how to surrender and trust my body’s natural capabilities and the Great Mystery itself. Practicing surrender and trust helped me perhaps more than any sleep remedies.

Part of the issue for me was that surrender felt like pain and powerlessness, which stemmed from old traumas, some of which involved my body being in physical pain or emotional suffering. I’ve relived so much of my past over the last year- my moments of powerlessness since birth or even before.

My faith was tested this year, as I grappled with my past and self-doubt and was pushed to strengthen my faith in Spirit and learn the art of surrender, while discerning it from powerlessness.

My attempts to escape my fears and old pain never worked, and my attempts to control the healing process (which is also a type of escape) backfired and made me feel worse. I spent a lot of time with trees and water and listening to the voice of the earth, my body and my intuition to help me stay afloat. The more I practiced this, the more it proved to be helpful and the more I was able to embody my faith and trust the process.

I know I am part of nature and move with its rhythms and its organic, non-linear ways. The more I trusted the messy, non-linear process in my body and psyche, the easier it became to sleep, and to release my past pain, and feel better than I ever have in many ways. I now sleep well again and have more freedom and lightness in my body, and a growing inner sovereignty than I can remember ever having.

Surrender to the divine and practicing faith offers us the power we need when we’re faced with the uncertainty life brings. I also cultivated a strong daily gratitude practice which expanded my faith.  

How do you deal with uncertainty and the unknown? Do you grip onto controlling smaller things in your life, like diet, your body, environment, or do you escape or numb out? How does your spiritual practice support you?

Creative Droughts and Spaces Between

Sometimes, when the cauldron feels empty, it is more on a creative level, where we’re between projects, or something we put a lot of energy into has ended and we have yet to conceive a new plan, idea or pathway forward.

As creative beings, it can sometimes be hard to admit it when we feel empty, uninspired, unmotivated, tired, or just like we’re in the void and have no clue what we’re doing or what’s next. It feels like we aren’t moving, and that can be scary in a culture that moves too fast and expects us to always be doing and producing.

But being in a phase of nothingness is totally normal and ok!  We are nature and nature moves in cycles. Slowing down is often what we need to do when there is a lot to process and integrate during times of transition. Some stages last longer than others. Sometimes they don’t go in a predictable way. But each stage serves a purpose and happens in Divine timing.

Patience and divine timing is something I’ve really had to learn to trust over the years. I like to feel in control, so life has brought me many lessons in surrender and letting go. I’ve learned to embrace the void, as a sacred cauldron of rebirth. A beautiful space of pure potential and possibility. This space only asks us to wait, and to let ourselves dream.  

But the void can feel scary. Especially in a culture that raises us to feel that rest, slowness, darkness, transition or stillness are dangerous, and the unknown is akin to death. But death always leads to rebirth. Energy is continuously in a flow of changing form, it doesn’t end.

The dark womb is where life begins. It is where we can allow new dreams to take shape.

Do you give yourself space and time to simply wonder and dream? Do you let yourself simply wander and be in a space of not-knowing and enjoy it? If not, what if you did?

Embracing Sacred Pause, Silence and Honing our Intuition

We live in a very logical and visual culture, so it can be helpful to become more well-rounded by honing our other skills, especially non-linear and intuitive ways of processing and being.

We need to balance ourselves by learning to feel our emotions- no matter how painful or messy they are. We need to practice trusting our intuition- that calm, quiet inner knowing we feel when we embrace the mystery that lies within the present moment.

Pause and darkness are what allow us to become more present and hear these parts of us.

When it is dark outside, we need to rely on our senses other than sight to get around. We need to feel what’s in our heart and our gut, feel the moment with our feet and hands, smell the air, sharpen our hearing. Attune to what we sense, rather than what we think or what is visible on the surface.

Silence can feel scary because it allows us to hear the voices of our buried truths and dreams that we’d maybe rather not see or hear, for fear that they may take us off into the unknown wilderness. But these voices carry the gifts of the new life awaiting us beyond the void.

We can plant seeds in this season for next year- But how can we know what to plant if we don’t slow down and listen to the new life that’s calling us?

When we pause, turn off our phones, noise and take a moment to simply be- what arises?

What if we embrace the darkness, the silence and simply light a candle? Take a moment to check in with ourselves to hear the whispers from deep within?

What if instead of trying to figure out our next step logically or force a plan, we simply tuned into this moment and allowed our instincts or intuition guide us forward?

Emptiness brings the Magic

Energy and inspiration need to have space to enter. Often when life seems to be slowing us down, or forcing a pause, it is because we need to receive something, but have been too busy to let it in.

Magic requires receptivity- our open hands, arms, and heart. When we fill every moment with action, noise or distraction, we cannot receive the new idea, spark, inspiration or energy we really want.

Sometimes our manifestations get blocked because on some level we don’t believe we deserve it, or that we don’t have what it takes to get it, or maybe we’re simply holding onto something else that is taking up too much space for it to come in.

So, when it comes to creating something new, we can start by clearing and making that space, then letting ourselves be empty and open to receive.

What is something you wish to have in your life? Is there space for that right now? Is there perhaps a belief or attachment to something else taking up that space in yourself or life? Are you open to creating space and letting yourself receive the new energy and inspiration that awaits?

In the cyclic flow of life, we cannot skip steps. In order to create, to renew and birth new life, we must embrace the stage of emptiness- which is actually full of potential. Perhaps the darkness is actually the most fertile phase of all. The more we practice simply being in it- in surrender, patience and trust, the more magic will be able to come through and ignite all we wish to manifest in the future.

I am here in the dark womb cauldron with you- may we embrace this sacred pause and open to the magic being formed- unseen yet full of new life!

If you’d like to feel the warmth and love that exists in the void, I recommend this beautiful music for meditation and relaxation called ‘Within the Void’ by Mei-Lan and Ali Pervez Mehdi.

Blessed New Moon in Scorpio and the depths of Samhain season!

xo

Serena

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Samhain Wisdom & Oracle Reading!

We are now in the depths of the Great Cauldron of change and transformation. The Dark Goddess reigns this time of year, known in Her many forms as Cerridwen, An Cailleach, Hecate, The Morrigan, Lilith, Kali, Sekhmet, Nepthys, Baba Yaga, Persephone, Nyx, Hel, and more.

Samhain is rooted in Ireland and Scotland (also celebrated in Wales as Calan Gaeaf), which signifies the beginning of November, the last harvest, and the beginning of winter. It is also hunting season, and often called the third (and last) harvest festival. The first is Lammas, for the harvesting of grain, the second is Fall Equinox, for the harvesting of fruits, and the third is Samhain, for the sacrifice of animal life to sustain human life. This brings into focus the death-rebirth theme prominent of this season, and coming to terms with our physical mortality as well as the cyclical nature of life.

It is often said the veil between the worlds is thin at this time, and thus a tradition of dressing in costumes and carving Jack-o-lanterns was used to scare off malevolent spirits that may come through to visit our world. Traditions of feeding or honoring the dead with a special silent supper (‘dumb supper’) were also common. Many continue these traditions today throughout several cultures. It is historically and currently a time to honor our ancestors and beloved dead.

Samhain is a time where we can honor the deceased in many ways. Perhaps by cooking a meal they would have made or enjoyed, and setting them a plate at the table. Or, making an altar with photos and offerings, wearing an item that belonged to them, or doing something in their honor. Even just writing them a little letter or speaking to their spirit in a prayer can be a powerful way to connect.

It is also a time of recognizing transformation happening within ourselves and our lives. Often, this time shows us what is no longer serving us and must pass from our lives. It could be a habitual way of thinking or talking to ourselves, an old identity that no longer fits, inherited patterns and wounding from our family and lineage, and anything that we know deep down we just can’t carry forward with us into the future. It is a wonderful time for lineage healing and working through any generational wounds, such as the ‘Witch Wound’. (Join my upcoming Samhain Circle on this topic!).

The Samhain cauldron of transformation can be an emotional time of transition. We may experience intense grief, love, desire, sadness, anger, or joy to a greater intensity than usual. The increased darkness of the sky can increase our instinct to draw inward, slow down and bring in the comfort food and blankets. It can also increase anxiety around the unknown.

It can be helpful as we flow through the dark time of year to warm our spirits with light, candles, indoor plants, nourishing comfort food, warm drinks, music and people we enjoy being around. This is an important phase in the cycle of life- one that our culture does not allow much experience of. To sit with the reality of death, not just of our physical body, but of aspects of ourselves, and to allow ourselves to feel all the emotions, including the emptiness- is considered quite taboo in this culture. To unplug from our phones, the noise, and allow some silence in can feel overwhelming to some. If so, just keep it simple. Give yourself a small window of time before it gets dark to have some silence. Or, surround yourself with candles and comfort as you take a little quiet time to doodle or listen to music or have a warm bath.

Our spirit guides and ancestors are quite close to us at this time. They often have a message for us and much love to share. How can we receive these if we are constantly busy and plugged into media? Can we allow more space and slowness in order to feel into our depths and hear the whisperings of our guides? They are helping us to heal and renew during this phase, and there is so much fertility in our depths- new creative seeds waiting to be found and planted like bulbs to grow anew in the spring. This is also known as the Witches’ New Year, where we let go of this cycle and begin preparing our inner soil and planting new seeds that must incubate beneath the surface until spring.

So, honor yourself at this time with gentleness, love, comfort and allow for some slowness and quiet to reveal the stirrings of your heart that will take you into the new cycle. This doesn’t all have to be done right now- Samhain, like each of the seasons on the Wheel of the Year- lasts around 6 weeks. Savor it and take your time letting the darkness reveal the treasures within!

Samhain Oracle Reading:

What does this season have in store for you? Take 3 deep relaxing breaths to get centered. Then ask your guides- ‘what do I need to know now?’ and choose a card below. Then, scroll down to find that number and read the description.

I am using the Seasons of the Witch Samhain Oracle by Lorraine Anderson, Juliet Diaz and Giada Rose. Words are by the deck’s author.

Remember that number and scroll down for the description!

  1. Graveyard: Peace, Acknowledgement. There is a song that bellows in the peace of knowing no end, in acknowledging the crossroads of eternity.

Many see a graveyard as a symbol for mortality. It collects the tears of mourners whose loved ones have been laid to rest. Its stillness is an ominous song that creeps up the spine, leaving us to ponder who Death will come for next. But a graveyard is a place of serenity where souls can find peace and stillness beyond the harsh realities of living. There is no longer the need to struggle against what is. It is a place of surrender.

There are those who fear the graveyard for it has long been the home of wandering spirits who cannot find peace. Those who have not transitioned to eternity, forced to live a half life; neither dead nor alive. Souls who are faced with taking responsibility for a life not lived to the full, focused on things that didn’t matter and holding onto resentment.

The Graveyard card will help you find peace with where you are. There are times when we will be faced with difficult situations that are beyond your control. Those are the times that we must surrender to our current place. There’s no use in fighting a battle you’ve already lost. Take control over the one thing you can change- yourself. The situation you’re inquiring about is no longer in your hands. The powers that be have taken over. Often, we are faced with a challenging ending that is necessary to facilitate a bright new beginning.

2. Elders: Compassion, Wisdom. Birthed from seed within the belly of the moon, they are the wise felt touches over our hearts and felt deep within the marrow of our spirit.

Elders are wise. They are the ones who’ve lives and experienced more ups and downs, twists and turns than the rest of us. Elders were the storytellers and keepers of knowledge, they were the ones we sought when in turmoil and who would hold us as we wept for the unfairness life can bring. They had compassion for us but also gave sage advice drawn from their decades of experience.

Today many elders are seen as a burden instead of cherished loved ones who deserve the right to be supported and cared for in their old age. Many elders have not been given the space to share the wise words of their traditions because our modern world moves too fast for their slow wisdom. Yet, there are those among us, particularly witches, who still see the wisdom in their old ways.

If you hold the Elders card, it is to remind you to have compassion for others and to never disregard someone else’s wisdom or experience. A Zen saying tells us, ‘You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day unless you’re too busy. Then you should sit for an hour.’. This knowledge can be applied to wisdom as well. Often the thing you need most when life is moving too fast is to slow down to see what you’ve been missing or, in this case, who you’ve been missing.

This card is a call to meet with your elders to see if they have wisdom to share about your ancestors that can help you on your path.

3. Rooted: Grounded, connection. May you never tear the living ritual that is magic merged within the roots of your being, the soil of your soul.

We are often told to start building with intuition, which is undoubtedly true; never underestimate the power of working with spirit. You need to learn to ground the spiritual information into your physical life. To be flighty is to connect to spirit but to be rooted is to become a channel for spirit. You become a vessel that allows the divine intelligence to spread its wisdom here on Earth. A more familiar word is manifestation. Being grounded is about being present and aware of how things make you feel. You have to feel into your body.

You are being asked to dig in deeper. Maintaining deep roots is how to pull yourself from the darkness. It’s easy to get grounded or to do your spiritual practice when things are going well. It’s an entirely different ball game when you feel defeated and broken, but the darkest parts of your journey are when you need to be rooted most. The real gift of spiritual commitment is found when you feel like your back is against a wall.

Don’t give up when times are hard. Instead find nourishment below the surface. Find your connection to your true self, your ancestors, your guides, your trust and your instincts. Your situation is not hard so that you can give up; it is a call to surrender to your practice.

4. Broom: Clearing, purifying, home. What dreams may come from what you seek; make room, make way! A clearing need be.

A broom or besom can be found in any home for sweeping dust and dirt. However, a broom to a witch is more than a simple household tool. It holds a special significance and sweeps more than dust and dirt away.

Brooms are often used to sweep away to Native Americans burning white sage. It sweeps away the physical and invisible energies that have crept in from the outside world. This clearing of energy contributes to a witch’s wellbeing. Clearing out the old and dusty, a witch makes space for the new. Sweeping out negative energy, a witch raises her vibration and therefore her strength.

When the Broom sweeps into your life you are being called to do some cleaning. Some things surrounding your current situation have been neglected. You need to clear out this dust of the past. This card can also mean clearing your aura. As healers, we tend to hold on to the energy of others for much longer than we need. It’s important to do regular purification rituals to keep your aura nice and tidy. The more you clear out the old, the more you make room for new energies to come into your life. Removing things both physical or metaphorical from your life, such as momentos from past relationships or giving away things that remind you of old situations, helps with that process of clearing.

5. Crystals and Herbs: Earth’s Medicine, healing. Oh what medicine, what sacredness to behold. A dash of healing straight from Mother’s home.

This card is an allegory for the profound healing that comes from working with Earth’s medicine. Sometimes you have to come back to the basics- Earth energy. This means touching the Earth and her offerings, getting to know your crystals, herbs, essential oils and the ground you walk on, forest bathing, or sleeping under the stars, finding a quiet stream or meadow and speaking to your surroundings, talking to plants or growing new ones. Invite Earth healing into your life in whatever way feels right to you as the Earth is always here for you, but like your guides, Mother Nature needs an invitation.

Pulling Crystals and Herbs is an invitation to find a deeper connection with Earth energy. Mother Earth is calling you home, and that healing can be found within nature’s language. The Earth element represents grounding, connection, stability and strength. Nature nourishes and supports you and all things on this planet. Behold the sacredness that is Earth magic. You will feel more replenished as you develop your connection.

This message is amplified if you’ve been feeling burned out- if you are sleeping but not rested, full but not hungry or active but not energized. This card holds even deeper meaning for you as it signals you’ve lost touch with the anchoring of working with Earth energy. This message is even more significant if you have pulled the Rooted card or feel called to read it.

Did your card resonate? I hope it did! I hope you uncover gems of richness and renewal and we flow through this time of change, death and rebirth.

If you would like to celebrate Samhain with me, and are in or near Toronto, ON, please join me on Friday, November 7th for Samhain Circle: Healing the Witch Wound! We will discuss the Witch Wound, go on a guided meditation journey for healing and reclaiming our power, and create little cauldron pouches filled with crystals and herbs to help us on our journey.

Samhain Circle: Healing the Witch Wound

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Spring Equinox Wisdom & Oracle Reading!

Spring Equinox Blessings!

What a powerful season of change we are in right now. Not only is Spring Equinox the astrological new year, but we are also amidst an eclipse season and Mercury and Venus retrograde. The Sun moves into fiery, trailblazing Aries and there are some larger planetary shifts from Pisces into Aries coming soon, too. Talk about endings and beginnings! Big and small cycles moving through here.

March of this year is just a lot, energetically. So if you’re really feeling it right now, you’re not alone. We are shedding an old skin as a new one emerges from underneath and this process can have us feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed. We may feel alot of mixed feelings as the past, present and future all meet up together to create a new brew in our inner cauldron.

Things get clearer as April moves in and by May we can really feel like we’re flowing forward again. We are in this retrograde energy to integrate all we’ve been going through these last 6 months and much further back too. There are some bigger cycles closing here, so there may be many past memories, emotions and experiences bubbling up to the surface now to be integrated, moved through and released.

We are shedding so much, like the Snake. Old outworn programming, social conditioning, burdens we no longer need to carry. It’s a process we need to be patient with, which can be hard in Aries season. But we are moving forward, even if it doesn’t feel like it sometimes.

The planetary energies are really reflecting that spring dynamic of two steps forward, one step back. One day you are wearing your light spring coat and rain boots, then the next day it’s back to the parka and winter boots. It’s sunny, then it snows, then it rains. You’re not sure whether to ditch the sweaters just yet, but you really want to. It seems we can never really dress right for the weather. That’s kind of the vibe of this eclipse and retrograde season. It can be confusing, frustrating, exhausting, exciting and overwhelming.

All this push-pull, back and forth energy is like labour contractions- it is a necessary process leading to our imminent rebirth. We must trust that all this change is bringing us exactly where we need to be.

Have patience with yourself and your own process. Letting go can be hard, and there is so much vulnerability that comes with rebirth. Like the little sprouts poking up through the soil, we must turn our gaze to the sunlight- to hope, inspiration, vision, desire. We must gather our strength and rise up to meet our destiny with faith and trust in the universal flow of life.

Spring Equinox brings us a beautiful balance of darkness and light- the Equinoxes are helpful in showing us where we are out of balance and need to make adjustments. We may be evaluating our relationships, jobs, lifestyles, work-life balance, inner-outer needs and may see where some shifts could be made for greater balance and wellbeing.

When we look at Spring’s opposite season- the Fall Equinox- we see a similar theme of shedding and letting go. However, the difference is that Fall is about letting go of what we don’t want to take with us on the inner journey we’re about to embark on, and embracing changes that draw us inwards and down into our subconscious realms, spiritual realms, roots, and shadow material.

Spring is about shedding what our inner journey demonstrated is holding us back, so we can launch into a journey of outward manifestation and self-actualization. We are being drawn out and upward, like the buds on the trees, flowers and sprouts reaching for the light of the sun.

There is an aspect of ourselves that is rising, reaching for the light and longing to be seen, heard and embodied. We may not even have a clear sense of what that is for us yet, but there is often a feeling that comes around this time of year of a desire or wish we want to fulfill. A part of us that wants to be felt and expressed more fully in our lives. Through the challenging inward journey that winter took us through, a new seed or gift was conceived and is trying to find its way into our consciousness and into the physical world.

In order to rise up, we may experience a type of breakthrough akin to the sprout breaking ground. There may be a hurdle to jump over, fears to confront, a new pathway or trail to blaze. We may be shedding old generational narratives, old trauma responses, and creating new pathways, which take courage. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge any brave steps you are taking forward. Your small step forward creates a pathway for others.

Remember we all sprout, rise and bloom in our own time. The seasonal calendar may not be perfectly in sync with your particular rhythm of growth and shedding, but regardless, new life is rising around us, to be enjoyed, seen, felt and heard to nourish us no matter what stage we find ourselves in! Light, life and love are slowly blooming around us to feed our heart and soul with all it needs so we can do what we’re here to do.

Spiritual Support with Animal Allies

With all of this change, it is very helpful to connect with our Animal Allies this season.

Animal energies help us remember different aspects of ourselves, each holding its own particular medicine. Animal Allies are spirit guides that come to us in animal form, and are an important part of Indigenous cultures all over the world.

Animal Allies come to us to help protect us, strengthen us, and align us with our gifts and power. They help us embody aspects of our being we may have forgotten and give us the strength we require to get through challenging times.

My journey with animal allies is ongoing and has changed my life for the better in countless ways. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without these relationships in my life.

If you are interested in connecting with your own Animal Ally to help you move through this season of rebirth, please join me online for the Spring Equinox Circle- Connecting With Our Animal Allies this Friday, March 21st @7pm EDT!

You can also connect with animal energy with the oracle reading below- I am using the beautiful new Animal Elders Oracle by Indigenous creators Asha Frost & Hawlii Pichette.

Choose Your Animal Oracle Card:

Take 3 deep breaths to ground and center yourself. Then ask- ‘What animal energy can help me most for this Spring Equinox?’ Then gaze at the cards below and let your intuition choose one!

Remember the number of the card you chose, and scroll down for its meaning! Descriptions are by Asha Frost, the deck’s author.

  1. Elder Cardinal- Gitchi-aya’aa misko-bineshiinh– Ignite Your Flame

With their bright and beautiful red plumage, Cardinal often bring instant delight when they fly across our path. A powerful messenger from the spirit world, this Elder asks you to reconnect to your inner flame. There is a fire that dances inside of you, yearning to be expressed and released. Maybe it’s a truth that needs to be shared, or perhaps it’s a way of leading in the world, but whatever it might be, a call to courage is the message of Elder Cardinal. What are you currently feeling fired up and passionate about? Your ideas matter, and you cannot hide in fear of being shamed or misunderstood any longer.

Cardinal swoops in as a messenger from an ancestor or loved one who has passed. They are standing behind you in full support, flooding you with the courage that you have inherited from your loved one’s heart. Feel this warmth now as you dare to speak, share, and take bold steps toward sparking new consciousness in the world.

You have the support of generations behind you, and if your flame feels small or you feel scared, lean into your ancestral support, and they will remind you why you’re here. Elder Cardinal brings a splash of good luck, encouraging your inner flame to grow in the magnificient fire that your ancestors have always held for you. Be loud and be proud; your life force is yearning to be shared.

Elder Cardinal speaks: “When you need to remember your brave spirit, call on me, and I will invoke the resilience of your ancestors. Many of them have walked in courage, helping to create the opportunities that now lie before you. Your flame is fueled by their wisdom, their love, their challenges, and their growth. My vibrant red feathers inspire you to take a bold step, and I hand you one to carry with you. Remember that your ancestors did not have the same privilege to speak and share. It is now your sacred responsibility to use that inner fire.”

2. Elder Canada Goose- Gitchi-aya’aa Nika– Invest in Community

A wisdom keeper of community and connection, the Canada Goose reminds you of the power of dedicating care to your fellow kin on this planet. This elder is part of many Indigenous creation stories, supporting Sky Woman in her journey down to the earth. Canada Goose shows up today to call you into leadership and to invite you to be a voice for those who don’t have one. With their characteristic V-shaped formation during migration, Elder Canada Goose teaches us that we must lean on one another to get where we need to go.

In order to create an equitable world, we all need to shoulder some responsibility to care and take action. We cannot fly free unless we all fly free, and Canada Goose calls you to the front of the V formation. You are here to set the pace for your community through words and actions, for you have always known that nobody should be left behind. Remember you can lean on the support of others, calling upon the communities you are connected to , to rise up in allyship.

Elder Canada Goose knows the power of strong family bonds and asks you to look around at those who might not be seen, heard or uplifted. Invite them into your sacred circle, advocate for them and remember that we are all interconnected. Community care is the best care; you know what to do and where to direct your compassion and love. With this Elder flying beside you and helping to lead the way, you remember the power of inclusivity and building a just world.

Elder Canada Goose Speaks: “With you at the forefront, you set the pace. Invoke me when you need guidance and clarity around how to be the best ally and advocate. There are many ways to be an activist in this world and I will help you return to your true nature regarding what is best for you and your communities. Your actions have an incredible impact on the world around you, and I offer you a feather to welcome you into leading the way.”

3. Elder Horse- Gitchi-aya’aa mishtadim– Honor Your Sensitivity

Elder Horse trots across the wildflowers into your cards to affirm the current heightened sensitivity of your heart and spirit. As incredibly attuned beings, Horses invite you into the spaces and places inside yourself that feel extra perceptive and acutely aware. This Elder holds incredible physical and emotional sensitivity, as well as powerful muscles that allow them to travel far. It is in this way that they remind you that your sensitive nature is a strength and not a weakness.

Just as Elder Horse can sense emotions, shifts in energy and even potential threats, you too are asked to trust your ability to feel moments deeply. Because sensitivity has often been shamed in our younger selves, we are frequently conditioned to turn away from the imperceptible nudges our body and spirit offer us. Horse always trusts their acute senses and reacts accordingly with a swish of the tail or a swifter gait, and this Elder is here to support all that you are feeling and picking up on.

Sometimes amplified sensitivity can feel raw for our hearts and spirits, and this Elder reminds you of the importance of a calm external environment. Just as the Horse gallops through fields and forests and nourishes themselves near bodies of water, you are asked to do the same. The Earth Mother is always here to help you regulate your nervous system. Know that you can pull on the reins of life and set appropriate boundaries when your system feels flooded. Take the time to graze on what balances you. The world needs your tender heart.

Elder Horse Speaks: “When your relational experiences or your environment are filled with subtle signs that are only detectable to you, call upon me so that I can help you trust yourself. When you find yourself saying that you’re too sensitive, remember that your acute perception is a superpower. I am here to remind you that trusting those nudges will always lead you to greener and more vibrant pastures.”

4. Elder Coyote- Gitchi-aya’aa wissagi-ma’iingan– Embrace Flexibility

To many Coyote is a trickster, bringing us witty and unpredictable energy. Culturally, for Indigenous people, this trickster has strong medicine. If Elder Coyote has crossed your path, it’s a reminder to stay extra curious and not get thrown off by unexpected changes and obstacles. There is no room for rigidity, and the current situations in your life require you to be more flexible and adaptable.

If questions arise around which path to follow or what decision to make, Elder Coyote asks you to seek a new way. If you only see two paths before you, this Elder suggests a third. If you have always been serious and responsible in your decision making, this Elder adds lightness of heart and laughter. It has been said that before we pray, we must laugh so that the sacred can flow through more effortlessly. Bring in this good medicine so the trickster spirit can guide you.

Elder Coyote reminds you to see through the illusion of certainty. While the energies may feel erratic and chaotic, stay with the shake-up. You have the power to adapt and move forward in a new and amplified way.

Elder Coyote Speaks: “Even though I am known to be a jokester, when I show up it’s a sign to pay attention, for my medicine is powerful. If you are feeling confused about how your life is going or if something isn’t turning out how you anticipated, I’m here to bring joy to the redirection. If you are having a hard time letting go of expectations, reach down and feel my bushy tail wagging as I support you. We will trot along the path of the unknown together. I shall remind you that even if you make a ‘mistake’, you will remember not to take yourself so seriously, for spirit has a plan.”

5. Elder Hummingbird- Gitchi-aya’aa nenookaasiins– Remember the Magic

This tiny and beautiful bird has many enchanting gifts to offer you. Hummingbird has to eat every 10 to 15 minutes to sustain their energy, and yet they travel long distances, trusting that all of creation will support them sweetly. The flowers of creation meet their expectation, offering nectar abundantly. This Elder comes forward to remind you that you are constantly showered with sweetness and support.

Elder Hummingbird calls you back into the magic of your child self when you held awe and wonder. Do you remember wishing on a star? How about the joy of blowing on a dandelion puff? The innocence of your child heart is asking to be remembered. You are invited to see how even though you’ve journeyed through the ups and downs of life, the spark of magic remains a part of you. Gifts and blessings are here to touch your life, and this Elder asks you to expand your capacity to receive them.

The fluttering of the Hummingbird’s wings is a miraculous sight to see, and with this delicate bird at your side, the same quick vibration is offered to you. Look for the magic all around, see the beauty that Mother Earth offers you, and open your heart to receive. The nectar is here to feed you, and teh blessings of your life are about to bloom in a riot of kaleidoscopic color.

Elder Hummingbird Speaks: “Invoke my spirit when you have forgotten the magic of life, for I can fly in all directions and gather it from the past, present and future. I flutter before you and expand your heart to remind you of your inherent worthiness to receive sweetness. I carry an incredible ability to remember the flowers that have nourished me, and I bring this memory medicine to you. I shall help you to recall the sparkle in your eyes and the hope in your spirit that you once held. Magic abounds.”

6. Elder Frog- Gitchi-aya’aa amagakii- Break Generational Cycles

A symbol of rebirth and renewal, this Elder hops into your energy space, calling you from the land to the water. Water is our first medicine, and when Frog shows up it invites us back into this space of creation. When you swam in your mother’s waters, you were sensitive to the energies swirling around, imprinted with different thoughts, words, and environments. In those waters you were also exposed to inherited energy threads that link you to generations past.

When you were birthed out of your first waters, you brought these energies into your earth walk, and with each step you have chosen what to carry with you and what to heal and release. Addressing generational wounds is a lifelong journey and is calling to you once again. What are you compelled to do in a different way than your parents? What is something that happened to your ancestors that you can alchemize into medicine? A generational wound is coming forward for you, and as you bring healing awareness to it, Elder Frog guides you through the waters of creation with care and safety.

As you move through this renewal, there are waves of wisdom that flow forward, connecting you to the stories, healing and resilience of your ancestors. Elder Frog swims beside you as a tadpole, sprouts legs, and hops beside you to encourage your metamorphosis. You are reminded that, with their help, each time you swim into the depths of your generational healing you will emerge cleansed and renewed.

Elder Frog Speaks: “It is courageous to go back and address the pains and wounds of the past. I see the brilliant sparkle of your sacred waters each time you acknowledge a layer to be healed. Each time you exit a body of water, think of me, for I am with you, bringing forward generational rebirth and beauty. It can feel vulnerable to move through these cycles, and I am here to hold you while you take your first steps upon the land as your renewed self toward your reimagined life.”

7. Elder Raven- Gitchi-aya’aa gaagaagi– Activate Your Spiritual Connection

One of the most intelligent birds in the sky, Raven soars into your sacred space today to connect you more deeply to the intelligence of the universe. Elder Raven acts as a powerful messenger and opens up your connection to the spirit world and beyond. Ancient and ancestral wisdom drop in with ease when this Elder appears, and you are asked to listen with an attentive heart.

You are ready for the next level of your soul evolution, but it will take a greater commitment and dedication to your spirit connection through rituals and ceremonies to achieve it. It is in these sacred spaces where the echoes of knowledge and wisdom drop in, so be prepared to dive deep into your spiritual practices. Elder Raven opens the bridge between this physical realm in a way you have not yet experienced. Ancient secrets flow from the higher realms, and Raven captures these energies in their beak, bringing them down from the star nations to the earth.

Elder Raven reminds you of the magic you have held for many lifetimes. You are an old soul, and the memories from your previous lives are revealing themselves. Tap into the memories of when you practiced as a medicine person, healer, and seer, for you are meant to bring this forward into your current life. With Raven guiding you, your connections to the spirit world is strengthened, and your gifts grow and blossom. It’s a time of great responsibility on your spiritual path and you are ready.

Elder Raven Speaks: “Invoke me when your spirit is ready for great transformation. I will help you remember the vast tapestry of gifts that you already hold. When you call on my medicine, I will encourage you to share your elevated abilities with the world so we can all remember our interconnectedness. You are a vessel for higher-level spiritual wisdom, and I offer you my feather as an invitation to listen to the call of the ancient ones. They sing to you from the stars and are delighted that you are now listening.”

8. Elder Hare- Gitchi-aya’aa waabooz– Seek Perspective

Often in life, you gain perspective on a situation or challenge only after time has passed and you have had some distance to reflect. In those moments, you must hold compassion for the previous version of yourself who didn’t know then what you know now.

Elder Hare is hopping into your field today, asking you to take inventory of how your past experiences have shaped you, marked you and changed you. Hares have an incredible capacity to see 360 degrees around them without turning their heads- in the winter, seeing their tracks in the snow behind them and the clean, untouched blanket of white ahead of them. They offer the medicine of holding the past, present and future all at once.

Is there a relationship from your past that felt like a world-ending loss when it came to an end? Did you have a creer change or job loss that shook up your life? Was there an unexpected redirection of your path that felt painful or a failure that brought shame? Elder Hare is here, holding space as you alchemize those previous pains into current wisdom. It’s a gift to be able to look back at the places where your heart was broken in the past and see that eventually light poured through the cracks, sealing them up. It is time to seal any lingering cracks from these situations and own the power of what you have learned.

Elder Hare Speaks: “Call upon my insightful medicine when you are ready to dig deep and examine past scars left on your heart. I am here with my swift energy, helping you to transform pain into purpose and challenge into knowing. With my help, this process will go quickly, so get ready for an increased level of energy as we call back any energy you may need to reclaim. As you feel this strengthening healing energy moving in yoru body, mind and spirit, know that you now hold everything you need to make powerful decisions and live the life of your dreams.”

Did your card resonate? I hope it did! Feel free to ask another question to the oracle and choose another card if you like!

Wishing you blessings of rebirth in light, joy, freedom and renewal this Equinox and beyond!

xo

Serena

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Betwixt & Between: The Power of Liminality

As we navigate Pisces season and Eclipse season this March, we swim in a realm of deep liminality and transition.

Pisces invites us into the universal, cosmic ocean of life, the sacred source of being, our non-material existence. This is a very counter-cultural, mystical place to reside, one that honours spirit, mystery and magic and asks that we expand our perception beyond the material and logical.

As someone who appreciates both science and spirituality, I know that science becomes mysticism if you go far enough. Matter is mostly empty space, even if we perceive it to be solid. The more you learn about the material world, the more you realise is still unknown. The seemingly solid structures our society is built on become blurry and dissolve into meaninglessness if we rely too heavily on them. Mystery is the true underpinning beneath our feet if we dare look beyond the forms it manifests through.

Life holds many mysteries that cannot be explained, that cannot be pinned down or quantified. It is meant to be this way. Otherwise, what would be the point of being here? Mystery gives life meaning and allows us to learn and grow.

Our Spirit self dwells in Mystery, and it is during times of liminality that we can most easily touch this magic and let it rekindle our memory of our spiritual home and self.

What is Liminality?

Liminality is the in-between place- not completely in one realm or another. It is also the in-between time- when we are no longer who we once were or who we are becoming.

Accessing liminality is part of almost every spiritual practice. It is sought after for growth, transformation and renewal.

Experiencing liminality may be pleasant or unpleasant, or both. Its doorways often take us both into illumination, enlightenment, as well as shadow and darkness. These are ultimately part of the same continuum, as one is necessary to experience the other. This is why folks doing their spiritual work will often know both their light and darkness intimately.

Liminal Places & Spaces

Bryn Celli Ddu- Sacred Burial Chamber in Anglesey, Wales.

Liminal places are sacred spaces we seek to connect with the divine or have a transformational experience. They are often removed from typical everyday activities and may be constructed purposefully to be aligned with constellations, ley lines, or sacred geometry. However, they may simply be where they are out of necessity or natural formation. Some liminal places are:

  • Temples, churches, sanctuaries
  • Tree groves
  • Watery shores
  • Stone circles
  • Cairns/burial chambers
  • Crossroads
  • Caves
  • Hilltops
  • Lakes

Liminal places don’t necessarily have to be a place with historical spiritual relevance. They can be stumbled upon in various forests and landscapes, easing our access to the Spirit world. One doesn’t need to be in a liminal place to access a liminal space within, however.

We can find ourselves in a liminal space internally, no matter where we physically dwell.

Liminal spaces where we may dwell in consciousness:

  • Transitory moments between sleep and wakefulness
  • Journeys to the otherworld, or spirit world through trance, shamanic journeying or plant medicine.
  • Union with the divine through meditation, movement, chanting or other forms.
  • Channeling and expressing intuitive downloads, psychic messages or impressions in its various forms.
  • Being in ‘the flow’ creatively- when you are channeling and manifesting visions in the material world, for example through all forms of art.
  • Trance states that arise through doing a repetitive task or through repetitive rhythms.

In these spaces, we are neither fully in our ‘mundane’ consciousness, nor immersed in the spirit world or dream space, but in-between, so we can channel these energies and insights into our lives.

Then there are liminal times. Liminal times are when we are amidst changes and they can often come with feelings of uncertainty and fearing the unknown. During liminal times our well-worn path and routine disappears, and we are faced with new territory. We are forced out of our comfort zone and must change to adapt to the situation. Often during these periods we are leaving behind an old self and embracing a new version of ourselves.

We are collectively in a liminal time. This whole year of 2025 is quite transitional, which is why collective anxiety it quite high these days. If you’re a sensitive like myself feeling this, you’re not alone. Keep your spiritual & grounding practices strong, my friends! This is a collective gateway, and it too shall pass.

A large portion of the planets are huddled together in Pisces right now, the final sign before rebirth into Aries. We are all on an individual, social and spiritual level shedding some old skins and making space for a new chapter.

We will move into a new skin that fits us better. As we near Aries, there is a call for us to reclaim our power, be brave and create a new path forward. For now, we embrace the in-between.

Liminal times in life:

  • Physical transitions such as puberty, pregnancy, parenting, menopause, aging, recovery and healing from illness, identity shifts.
  • Emotional transitions such as death of a loved one, retirement, moving to an unknown place, child leaving home, relationship changes (marriage/breakups/divorce), family changes, trauma healing, identity shifts.  
  • Less dramatic versions of the above such as starting a new job or school program, a local move, changes in appearance, unforeseen circumstances, changing plans, a new pet- Anything that forces us to pause, takes us off the usual path, or opens us up to lasting inner and/or outer changes.
  • Dusk & dawn- Sacred gateways we are offered each day to tune into deeper, unseen realms
  • Major planetary changes and transits- This year a lot of the planets are ending cycles in signs and beginning in new ones, putting us all in a collective transition.
  • Eclipses- New and full moons that carry extra weight and often coincide with fated, lasting changes and events.
  • Seasonal transitions such as Equinoxes & Solstices- These cardinal points carry the energies of endings and new beginnings that last approximately 3 months each.

Eclipses are Liminal Gateways to Growth

In the Red Spring Garden in Glastonbury, UK

Eclipse season, which is approximately the month containing both the solar and lunar eclipses is also considered a liminal time. Eclipse season’s purpose is to help us grow by clearing the old and offering us new perspectives and ways of doing things.

The whole month of March is eclipse season this year and is a continuation of a story that began in September 2024, dealing with themes of spirituality, mind-body health, healing, work-life balance, sensitivity, forgiveness, releasing the past, and getting clearer on where we put our faith and how we ground our beliefs into our everyday lives.

Eclipses last in the same signs for about 18 months, so we are still at the beginning of this chapter. Each eclipse season offers us a doorway into a mystical realm of inspiration, liberation from outworn stories, and opportunities to align more strongly with our spiritual purpose and inner light. (For eclipse season tips, you may wish to read my blog post from September about Grounding Through Eclipses and Times of Chaos. )

Liminality is a Great Spiritual Teacher

Glastonbury Tor

Most spiritual paths involve some practices that embrace being in a liminal state of consciousness. But why? What does liminality offer us? Mainly, a change in perspective.

  • Liminality helps us see the big picture– Our human dramas become much smaller when we step outside of them and recognize that we are part of a much bigger picture. We are drops in the ocean of life. We are all connected in a sacred dance and flow. We are part of something much greater and more powerful than we realize, and we are always connected to this divine power, in every moment.

  • We can see new pathways and opportunities that we couldn’t before– We can easily get stuck on autopilot- forgetting that other possibilities exist for us than the ones right in front of us or what we are used to doing. Liminal times and spaces allow us to imagine more for ourselves and see new pathways that were previously hidden from our view.  

  • We can access new aspects of ourselves- Aspects of ourselves may be inaccessible when clinging to our same routines for too long. For instance, maybe we used to be more creative, but family duties have been prioritized for so long that this part ourselves has been undernourished. Liminal spaces help us reconnect to this part of ourselves and pave the way for new routines that can integrate this.

  • Ego power fades, spiritual power expands- Accessing liminal consciousness often involves leaving our ego at the door. I don’t mean just our inner pride or vanity, but also our very sense of self or individuality, which can be quite jarring at times. These experiences can bring us much closer to our true power- our spirit- which is connected to all life. This communion with spirit aligns us with our wholeness, while also clarifying our individual path and purpose. *Please keep in mind that the above applies to entering liminal consciousness in situations that are not dangerous to your mental or physical health. I don’t encourage trying to ‘lose yourself’ in harmful ways.

  • Greater presence in the moment– Liminality alters our sense of time and space, so we are less focused on the past or future. We are more present to the now. Not just its physical energy, but its inherent spiritual energy. This is in large part what is responsible for all the expanded consciousness and access to new opportunities, pathways and parts of ourselves. The more fully present to the moment we are, the more life becomes available to us.

As our consciousness expands, old identities, stories and energy drains fade and dissolve.

We reconnect with lost parts, soul pieces, and re-member ourselves whole. Greater peace, presence, strength, confidence and inner light grow!  

However, in order to access the power of liminality, we must embrace the unknown.

It is perfectly normal to fear the unknown. But I always remind myself that Fear=False Evidence Appearing Real. The unknown is abundant and fertile soil rich with possibility and new life we simply have yet to imagine!

How to work with liminality and embrace it in our life:

Somewhere in Cornwall, UK

Liminal times and places should be handled with care and reverence. It is a time to be sensitive and kind to yourself, and create a sacred container around your experience.

You can facilitate access to spiritual guidance by doing simple practices that can ease you into a more liminal state. Once your mind is calm and you are feeling comfortable and open to intuitive guidance, you may wish to commune with your higher self, spirit or source, ask a question you’ve been struggling with, and listen for an intuitive message.

Simple practices to facilitate entering a liminal state of mind:

Breathing Practice: There is a sacred space of liminality between each inhale and exhale- and each exhale and inhale. Sit comfortably, take a few breaths to simply relax. When you are ready, inhale for 4 counts, then hold the breath for 4 counts. Then exhale for 4 counts and pause with empty lungs for 4 counts. Repeat as often as needed until you feel relaxed in those in-between pauses between inhales and exhales.

Trance Music: Put on some music that has a repetitive beat. It could be fast or slow, which ever helps you in that moment to become calm and open. Begin to move in a repetitive manner. It could be a shifting of your weight side to side while standing or sitting, rocking, or it could be a repeated movement of any kind that is simple and comfortable to keep doing. Let yourself surrender to the rhythms and let your imagination flow. Don’t censor anything, think or analyze what you are doing. Just allow yourself to flow with the rhythm, merging your movement with the music. Allow feelings and visions to emerge from this experience.

Water, Earth & Sky: Sit near a large body of water outdoors, or if this isn’t available, you can do this indoors, listening to ocean wave sounds and looking at a photo of a shore. Sit (or imagine you are sitting) at the water’s edge. Notice the connection between the earth, the water and the sky. Let the sound of the waves put you in a relaxed state. Notice how the sound of your breath is just like the waves. Feel the waves flowing through your heart. Notice how your body and the earth are connected, grounded, heavy. Notice how the sky is open, expansive and free, like your mind. Breathe the sky into your mind. Breathe the peace of the waves into your heart, and then breathe the earth’s strength into your body. Feel how you are one with earth, water and sky.  Feel your connection to all life.

Other ways to enter a liminal state could be: Yoga, dance, walking in nature, rhythmic drumming or listening to a shamanic drumming track, sitting with a tree, coloring in a coloring book, chanting, meditating, mindfulness exercises, staring at a candle flame, taking a bath, or any other activity that helps turn off your day-to-day thinking and enter an open and relaxed state of being.

During this Pisces and Eclipse season, take some time to slow down- don’t over-schedule yourself. Give yourself the opportunity to relax, rest more and have the ability to enter liminal space. Pay attention to your night dreams and allow some time to simply day dream too!

What helps you enter a liminal state of mind?

Tips for Navigating Liminal Times:

  • Give yourself some space and grace– Leave space in your schedule and give yourself extra time to rest, process and recuperate. Don’t pressure yourself to achieve or perform at ideal or ‘normal’ levels. Be kind and gentle with yourself, you are processing more energy and information than usual. Say no to extra duties, efforts or activities and let go of perfectionism.
  • Meet liminality like an old friend– Let it be a remembering and returning home to your true nature- wise, adaptable, expansive and light.
  • Embrace any discomfort as expansion- And a deepening of your capacity for light and life force energy. Like a deep stretch that feels uncomfortable now, but will feel amazing later. Change is an invitation to expand, create and start anew.
  • You are a co-creator of the universe: Hold the Unknown as abundant potential, awaiting your creative input and manifestation.
  • Grounding is important! Embracing liminality means we allow for change without losing our grip on reality. Reach out to friends, healers, professionals and helpers if you need help. Nature is a natural grounding, calming force for our body, energy and nervous system. You can read my blog about Grounding During Eclipses and Times of Chaos. Or, you can practice my Grounding Tree Meditation.

Remember you are never alone. There are others just like you, feeling just like you right now. There are healing allies, support around you, ready to help, and are likely also helping already behind the scenes.

If you would like some support in connecting with your spirit helpers and healing allies, as well as energetic cleansing and protection skills, you may be interested in my Nourish Your Spirit Program.

Flowing with you through these transformational times,

xo

Serena

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Imbolc Wisdom- In the Belly We Grow

We are now entering the season of Imbolc, celebrated in early February. The word Imbolc comes from Gaelic meaning ‘In the Belly’ referring to the peak of lambing season in the UK, where the ewes are pregnant and/or nursing their young.

The goddess Brigid, who later became St. Brigid is venerated this time of year. She brings new life and fertility to the land, as well as healing and inspiration to our lives. As a goddess of fire, she is associated with the hearth and smithcraft as well as poetry and inspiration. She awakens the earth and the spark of life within us to be reborn anew.

Here in Canada, it is often our coldest time of year with everything still under a lot of ice and snow, spring seemingly eons away. Yet, the light is noticeably increasing, bringing us the hope and reassurance that indeed spring will come!

Funny enough however, here in Toronto, I saw snowdrops sprouting through the ground last year at Imbolc! I had never seen them so early, as it was a very mild winter, the warmest on record, I believe.

Snowdrops in Toronto in February 2024

Snowdrops are a common Imbolc symbol of hope and new life in the UK as they begin to sprout at this time. I am not sure we’ll be so lucky to see snowdrops here this year, but even if we don’t see the physical evidence of new life sprouting, we must have faith that life is forming, incubating, and stirring beneath the ground, just waiting for the perfect moment to be born.

Imbolc is very much a season that asks us to cultivate faith and patience. There is so much we just can’t see yet. Trust the process. New life is stirring, forming, becoming. We must hold space for some mystery yet and allow for some things to unfold in divine timing.

This is an incubation period energetically, but it is not passive. In fact, it is a perfect time to strengthen and nourish ourselves for the journey ahead. It is a ripe time to gather our resources and prepare. Not from a place of fear, but from a place of love and hope. We must tend to our inner strength and light. This might mean prioritizing self-care or positive connections, anything that brings us a sense of inner peace, happiness and warmth.

This is a wonderful time for gentle nurturance of new dreams, goals and aspirations that may be stirring within. It is a time for some tenderness and care as we are not quite who we were and not yet who we wish to become. Allow for innocence and childlike dreams imaginings to surface, for they may become seeds of rebirth. Honor your inner child.

Imbolc is the season opposite Lammas, held in early August. Both times of year are considered times of preparation. At Lammas, we are harvesting the outcome of our work and toil of the warm months and gathering our resources for the inner journey coming in fall. We separate the wheat from the chaff in our lives, give thanks for all we have and begin to slowly draw our energies inwards as the darkness increases.

At Imbolc, we have come through an inner journey and are preparing to slowly come out of our cave and into the light, as the sunlight increases. We have gleaned wisdom from the dark terrain we’ve traversed and must decide how we’d like to put that into action in the world. We cannot rush the process, but can use this time to sift through our dreams, visions and yearnings and decide what will see the light of day in manifestation and what will wait in the ethers for now. This requires some receptivity and deep listening, as we turn our ear to the whisperings of our heart and soul.

Brigid reminds us to tend to the creative spark within ourselves. This light is our unique essence, love, and medicine we carry. The world needs us to shine. We each have a purpose. We all matter right now, and the more of us that are lit up inside, the stronger we become against the powers that strive to keep our light diminished.

Energetically, love is extremely powerful and brings us together to make us stronger. I am not talking about romantic love (not specifically), but rather a universal love, the love that motivates us to shine our light in the world, to care for others, and for the planet, to create works of art, to start movements and communities. While we can’t be in a state of love all the time, cultivating it in small gentle ways within ourselves and then connecting with others who share that love increases our ability to move mountains.

Whether it is people, a cause, the earth, animals, a creative or spiritual practice, tend to that which you care most about now. This increases your power. Also, let yourself receive love and care in return! We all have nurturing ability within us, and we also have that nurturing energy available to us through the Earth, the Goddess or Divine Mother energy. Let yourself receive what you need.

I invite you to imagine we are literally in the belly of the Goddess, held and nurtured right now. We are not who we were last year and not quite who we are becoming yet, but we are changing, and we are growing.  She is holding us safe and helping us become who we are meant to be with her divine love that is available to us all.

There are some unknowns of what life will be like in the future. During these times we may feel restless, impatient, and want to control some things that we cannot control. We may ignore the things that are completely within our control. We may wish to see things we are not yet meant to see or look away from things we must see. We may wish to jump into new life before we are ripe and ready for it.

While we may feel like we need to make everything happen now, or we just simply wish to escape to anywhere but here, there are other ways to use the energy of this time:

We can begin to envision the future we’d like to experience. We can prepare ourselves, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually for what we wish to create or cultivate in our life. This might look like:

  • Resourcing ourselves with love– Connect with loved ones, friends, kindred spirits, pets, nature, a passion or cause you care about. Who brings warmth to your heart? Can you let yourself receive it? Where can you offer love to others? Becoming aware of our connections and networks help us forge a supportive container for our creations.

  • Healing our wounds, doing our trauma work and releasing blockages that are holding us back. What do you feel is preventing you from living the life you desire? What can help you heal and move forward? Baby healing steps make a big difference! Notice how far you’ve come already. All types of healing are well-supported during this season.

  • Looking for inspiration in new places, spaces and people. What helps you feel inspired? Music? Art? Nature? Spiritual ideas? Open to new sources that feed and brighten your inner fire. They just might be the seeds of your magnificent manifestations in the future.

  • Experimenting with small shifts in our habits, thought patterns, diet or our daily life. What helps you feel more energized? What could you release to feel lighter? Every small thing you do for your own energy right now will serve you well in the months to come.

  • Planning, visioning, brainstorming- This is a great time to tinker with ideas you want to manifest in the future. Is there a creative project you wish to begin? An experience you wish to have? A community you wish to start? Sketch it out, write it down, envision it happening, make a draft, start the foundation.

  • Cleansing, clearing, making sacred space- Your space reflects your inner self. Optimize the energy in your home or space by getting rid of clutter, fixing broken things, redecorating or changing the energy to reflect your goals. Create an altar or make changes to your existing one(s).

  • Awakening your inner Hearth- Your own energy field requires cleansing and protection too. Become aware of the flow of energy in your body. Is there an area of your body that feels blocked or rigid and needs softening? Or an area that needs a bit more light, energy and vitality? Bodywork, energy work, chanting or meditation practice can help. See resources I created below to help your energy flow!

I have created a couple of Imbolc resources for you. A chant and a meditation:

Chanting helps to open up our creative energy channels and ease the flow of expression. May my ‘In the Belly’ chant inspire you to sing along and help you move forward gently through these times:

Lyrics:

In the Belly song lyrics:

In the belly we are, in the belly we are, in the belly we are transformed again.

In the belly we are, in the belly we are, in the belly we are reborn anew.

In the belly we are dreaming

In the belly we are healing

In the belly we are nourishing

In the belly we are strengthening

In the belly we are, in the belly we are, in the belly we are transformed again.

In the belly we are, in the belly we are, in the belly we are reborn anew.

In the belly we are reclaiming

In the belly we are remembering

In the belly we are reweaving

In the belly we are rewilding

In the belly we are, in the belly we are, in the belly we are transformed again.

In the belly we are, in the belly we are, in the belly we are reborn anew.

Awakening the Inner Hearth Meditation:

Here is the meditation I created that we will do together at our upcoming Imbolc Circle followed by a ritual and craft. May it support your Imbolc journey this year:

May we turn to face the direction our heart is pulling us to and trust that what we seek is also seeking us. May we find our way forward with clarity.  

Remember that you ARE the light, the flame, the warmth of the hearth. In the belly of the Great Mother we grow and patiently await our rebirth!

*If you are in the Toronto area and would like to celebrate Imbolc with me, register for the upcoming in-person Imbolc Circle: Awakening the Inner Hearth at my home on Friday, Feb 7th, 2025 @7pm!

Much love and bright Imbolc blessings,

Serena

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Samhain Wisdom + Oracle Reading!

Roots & Ancestors. The Soul, Death & the Otherworld. The bonds we share here and beyond the veil. Letting go and shedding old skins.

Samhain season carries some heavy themes, yet this is ultimately a season of liberation. The invitation to dance with our shadows and contemplate death serves to remind us of who we truly are and how we want to live. It helps us open to something greater than we originally imagined life could be and pushes us to release anything that holds us back from living authentically and aligned with our highest good.

This is also Scorpio season, which is reflected in Samhain’s meaning. Scorpio teaches us how to reclaim our power. Past wounds, betrayals, or triggers of powerlessness that rear their heads now are ways the universe is actually conspiring to help us heal and be free. We must feel our pain fully in order to transmute, understand and learn from it. We are called to be brave warriors of the heart here, and take our heavy armor off for a moment to simply feel what we feel. If we do this, and tend to our healing in earnest, we may not need to wear that armor ever again in the future.

Thankfully, we are not on this healing journey alone. We are gifted easy access to the insight of our beloved dead, spirit guides and healing allies, just in time for our healing. We simply need to slow down and tune in to hear their whisperings. Whether you do this through paying attention to your dreams, prayer, trance work, meditation, movement or simply walking through the forest, Spirit is waiting for you to hear its message.

Samhain means ‘summer’s end’ in Gaelic and has been traditionally a time to honor our beloved dead and ancestors. Our loved ones beyond the veil watch us and protect us from harm, and sometimes we may take this for granted. This is an opportune time to connect with our spirit kin, and show them gratitude by speaking their names, reading their stories, creating an altar in their memory, making a dish they enjoyed or passed down, or praying to them. While they may not be in the flesh, they have much wisdom to bestow on us to help us live here on this earth walk, if we choose to listen.

Samhain is opposite Beltane on the Wheel of the Year. As opposites, they share a natural bond. Beltane in the spring is the season of earthly fertility and visible growth of the plants. Samhain falls in the season of visible plant death and dormancy, yet it is a very fertile season for soul growth- as the growth happening now is in the invisible realm.

We must shift our awareness from the surface of things to the inner depths to notice all the fertility that lies beneath. Our inner garden awaits our tending.

We can ask ourselves, what seeds of healing do we wish to plant in the depths of the night? What potential lies within that simply needs some care and attention in order to flourish?

This season of darkness reminds us that there is no such thing as death. Fertile soil and blooms can come all year round if we decide to till our inner soil.

Energy never ends, it only transforms.

Ready to receive a message to help you on your Samhain season journey? Take a moment to ground and centre yourself. Take 3 deep, cleansing breaths. Then ask your guides “What do I need to know for this Samhain season?” and choose a card below:

Season of the Witch Samhain Oracle by Lorraine Anderson, Juliet Diaz
& Giada Rose

Now remember that number and scroll down to find it’s description! (Descriptions are by the deck’s authors.)

  1. Reflection- Truth, Fear

Reflection shows you the person you’ve become, for better or worse. It shows the parts of yourself you wish you could hide and the parts that are to your liking. Your reflection has no desire to hide your truth. You are being guided to acknowledge who you are at this time. Looking to the future is great and so is setting goals. But how can you make a plan for where you’re going if you haven’t come to terms with where you are now?

It can be a challenge to stand in the truth of who you are today. No one wants to say ‘I’m overweight’ or ‘I’m in debt’ or ‘I’m sabotaging my goals’. However, pretending these circumstances do not exist is like hiding under a sheet of paper in a rainstorm, it will protect you for a few moments, but eventually the water will soak through and you will be forced to face your reality. Or, in this case, your reflection.

Reflection has come to ask you to be honest with yourself. Stop hiding from the situation you are facing. You must use where you are as a starting place for any real change to occur.

2. Silence- Stillness, Nothingness, Presence

The world moves at such an alarming rate. Sitting inside a coffee shop I can hear sirens, cars, construction, people talking and moving. I find myself seeking the quiet of dawn when the Earth is still and muted.

There is a presence in the silence. There is space to fill it with the sound of your voice and the beat of your heart. This is the space where all of creation is free to roam wild. Stillness is the presence of nothing and the potential for everything.

A witch knows she must take time to find stillness. It is within nothingness that creation is born. One must be still to hear. One must be still to receive the subtle messages left for a few moments to guide you on the path.

If Silence has come, take this opportunity to be still. This card is a reminder to spend time each day to clear your mind. The answer to your question will come when you stop searching, allowing the solution to be presented to you. There is no need to rush in this situation, even though you think you must. Remove your expectations of the situation you are inquiring about. Give this up to the silence, the nothingness. Spirit will take your query and answer when the time is right.

3. Greet the Darkness- Self, Inner Truth

Darkness. You might get a sense of terror from what you can’t see. But not all hidden things are bad. There are many things that you cannot see that hold the secret to life, abundance and renewal. Like the lotus flower that blooms from the darkness of muddy waters, there is beauty in the darkness for those who know where to look with their heart.

You have pulled Greet the Darkness as a call to go deep into your dark corners. There are parts of you that are beautiful yet remain undiscovered. You must allow yourself to open to the unknown. You can so this by confronting old wounds, lost memories, feelings of shame, guilt and disappointment.

This is called shadow work, a practice that allows you to make friends with your demons rather than hide from them. What seems like a monster is really a lost part of you needing love and support. When feelings such as anger, resentment and chaos come round, it is because those feelings are trying to protect you in the only way they know how. Anger only knows anger and can only offer its support in that way. Chaos only knows chaos so that is the only way it can get your attention. These feelings are trying to help you find the beautiful gems that are waiting in the dark spaces of your being.

Confront whatever feelings you have surrounding your situation. Allow those feelings to surface and face them without fear. Greet them and ask them how you can work together. Journal your meditative conversations with your dark parts. Within their words of advice you will discover the lost or missing pieces of yourself.

4. Potions and Spells- Manifesting, Calling

Potions and spells are how a witch weaves her magic spell, calling into existence her deepest desires. Potion making and spell crafting are two rituals that, when done correctly, can bring about dozens of manifestations. Adding little pinches of this and that here and there can change your creations ever so slightly and is an art that has been passed down through hundreds of generations in as many cultures.

One of the best nights of the year to create potions and work spells is on Samhain, when the veil is at its thinnest. Weaving your magic on this night is like supercharging your magical creations and rituals. Our ancestors would work spells on Samhain to survive the winter. For a time, magic was the very bread and butter of survival, a way to protect, nourish and support through good times and bad.

Should you receive the Potions and Spells card, know that you should begin learning the art of potion making and spell crafting. The more personal a spell or potion, the better the chance of a favorable outcome.

You are capable of manifesting anything you wish. You are the director of your life, as as a witch you are better equipped to manifest exactly the life you desire and deserve. Think big! The potions and spells available to you are endless. You can have and create anything you choose. Make it your mission to craft your life.

5. Healer- Guide, Facilitator

We all come into the human experience with the use of energy and intuition. Among us are those who are called to be Healers. They are the wise ones who’ve made a conscious choice to devote themselves to guiding others on their paths.

Healers can be found in all religions and traditions, each with something beautiful and unique to contribute to the collective energy of the world. You may know them as shamans, medicine men and women, priestesses, wise ones, great ones, the list goes on.

If you have pulled the gift of Healer, know that you are being called to initiate yourself as one of the wise ones. You are meant to be a guide for those who are finding their way and there are many ways you can do this- as a healer for your family and neighborhood, or through building a community on social media offering wisdom. It doesn’t matter how you choose to heal. All that matters is that you do.

If you have through about becoming a healer this card is a resounding YES! Some healing practices are crystal therapist, Reiki practitioner, tarot reader, psychic, doula, death doula, herbalist and so on. You may have something you’ve practiced for years or you may feel called to learn a new skill. Trust your intuition.

You can become a facilitator of healing. Creating healing tools such as guided meditations, healing jewelry, candles and even creating your own oracle deck can provide others with a path to heal themselves. You create the path for others to walk. You are unique and have something to share with the world.

6. Protection-Safety, Hidden

Many of us have had to search out our own safety since beginning our journeys as spiritual healers, students and teachers. We’ve faced criticism for being witches, faced jealousy for being true to our own paths and had to withstand attacks from our own egos. But we rise and keep going with fearless determination. We know we have our spiritual team (our ancestors, guides and angels) to support us and keep us from harm.

You are always protected, my dearest witch, no matter how scary the world may seem or how many things go bump in the dark night of your soul. Within you is a space that cannot be harmed, penetrated or shaken. Here you can retreat to heal and find comfort. You need only step through the veil into the arms of those who love and care for you.

If you have drawn Protection know that all is well and you are safe. Your spiritual support team will protect you from harm. You are protected from hexes, evil eyes, danger, psychic attacks; you are even protected from the dangers of your Earth-based ego. Know that you can handle anything.

When you are feeling unsafe, speak to the powers that be. Ask them to guide you where you do not have eyes and to keep you safe when you are in harm’s way. They are always walking with you and are ready to provide you with additional support whenever you feel the need to ask.

7. Altar- Devotion Worship, Individuality

Your altar is a sacred space created to honor something in your practice, a space dedicated to worship and the devotion of your craft. It should not hold things that are not sacred to your energy work. It should be the place in your home where spirits of the wise gather and share their knowledge with you.

Each altar you create is a beautiful expression of who you are. It’s where you hold your connection to something in Spirit that resonates with your inner self. Some things naturally belong on an altar such as ritual candles, crystals, herbs, an athame or a chalice. Personal items are welcome too. There is no right or wrong item to put on your altar as long as it holds special meaning for you.

If you have pulled Altar it is because your guides are thrilled to see you making an effort. There needs to be an intention, a worshipping and space so that you can harness your energy without disruption. Either a physical space such as an altar or metaphorical space like opening your heart- it is even better to have both- where you can come back to your true self. Know that you have the power deep within that needs a place to land.

Your guides need a space to speak to you. They can reach you anywhere on the planet and you can call on them at any time. Worshipping at your altar gives them an open invitation. They know they are welcome and that you are ready to receive their gifts and messages in your sacred space.

8. Frog- Transformation, Serenity

Butterflies are often what comes to mind when we think of transformation. But let us not forget, frogs are also a symbol of transformation: Going from a tadpole that lives in water to a frog that adapts to land and water. For some species, this process takes a couple of weeks. For others, it can take months and even a year to transform from one thing to another.

When Frog comes croaking, know that you are transforming or the process will begin soon. This is a positive transformation, an easy-going one, so you might not even know it is happening. It’s a subtle shift that occurs in the background until one day you realize things are different. There is nothing you need to do to move this change along. Like the frog, your higher self will take over and guide you through instinct. You need only pay attention to the urges you feel and follow those urges when they strike.

Be patient and note that this transformation has come to your awareness. This is not something that can be rushed or forced. Like the frog, this transformation may take days, weeks or maybe even a year or two to transform completely. All unfolds in accordance with divine destiny.

Did your card resonate? I hope it did!

Wishing you a blessed Samhain, and all the love and support you need to navigate the journey.

xo

Serena

If you are in the Toronto area and interested in celebrating Samhain with me, there’s still a bit of space in our Samhain Circle: Blessings Beyond the Veil, if you wish to join! If you are not in this area, know that the next Hearthfire Circle will be online for Winter Solstice. I hope to see you then!

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Staying Grounded Through Eclipses & Times of Chaos

There are times in life when our feet barely touch the earth. Where we just don’t feel centered or like ourselves. Our consciousness may be immersed in the future or past, or so preoccupied with a situation or person that we can’t see the forest for the trees. We may feel unsettled, anxious, spacey, depressed or simply outside of our body and the present moment.

These challenging feelings can come with any big transition, change, chronic stress or traumatic event.

These feelings are common during Eclipse Season- the duration of approximately one month that spans the Solar and Lunar Eclipse cycle. Its energies reverberate through the next six months, as we integrate and embody its lessons. If you are a highly sensitive person, then you may feel eclipse seasons with greater intensity as you are attuned to the collective emotions as well as your own, which can be triggered at this time.

We are still in eclipse season now, as we are experiencing a Solar Eclipse in Libra, after the Lunar Eclipse in Pisces a couple weeks ago. This eclipse is about reclaiming our inner sovereignty and creating a healthier balance in our life. Themes of give and take, relating, justice, peace and harmony reign.

We may notice how people-pleasing or giving our power away to others no longer serves us. How trusting ourselves and caring for our own needs first is necessary if we are to dance in harmony with another in a healthy way. It is a great time to ground into what brings us true peace and inner strength. It is an opportunity to take our energy back, patch up leaks and drains, and move forward in a more sustainable way.

Eclipses are not to be feared, but to be respected. They are a great time for inner work, healing and transformation. They are not a time to assume the smooth hum of everyday life will be our status quo. Eclipses aren’t ‘bad’, but they are chaotic and can be stressful, because they are meant to unsettle us. This is to help us evolve, heal and grow. They bring an opportunity for us to walk into the future in a new, more liberated way. Eclipses gift us with new perspective, inner awareness and alignment with who we currently are and where we need to go.

But these gifts don’t necessarily come easily. Oftentimes, eclipse season brings unexpected things out of the blue. Things that were hidden from us come into the light, while the full truth of a situation may still be obscured. Old wounds and deeper issues get triggered by a conversation, an unexpected event or reminder of the past.

Doors may suddenly close, while unexpected windows open. Endings and beginnings take place. This process can take the few weeks surrounding the eclipses. It can be confusing, like a fog has set in around us. Once it clears, reality looks different.

Eclipses require extra space and time to process- as we are processing much more information, emotions, memories, feelings than normal through our body, mind and heart.

If we choose to pay attention to the deeper energies at work, we may notice how they are teaching us how to navigate uncertainty and strengthen our intuitive muscles. Like driving through fog, we need to slow down, get present, and begin using some of our under-used resources.  

Navigating uncertainty is one of my least favourite things to do, so that must be why I find myself doing it a lot. It’s a life lesson I can’t seem to run away from. I have anxiety and there are times it gets the better of me, this eclipse season being no exception. I feel the collective anxiety is very high right now.

So, I thought today I’d share a few simple things that helped me manage anxiety and stay grounded through this eclipse season, so we can experience not only its challenges but its gifts!

Faith:  The Calm Eye in the Middle of the Storm

Times of change can put our spiritual practice and faith to the test.

In this soup of collective fear and anxiety, it can be hard to hear the loving voice of our inner wisdom speaking. It is easy to get caught up in the flurries of fear and the many distractions thrown at us.

But our Spirit is bright, calm and clear, all the time. We can tap into this light any time we need a reminder of who we really are, like the calm eye in the middle of the storm. Our Spirit can see how this moment is an important part of our whole journey, in ways we could never see.

There is a call to have faith in the process here, to be willing to trust the unseen forces- our spirit guides, deity, our higher self, ancestors, etc. and trust they have our back! When life looks like a mess of obstacles, mistakes, fears and challenges to us, Spirit sees a sparkling pathway we cannot see, one made just for us to collect the gifts and experiences we need to move forward on our path in a better, stronger way. We are loved and cared for, always, especially during our darkest times.

It can be hard to have faith, especially when there is so much suffering. But faith in something is what helps us put one foot in front of the other. It keeps us grounded. Faith doesn’t need to be blind, conventional, nor unwavering. It only needs to feel true to you, a beacon of light in the darkness, something that fuels hope and peace for you in this moment.

Whether you access your faith through prayer, joining with others in spiritual community, sitting at your altar or going for a walk in the woods- The important thing is that you connect with Spirit regularly to strengthen your bond.

What strengthens your Spirit? How does your faith support you in challenging times? What is one way you can tap into your faith right now? How can you grow your faith each day?

Grounding: Trees, Water, Food and Plant Medicines for Support

For those of us on the earth-based path, grounding is not only steadying for our body and mind, but an essential part of our spiritual practice. Earth and Spirit are on the same continuum.

A tree is not just a tree but a wise elder with deep roots here that can help guide and strengthen us when we feel lost.

Walking in nature and connecting with the Tree Beings can be very helpful for anxiety.

Each Tree has its own special medicine and personality. I highly recommend getting to know the Tree Beings around you and find even just one to visit on a regular basis to lean up against, relax with, and listen to for its advice. Ask if they are interested in starting a new friendship, and give an offering of appreciation, such as cleaning up any garbage, giving it water, or putting down herbs or animal safe food at its roots.

Once you establish a connection with your Tree, just be present and receptive to them. Get a sense of their energy. Feel free to ask them a question about your life or situation.

The Oak trees have been giving me very specific advice about my health and my movement practice. They also encourage me to strengthen some boundaries and be more ruthless in keeping my mind out of harmful thought patterns.

The Willows I visited have been helpful in softening areas of tension in my body and energy field. They encouraged me to breathe and release trapped emotions, as well as reminded me to be much kinder to myself.

A nearby Spruce helped me understand how my energy was influenced by the collective energy and gave me information about timelines, cycles and protection.

Is there a Tree you’d like to connect with in your area?

Another grounding activity I love is sitting on the beach. Being where land, water and sky connect is a sacred place of liminality. It helps us connect with the divine and the earth in balance. I often get my most powerful healing messages when sitting by water.

Wading in Lake Ontario, I let the waves gently cleanse away old ways of being that are no longer serving me. The waves remind me that this is simply part of a cycle and ‘this too shall pass.’

When at the beach, I hold the local rocks in my hands and place them on my body where I needed grounding. When I do this, I feel immediately safe. I have a few at home to do this anytime I need.

Grounding foods are another great way to stay rooted through chaotic times.

Drinking tea made of roots such as ginger and turmeric, and warm spices ease digestion and help us stay rooted.

Eating root vegetables, hearty grains, nuts and seeds can be helpful.  if you eat meat, then increasing your intake of unprocessed, lean meat can be very grounding and restorative.

Adaptogens such as Reishi mushroom and Holy Basil have been helpful at keeping me in balance during stressful times.

Getting enough rest is paramount. If you have insomnia, or have trouble sleeping during eclipses like I do, there are many things you can do. In general, activities that relax you before bed such a yoga or meditation, exercising earlier during the day, and avoiding screens before bed may help. Sleep inducing herbs and teas may also help. Weighted blankets, blackout curtains, eye pillows can also help. Everyone is different however with sleep needs.

What activities or foods ground you? Do you have a special place in nature you can go to feel safe and supported? Are you getting enough rest and sleep?

Being Present: Right Now is the Only Thing That Exists

We live in a very distracting world. Our senses are constantly bombarded with stimuli, especially here in Toronto, and it can be very overwhelming to our system on every level.

But even aside from noise, traffic, people, screens, computers and phones, we can distract ourselves with work, relationships, addictions, or constant ruminating and destructive thoughts about the past or future.

The less things we are doing at once, the more we can be present and access the steady, eternal calm beneath the moment. Like the ‘eye in the middle of the storm’ I mentioned. No matter what is happening externally- in the environment, in our emotional body or our mind, there is a still lake of deep peace and eternal serenity we can attune to.

Meditation has been around for thousands of years for a reason. Most of our stress originates in our minds. The mind itself is but a movie screen of our thoughts, not a true reflection of reality. Learning to watch our thoughts come and go, and attuning to the eternal oneness that is underneath it all can be a powerful grounding and centering practice.

Mindful Breathing is another great way to get present. When feeling anxious, inhale for 4 counts, pause with full lungs for 4 counts, then exhale for 4 counts. Repeat a few times, gradually extending the length of the exhale so that it is longer than your inhale. This helps to engage the parasympathetic nervous system to calm your nerves.

For some folks, becoming still, focusing on the breath or noticing thoughts can be an overwhelming, anxiety-inducing activity. In this case, staying engaged in a daily task or physical movement is a more accessible way to be present.

Focusing on physical tasks in daily life– such as cleaning, vacuuming, preparing food, cuddling pets or brushing their fur, folding laundry or exercising can become sacred rituals to help us focus on the here and now, on what is in front of us. This can help pull us out of the projections of our mind into the future and the past and remind us of the peace inherent in our everyday existence.  

Naming 3 things you see, smell, hear, or feel is another great way to ground into the moment, and helps a panic or anxiety attack. This can be practiced daily. For instance, on your break at work, you can just take a moment to notice and name 3 sensations you feel- ie) The cool breeze on your cheek, your shirt caressing your lower back, tension in your shoulders. Then notice how that changed your demeanor. You can add complexity to it as well, such as ‘name 3 things you can see that are red’. This helps you to bring your awareness back into the reality in front of you, rather than the mind’s projected fears.

Mindful eating can help you stay in the moment. Instead of eating while talking to others, listening to a podcast or thinking about your to-do list, try immersing your attention on the act of chewing the food, the sensations in your mouth and body, the full experience of the act of eating.

What activities help ground you into the present moment? What thoughts or distractions pull you out of it? What is one way you could become more present to this moment right now?

Sharing and Connecting: We are never alone

My husband and I on the Friends set reproduction a couple years ago

As someone conditioned to be low-maintenance and highly attuned to others, it can be hard for me to open about my struggles and reach out for support. I tend to reserve my venting and vulnerability for my partner or professional healers. I always find though, that whatever I am struggling with, there are always others going through the same thing. Often it is part of a larger, collective struggle as well. We are all connected and we experience things like eclipses altogether. Many of us are likely experiencing the same themes and feelings in our lives, just in slightly different situations.

Every time I hold my circles and we share what’s been going on for us, we discover that others in the room are feeling the same. We all learn from each other and support each other.

Guaranteed, you are not alone in whatever you are going through right now. If you have even just one person in your life that you trust, that is a willing, caring listener, connect with them and share.

One thing I am slowly learning is that sharing our struggles with others doesn’t necessarily mean we are burdening them. When we share our problems with others, it can also heal them too, as they may have felt the same in the past or right now in the present, too.

Now, this isn’t to say that you should use your friends or loved ones as a dumping ground or get in the habit of sharing and not return the favor of listening. If you are someone always on the listening end, maybe try sharing. If you are someone always on the sharing end, maybe ask how others are feeling and listen.

If you don’t have any humans right now in your life that you feel comfortable connecting with, what about a pet? A spirit helper, tree, plant, or body of water? Are there any folks you follow on social media who inspire you or share your struggle? Any communities or support groups you feel drawn to connecting with online or in-person?

I often like to speak with my ancestors and spirit guides as well. They are always listening and happy when we connect! Even writing in my journal is a therapeutic form of expression when I don’t feel I can talk to anyone.

Who in your life do you feel comfortable sharing your feelings with? What communities, friends, family or professionals do you have in your life to inspire or support you? How do you support others? Is there a balance?

Play: Leisure, fun and play are essential aspects of life

My lovely friend Jazzie and I playing with veils

Last but not least, during heavy or transformational times, we need to remember how to play. This may look like trying out a new exciting recipe for dinner, playing a game with your child or pet, playing a board game or card game with a friend, creating art just for fun, coloring, exploring a new part of your neighborhood, traveling, watching a movie or dancing to one of your favorite songs. Whatever gets you out of your funk and reminds you what it feels like to have fun again!

What do you do for fun? What would happen if you did that a little more often? Is there something new you’d love to try?

I hope that you are navigating this eclipse fog with some support. We are getting through this together, and flowing forward into a more liberated and aligned future. Remember that you are not alone and the Earth Mother holds you, always. May we come out the other side empowered and renewed!

If you would like some guidance or support, such as a Tarot Reading, Spiritual Coaching or Earth-Based Healing, please check out my services which are offered online and in-person.

Sending love and stability for these chaotic times,

xo

Serena

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Fall Equinox Wisdom + Oracle Reading!

Ahh, the Fall Equinox. Introverts rejoice, as we begin to naturally follow the Earth Mother’s lead and draw our energy inwards. Time to cozy up with some tea and our favourite book, movie or do some journaling!

As the trees drop their leaves and the earth energy flows down to nourish its roots, we too must release any excess burdens or energy drains. Our energy also draws downwards to our roots- Our internal, emotional foundations, our ancestral inheritance, as well as our spiritual needs.

We often associate Fall and Winter with barrenness. However, much life is continuing beneath the earth, even if unseen. Likewise, Fall reminds us of the fertility that lies in the rich soil of our inner lives, which will be the garden we tend over the colder months ahead. Our attention turns to the life that is stirring in the invisible and intangible realms.

Our spirit has so much to say to us now- we simply need to slow down and tune into its whispers. Take a walk in the woods, clear your mind with meditation or movement, soak in a warm bath or engage in your favourite hobby to let your deepest thoughts and feelings bubble up to be felt, seen, heard and noticed.

As the sun energy wanes, we enter a point of balance between light and dark, before the darkness reigns. This point of balance is something very special that only happens twice a year at each Equinox. I find the Equinoxes to be very powerful times that show us where we are out of balance and how to correct it. We are given the gift of a balanced perspective that takes both outer realities and inner needs equal consideration, which is ideal for decision-making, implementing better habits, and making plans and goals for the future.

This is also a ripe season for shadow work and healing. We may feel waves of grief as some things naturally end or are released, and we may feel desires or emotions we’ve repressed coming up to be felt or expressed. It is a time of transformation, as we compost the old and make space for the new. It is a wonderful time to allow parts of ourselves we may have pushed away to come into our awareness for integration.

It is also a season of awakening to our inner magic and connecting with our inner Witch. Whether you identify as a Witch, Priestess, Pagan, Mage, Druid, or other earth-based or alternative practitioner, this is a time where we can notice and heal any areas of shame or fear of this part of ourself, any conditioning we had growing up or simply from being in a society that has for centuries demonized earth-based spiritual traditions.

Many of us carry a ‘Witch Wound’, which is a collective wound rooted in our ancestral memory and DNA from persecution and death related to the burning times in Europe, colonisation, patriarchy, capitalism and religious extremism, which for many is still carrying a traumatic charge. This can make it challenging for us to fully embody our power and nourish our spiritual life.

Healing this wound is layered and takes time, patience and gentle reconnection and reclaiming of our magic and power. This wounding can manifest in many ways, namely in fearing our own power, intuition and voice. If you wish to explore this more, and begin the process of reclaiming your magic, you can join us at our online Fall Equinox Circle: Season of the Witch on Sept 20th!

Perhaps this autumn will be a ripe time to explore your magical self in new ways or begin a path of inner healing? May this season bring you a harvest of abundance for all that you’ve been giving and doing, and initiate a rewarding inner journey for the months to come.

Fall Equinox Oracle Reading:

Now, let’s see what this season has in store for you!

Take a moment to ground and centre yourself. Take 3 deep relaxing breaths. Then ask: “What do I need to know for the season ahead?“

You also may wish to ask a specific question, such as “How should I approach _____?“

Then gaze at the image below and choose your card:

Seasons of the Witch Mabon Oracle by Anderson, Diaz & Lukovic

Remember that number! Now scroll down to find your card. Descriptions are by the deck’s authors.

  1. Scarecrow: Guardian, You have help, Support

Remember that you are not alone. Move with confidence as you are guided. Your higher self chose this card because you need to be reminded that you are looked after, cared for and protected. You may feel as though there are many dangers lurking about, and while they may be near they will have little impact on your life as a whole. You can move forward with your plans knowing a favorable outcome is in your near future.

You may feel the presence of your spiritual guardians through a sudden feeling of warmth spreading through your body, a tingling on the back of your neck or a sense of peace, as though suddenly all your troubles have been washed away. These and similar sensations are your guides sending you support and confirmation that you have cosmic help working on your behalf.

Trust in the cosmic forces and know that the timing may not be what you’re expecting, but it will always be right on time. Scarecrow may also present itself to you when you have been facing a particularly difficult situation that seems too great to face on your own. Receiving this card is your confirmation that physical help is on the way and you won’t have to struggle for much longer. You may receive an unexpected windfall, a call from someone offering support, a chance encounter or a life-changing opportunity.

2. Cranberries: Ancestral Roots, Connections, Power, Claiming or Reclaiming

Devour the truth and let it sink into the depths of all that came before and all that will come after. Your higher self chose this card because your ancestors are waiting for you. The red color of cranberries instantly brings to mind the blood connection of ancestral healing, and it is through your ancestors that intuitive wisdom is passed down. They wait patiently for you to connect with them so they can offer the wisdom, strength and power that is available to you by right via the blood within your veins.

You don’t need a connection with your living relatives to establish a bond with your ancestors. They are available to you even if you don’t know their names, faces or the details of your family tree. You will recognize them through a feeling of comfort and familiarity, offer up your troubles and ask for your ancestors’ support. They will clear away blocks, push away dark clouds looming over your life and open the floodgates of abundance.

To establish this bond with your ancestors, simply close your eyes and offer up your prayers. Ask that only benevolent, loving ancestors seek you out, then speak with them as you would any other guide, the universe, god or god-like figure.

3. Crow: Something’s Coming, Messages, Pay Attention

Pay close attention to the winds; there’s a message making its way. Your higher self chose this card because a message is coming your way and is warning you to keep an eye our for important signs and clues of what’s to come. Nothing truly manifests without some warning; the signs might be subtle but they have been prompting you your entire life.

You might feel a sensation such as a tingle in your neck or perhaps a decision gives you a sense of dread. You might have an idea that instantly lifts your spirits or feel some electricity when you meet someone new. All of these sensations are clues that attempt to steer you towards a rewarding life.

Pulling the Crow card is a sign to trust in your intuition, especially in the coming days. You may be quick to dismiss your feelings as being silly, and perhaps they are in many societies. However, you’re connected to the spirit realm, where all things are possible and the only right answer is the one that gives you a feeling of peace, joy and success. Trust in your ability to read the messages of the universe and know there is always a pathway to safety for those who know where to look.

4. Peppers: Breakthrough, Protection, Respect, Allies

Be fierce about the ways in which you protect yourself. Allies await. Your higher self chose this card because not everyone can handle the sting of hot peppers and will go out of their way to avoid them at all costs. The heat is too overwhelming and feels like too much of an effort in pursuit of a great meal. In a strange way, boundaries are a lot like peppers: Some people will try to step on you and take advantage of you, and are only willing to be in your personal orbit as long as you agree with them. However, the moment you begin to demand respect, you might find that many people simply cannot handle it when you serve them a little heat.

The Peppers card is here to confirm that anyone or anything you lose by establishing boundaries will be replaced with people who can stand your heat. You will go on to find people who understand your need for respect and won’t try to take advantage of you, and will listen in earnest without dismissing your opinions because they don’t align with theirs. Establishing boundaries also helps build confidence. The more you practice saying ‘No’ the more you take back your power from those who seek to steal or stamp it out.

Some believe when eating very hot peppers it’s better to keep going than to stop, because stopping makes the heat more intense whereas continuing allows you to slowly desensitize. Habits are no different. They are difficult at first, but with time you’ll begin to expect respect and will make no time for those who don’t offer it.

5. Apothecary Cabinet: Tools, Need to Develop Skills, Hard Work

Without practice, without befriending them, they are strangers on your path. Your higher self chose this card because your journey is just beginnings, even if it feels as though you have walked this road for ages.

There are skills, resources or tools you need before you can begin the work of calling in those big dreams. For example, when attempting to manifest more wealth, consider whether you need to overcome limited financial stories or destructive money habits that are sabotaging your efforts. Receiving a loving partner may be blocked to you until you do inner work on loving yourself. Experiencing supportive friendships may require you to eliminate friendships that are toxic and draining. Taking the time to do this inner work now will save you many days, months or even years of starting over.

Your soul has selected this card to gently encourage you to be honest about where you are in your journey and what’s realistically needed to begin to see results. All transformation begins with awareness, and starting where you are is the first step towards a radical shift in your situation. Your life could be completely different six months from now with the right tools at your disposal and a willingness to do the work.

6. Grieving: Grief, Mourning, Deep Sorrow, Heartbreak

The chambers of your mourning are surrounded by nothingness, emptiness waiting to be seen. Your higher self chose this card because grief isn’t just about the death of a loved one. Mourning is defined as ‘feeling regret or sadness about the loss or disappearance of something’. You can grieve the end of a career, a move from one place to another, letting go of a dream, or seeing your children leave the nest.

While grief isn’t pleasant, it’s important to acknowledge the loss of something or someone that was important to you. Doing so doesn’t reduce the love you had for what you’ve lost but it does give you a way to let go an move on. To ignore your sadness is to deny a meaningful part of your life story.

Pulling Grieving is an opportunity to embrace the heavy emotions you have been carrying. Express the fullness of your heartache as a tribute to what once was, and then once you have cried, screamed, gotten angry or sad, your spirit will be free. It’s only when you deny your grief that it becomes baggage. Will you be sad from time to time? Of course. Memories have a way of creeping in even with a healthy grief process, but it won’t be a constant thorn in your soul.

7. Queen of the Dead: Embracing Your Dark Side, Naughtiness, Using Darkness for Good

Fear not the rage of fire living within, for it is the power of your fierceness waiting to taste you fully. Your higher self chose this card because you need to learn to be unafraid of your soul’s darker, naughtier side. There is a deep power within you that you may feel would be scary or too much to handle if you unleashed it.

Perhaps you fear what you might become if you were seduced by your shadowy aspects. Would you become too ambitious or power hungry or sacrifice your beliefs in pursuit of fame and fortune? Would you hurt people or forget your roots? Would you succumb to anger and find yourself difficult to get along with? These are all noteworthy fears but they shouldn’t prevent you from integrating both sides of your spiritual being.

Queen of the Dead is tempting you to explore and use darkness for good. Rage, ambition, jealousy and manipulation can be channeled for a good cause. Rather than viewing them as being bad, see them as opportunities for evolution and growth. These energies can be useful, and your willingness to work with rather than against your demons is key for showing them the way to the light.

8. Foraging: Authenticity, Hidden Talents, Acting Upon Your Uniqueness, Effort

There is no better feeling than having gone after what you desire. Your higher self chose this card because sometimes you need to go out looking for food even though the grocery store is just down the road. Although the store is convenient, your life dish may require an ingredient the store can’t offer, or perhaps your soul is seeking a more authentic flavor experience that is unique to you.

The Foraging card has found you because it’s time to get up, go out into the world and discover all that is waiting for you to pick up and put inside your basket. It’s tempting to take the easier road, but that path is crowded with hoards of people attempting to do the same. They look the same, do the same things, and are ultimately lost in a sea of conformity and ordinariness: nothing that stands out from the crowd. By taking the road less traveled you could stumble upon an undiscovered patch of greatness. What makes you unconventional, strange or completely different? You may not think being eccentric is a strength, but your quirks are what set you apart from everyone else.

Receiving this card is an opportunity to discover and embrace your hidden talents and act on them. Perhaps you feel like you have nothing special to offer, but you most certainly do. Truffles are one of the most coveted and expensive foods yet they are notoriously difficult to find. They are always at the base of a tree, and generally buried below the soil, hidden from the naked eye. What makes you unique is just the same, and you may need to dig deeper. It may require significant effort, but what you’ll discover will be worth its weight in gold.

Did your card resonate? I hope it did.

If you’d like to receive a more personalized reading, join us for our online circle on Friday Sept 20th, 2024 at 7pm EST for Fall Equinox Circle: Season of the Witch! We will discuss the themes of the season, talk about the Witch Wound, go on a guided meditation journey and each participant receives an oracle card reading and $15 off a Tarot Reading or Spiritual Coaching session with me! Hope to see you there.

Fall Equinox Blessings to you,

xo

Serena

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Summer Solstice Wisdom + Oracle Reading!

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

— Mary Oliver, The Summer Day

At Summer Solstice, the Sun reaches its peak light, illuminating our deepest dark corners and strengthening us for the darker half of the year. The Earth Mother blooms in fullness, sharing her many gifts and medicines with the world, infused with the sun’s life force.

Here, we reach a culmination, a peak moment, a turning point in the year. I often think of the Summer Solstice as a moment of truth- where we can no longer hide from our deepest longings or avoid the reality in front of us.

The Solstice means ‘sun standing still’, and so the light shines on us in its fullness to see all we need to see, and feel all we need to feel, so we can let go of what holds us back and move forward in more nourishing, aligned ways.

The light shines on our lives to show us where we’ve reached the end of something- a habit, a dream, a relationship or way of being that no longer feels true or supportive for us. This is for our liberation and growth. We are changing and some things just don’t fit anymore, and that’s ok! We can make the necessary shifts we need. It can be a time of fated experiences, important connections and meaningful moments that etch themselves on our soul.

Summer Solstice is not only a time of clarity, illumination and endings, but also a time for new beginnings and expression. It aligns with the Sun moving into the nurturing water sign, Cancer, a cardinal sign, which means it initiates new beginnings (every sign on the solstices and equinoxes initiate a new season!). This new energy brings our attention to our home, inner life, our sensitivity, mothering, self-care, nourishment, family, roots and lineage.

We may begin to feel more in touch with our emotions, physical and creative desires, and inner child. This is an excellent time to dig into our past and childhood to heal sources of our current blockages or pain. It is also a ripe time to reflect on our inherited generational gifts and lessons and think about what kind of ancestor we wish to be for the future generations.

There is also a Full Moon in Capricorn happening around the Solstice this year, which turns up the emotional intensity and bring more awareness of the balance between our inner needs and our responsibilities and the structures we have in our life. The energy will help us to release energy drains, and create more soul-nourishing structures and goals- ones that make space for our spiritual growth and self-nurturance.

Some reflection questions for this Solstice/Full Moon:

What do you want to do with this one wild and precious life?

What kind of ancestor do you wish to be?

What brings you joy?

What if you took your needs, feelings and dreams more seriously?

What is bubbling up from your inner cauldron to be expressed and shared with the world?

Summer Solstice 2022

Summer Solstice Oracle Reading:

In honour of the Earth Mother’s bounty this time of year, I thought I’d bring out the Magickal Herb Oracle by Cheralyn Darcey & Deer Dandy.

This is a great time to work with plant allies- as there are so many herbs and flowers at our disposal now. These cards each have a specific plant and a message to go with it. It may be a starting point for you to begin a bond with a new plant spirit in the weeks to come!

Start by taking 3 deep relaxing breaths. Let go of any expectations. Then, gazing at the circle of cards below, ask “What plant energy do I need most right now?” and choose a card. Remember its number and then scroll down to find the description below.

(Descriptions are in the words of the deck’s author, Cheralyn Darcey.)

Magickal Herb Oracle by Cheralyn Darcey & Deer Dandy

Remember that number! Scroll down to find it.

  1. Balance- Passionflower

A return to centre is needed and may also be offered. Have you taken something too far, or maybe not reached out enough? Now is the time to come back to a more harmonious and even place. Stability is what you should be focused on at the moment, and rash actions and decisions are to be tempered. Now is not the time to take a risk, but rather to step back just a little and see what transpires. You may find you need to get more rest or time away, or retreat a little.

Magickal Uses: Love, sleep, balance, visions, peace, friendship. Amazon natives have used Passionflower as an addition to ayahuasca-based brews to deepen and magnify their visions. When strewn on the floor of a home, the flowers can end disharmony, and bathing is or carrying Passionflower creations will help you attract a lover.

2. Expansion- Ephedra

There is an opportunity for development and even the end of challenges that may have been difficult. It is time to look for a new direction or to examine more closely any possibilities that have presented themselves to you. Change is coming, but it may be more demanding than you anticipate before you get your bearings. There may be a betrayal that is very hard to accept. If you have been suffering from any challenge, this is a reminder to stop stewing in your anger, sadness or grief and move on.

Magikcal Uses: Longevity, immortality, lust, sex. Ephedra is used in magickal work to increase awareness and uncover the unknown. It has been used in China where it is known as ma huang as a medicine and in spiritual practice. It is native to China & Mongolia.

3. Attraction- Parsley

Someone or something is going to hold your attention and tempt you. It is also likely you will find yourself the focus of someone else’s attention. There are other opportunities coming along soon, so don’t be dissuaded by setbacks, as a bigger picture is about to emerge. Something may end, but it will make way for a needed change and better times ahead. Better luck and happiness is around, and there are indications of a sort of rebirth that is greatly empowered, hardier and more successful than before. Romance is also suggested.

Magickal uses: Purification, protection, ending bad luck, divination, love. It was believed that sprinkling food with herbs, in particular parsley, would protect the food from both physical and energetic contamination. This is where the practice of garnishing comes from.

4. Flow- Ginko

If you are challenged in any way, then you are being offered hope and the resilience required. There is the possibility of achievement if you simply go with the flow, but you need to be patient, as things must take their natural course and time. Although this is the case, balance still has to be found, and perhaps some moderation should be practiced to help find it. You may discover that looking at your personal motivations and your recent reactions will lead to a greater understanding. This is a period of rest and a recharge could be of value now.

Magickal uses: Business, dreams, beauty, love, healing. After soaking dried Ginko nuts in water, place them in the bedroom to inspire love and enhance your beauty. Plant the nuts to celebrate the birth of a child, and it will ensure long life. Ginko wood can be made into amulets or pieces carried to ensure health and instigate healing.

5. Desire- Damiana

The pursuit of what you long for and the achievement of its obtainment are indicated. Something you long for could be in the spotlight and having a greater ripple effect through your life than usual. Is this a good thing? Perhaps, but be careful your desires do not cloud your focus or true purpose. Ambitions, passions and goals are all in a state of progression, as are calculated risks. A very important concern will come into your life shortly that needs your full commitment and attention. Relationships become more physical and passionate.

Magikcal uses: Lust, love, sex, desire, psychic abilities, clairvoyance. This herb assists in releasing inhibitions and hesitation. It can be used to heighten connection with magickal energies and to enhance visions and psychic abilities. Sprinkled lightly on the food of someone you desire can increase their passion and interest in you.

6. Activation- Yerba Mate

Now is the time to begin something new, put plans into action or put more energy into a project or situation. You can do what it is you desire. Not everyone around you may share your enthusiasm for a concept, idea or the path you are undertaking or considering, but you shouldn’t let that stop you. Physical action needs to be undertaken, as hesitation or failure to do so may mean a loss.

Magickal uses: Health, lust, love, energy, friendship. Yerba Mate has long been used as an aphrodisiac and in love, sex and lust magick. A potion created from it that is then shared by a couple will ensure they stay together forever. It could be a good idea to keep a little bottle of it somewhere, as you can always break the spell if need be by pouring it on the ground.

7. Compassion- Marshmallow

Trust your inner feelings and let them lead you a little more strongly. Spiritual energy will be very high, so perhaps fulfillment or illumination in this aspect of life will be easier to obtain. This is a time of giving, of looking out for others and taking a more supportive role. Remember that the more you give, the more you will receive, and in ways that may not be apparent in the first instance. Listen more that you talk, give more than you take and bend a little more than usual.

Magickal uses: Protection, psychic abilities, attract good spirits, marriage, persuasion, calm. Having marshmallow nearby when you perform spells will encourage good spirits and deities to assist you. The flowers are particularly good for love spells and blessings. Marshmallow is also regarded as an herb of persuasion, and carrying some on you will make others more likely to agree with you.

8. Abundance- Wild Yam

There is an indication of an increase in resources for you. Situations should be turning into a positive outcome or staying that way, and if you are looking for an answer, it is ‘yes’. An addition to your family or your circle of friends or even a new facet of life should be coming along shortly. Luck is also on your side at the moment. Make very sure you share any good fortune that comes your way and be careful of over-indulgence, obsession, pipe-dreaming and waste.

Magickal uses: Fertility, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, love, increases, healing. This herb is also known as devil’s bone, especially in the field of magick. Traditionally, it has been wrapped in a red cloth and carried to ensure vigorous health and a strong constitution. It can also be carried to attract a new love interest.

I hope your message resonated, and that the light of the Solstice brings you the clarity, healing and blessings you need!

If you are in or near Toronto, ON, please join us in-person on Friday, June 21st, 2024 for our Summer Solstice Circle: Magickal Plant Allies. We will go on a guided meditation journey to connect with a plant ally, create herbal charm sachets, feast and celebrate together!

Solstice and Full Moon Blessings!

Serena

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The Cauldron Times- Navigating Eclipses & Transitions

It’s Eclipse Season again, which is what I lovingly call a collective ‘Cauldron Time’, which is a time of transformation that impacts us deeply and can alter the course of our lives.

Spanning from the Spring Equinox until about the end of April 2024, we are in one of these times. We had a Lunar Eclipse on March 25th, we have a Solar Eclipse on April 8th and we also have Mercury retrograding from April 1st-24th. This period emphasizes the need for flexibility and inner reflection as things shift and change to bring us onto a path more aligned with who we truly are.

The Cauldron is a symbol prominent in Celtic Myth that represents transformation and rebirth. I think of ‘Cauldron Times’ as those times in life where we are neither ‘here’ anymore, nor ‘there’ yet. We are stewing and brewing in the Great Mother’s cauldron, surrendering to her plan for us, as she seeks to helps us grow into our full potential.

We can think of a Cauldron Time as a spiritual gateway, a metaphorical cocoon, a mysterious twilight, a period of being betwixt and between while we await a transformation to complete.

Cauldron times can range from uncomfortable to very challenging or even traumatic. Some examples of natural transitions I would consider to be Cauldron Times are puberty, pregnancy, becoming a parent, midlife, perimenopause/menopause, illness/healing and dying. Other common ones are marriage & divorce, moving, ending/starting a career path, business or relationship. There are many more.

Cauldron Times are anytime we are no longer who we once were and not yet who we will be. This is, in a way, the human condition itself, as we are always evolving and changing! But the Cauldron Times are characterized by a more intense period of struggle with our sense of self, identity, and feel a clear ‘before’ and ‘after’ version of who we are and our life path.

Often after a Cauldron Time we find there is no going back to who we once were. They commit us to a new level in our evolution and growth.

The Cauldron Time transforms us thoroughly enough to mark us. Sometimes we may not even be aware of how deeply an experience etched itself on our souls until many years later. Sometimes what seemed like a regular job, or relationship at the beginning turned out to be life changing, altering our sense of self or path forever.

A Cauldron Time can last days, weeks, months or years, depending on what type it is. It may begin and end abruptly, or be much more gradual.

Surrender

Many Cauldron Time experiences leave us with little to no control. Things are breaking down, dissolving or falling away in order to make way for something new. This is often painful. In most cases we must surrender and accept the change taking place and find ways to cope and evolve through it. There may be adjustments to make, new things to learn, and inner healing required to move through it. Denying or resisting this kind of change or controlling its trajectory is often futile. 

We are conditioned in school to believe that if you have good intentions and work really hard, you can achieve your goals. That if you behave and follow the rules, you’ll receive rewards. That you control your destiny. That life moves in a straight line of logical decisions and accomplishments.

But as we grow up, we find out the real world isn’t like that. Bad things happen to good people. There are folks who treat their bodies terribly who live into their 90s and young healthy athletes who die of cancer. There are kind loving couples who struggle to have a child, and abusive people who have lots of children. A global pandemic can hit anytime. You can lose everything through no fault of your own. Life isn’t fair or logical. It can be painful, nonsensical, chaotic. We are most definitely not always in the driver’s seat.

Fate can swoop in when it feels like it to wash away all your efforts. It can come out of left field and drop you on a completely different course. Oftentimes these changes teach us important lessons. Maturity comes with an awareness and respect for the larger forces at work in the universe beyond our individual human self. It comes with humility and learning how to accept, adapt, and do our best with the cards we’re given. It doesn’t mean we give up on life completely, or let go of personal responsibility. But acknowledging that devastating loss, hardship, betrayal and pain is an essential part of our evolution can help us accept, learn, and become more empathetic people.

To me, surrender is the art of learning the limits of our manifesting ability and trusting the divine to bring us where we need to be, to learn the lessons and have the experiences our soul needs.

Sometimes we need to trust divine timing and the flow of life. This is one of the biggest lessons of a Cauldron Time. In letting go of our usual habits, expectations and assumed reality, we can grow into a more expansive, strong, wise, compassionate version of ourselves.

Eclipses

Eclipses are times where the hands of fate often move us off one course and onto another. It is believed that they bring us back onto our path if we’ve strayed. It depends, of course on how the eclipse hits our unique astrological chart. Some will affect us greatly, and others we may barely notice. Not every eclipse will feel like a Cauldron Time for us, but it may for someone else.

Eclipses often conceal the fullness of a situation but also reveal something we were unaware of.  Previously concealed information, news and proclamations from others may come out of the blue. While new information may come to light, the full situation may not yet be fully clear, so it can be good to move cautiously rather than react impulsively.

Eclipses are super-charged full and new moons. Emotions are high, and everyone feels a bit more on edge. Our sense of time may alter as well, as it can feel like more time has passed than actually has, because things change more intensely in a short period.

Emotional triggers often happen around eclipses, which can reveal to us how we really feel about something or someone, or how someone really feels about us. This may change our relationship with the person permanently, for better or worse. Eclipses are very much about shadow work. They reveal what’s been in shadow and what is beneath the surface. They ask that we deal with these truths.

Eclipses help enhance our self-awareness and align us with our true self and support our growth and evolution. There is no predicting exactly how we will experience an Eclipse. But it is said that whatever transpires during an eclipse was meant to be, and it is putting us on path. It is also considered a time where we don’t need to make things happen, because life is trying to get us to flow in a particular direction, so the more flexible we are, the better.

During this time of transition, having some guidance can help.

I believe we are meant to trust our wisest selves, and not just blindly listen to the advice of others. So, keep in mind, while I will offer some advice based on my own experience, please just do you, experiment and follow what you feel works for you!

Here’s my little advice list for dealing with Eclipses:

  • Remember that some eclipses will affect you more deeply, and others may feel mild. It may not really be a Cauldron Time for you, but it may be for someone you know. You can be empathetic and supportive to them in that case. Also, the collective will likely be impacted, and so we are too, as we are all connected.

  • Leave space in your schedule for the unexpected and for processing your feelings. If you overschedule yourself, you may get stressed out, reactive or say things you regret later, because emotions tend to run high. You may also find things just don’t pan out how you hoped. Take it as an invitation to slow down, do a bit less and draw your attention inward.

  • It’s not the best time to schedule important gatherings, social events, or project launches you want to go smoothly. Eclipse energy can be chaotic, unpredictable or have unintended consequences. A launch or gathering is easier to handle once eclipse season is over, when the energies are more stable. Permission to stay home and be a hermit! However, if you do have something planned you cannot change or you feel strongly about the timing, it may be an experience you need, or part of your growth journey. It also really depends on the type of gathering, and the eclipse energies. As a highly sensitive introvert, I usually avoid large gatherings at this time (and most of the time, lol).

  • Stay grounded yet flexible. Eclipses have a way of uprooting us or making us feel a bit nervous or edgy. Keep your daily routines- regular mealtimes, meditation, exercise, spiritual practice, etc. going at a steady rhythm to keep your grounded and centered. Along with this, just be open to new ways of seeing and doing things. Be like a Willow tree- rooted yet soft.
  • Take a break from manifesting. Often folks wonder if they should do manifestation spells and rituals under an eclipse. I personally don’t because I find the energy is too intense and chaotic. Things are breaking down and shifting. The soil is being cleared and turned. The weather is stormy. If you plant seeds, they may take if you’re lucky, but why not wait until conditions are favorable? The conditions are favorable for inner work, however. Connecting with our own emotions, shadow work, healing and transformation are what eclipses encourage. I apply this for both the solar and lunar eclipse, and the whole eclipse season. Again, feel free to experiment for yourself.

  • It’s a great time for grounding and processing rituals, such as journaling, reflection, a craft, yoga, movement, nature walks, Tarot, anything that helps you be present with yourself and how you feel, and anything that encourages self-awareness or healing is wonderful. It’s also ok to do nothing in particular and just go with the flow!

  • It is a great time to get support- from a healer, therapist, or a friend to help you navigate your feelings and thoughts. You don’t have to completely hole up and avoid life during eclipses. Healing, support and care are available. I do tend to be a Hermit during Eclipse season, with the exception of my work and things that serve my wellbeing.

Any of the above list can apply to another Cauldron Time you may be experiencing. Be kind to yourself. Be patient with the process. It’s ok to be a work in progress. It’s ok to be neither here nor there, betwixt and between!

Being in Transition is Counter-Cultural

I think one of the hardest things about being in a state of transition or change is that it is frowned upon by our dominant culture. Our mechanized world loves clear definition, boxes and hitting goals.

What if our goals change? What if we aren’t who we thought we were? What if we have a goal, but it’s a winding road there, and the messy, ugly in-between part lasts a long time?

You are allowed to be a mess. For life to be a mess. To not know the next step. To feel confused, overwhelmed or tired. You’re allowed to neither be here nor there. We’re all a work in progress. Letting go of our need to have it all figured out and fit into a neat box is the first step.

Trust that in time, things will come together, how and when they are meant to. I fully believe in Divine Timing. While it can be challenging, I am learning the importance of surrender in making transitions empowering, healing experiences rather than scary ones.

Aries Energy

Mercury goes retrograde on April 1st in fire sign Aries, adding even more emphasis on our need for flexibility and self-awareness. Our ‘spring forward’ momentum may feel slowed down. On April 8th, we have the Solar Eclipse in Aries.

Aries energy helps us to home in on what our most authentic desires are. The next few weeks can help us identify the ways in which we want to nurture our personal needs, passions and independence, trailblaze or start something new. It can also help us find ways to live more in alignment with our inner flame. It may help us heal some wounds around who we truly are, help us shed fears and live more bravely and authentically.

We may feel frustrated at times, since linear progress may not happen how we want or as fast as we want this month, as Aries loves to push forward. But we are making progress here. As we re-align with who we truly are and what we truly want, we make progress. As we re-kindle our inner flame of passion and energy, we make progress. As we release the insecurities, masks and heavy expectations we no longer need, we make progress! Inner work is the foundation of making our dreams happen in the physical world.

The Eclipses and Mercury retrograde come to make sure we are moving forward in the right direction instead of the wrong one. There is method to the universe’s madness!

Here are some reflection questions you can work with over the next few weeks. Feel free to apply them to a specific situation you are struggling with.

  •  What do I feel ‘done’ with?
  • What is no longer working for me?
  • Where could I afford to be a bit more honest? A bit more vulnerable? A bit braver?
  • What persistent desire keeps bubbling up to be felt, no matter how often I try to push it down?
  • What lights me up inside?
  • What habits or actions do I do regularly that drain my energy?
  • What habits or actions help to fuel my energy?
  • What parts of myself do I feel insecure about?
  • What parts of myself am I proud of?
  • What part of myself do I feel needs more space to exist and express itself in my life?
  • What part of myself or desire have I been neglecting or pushing away?

I hope this was a bit of a helpful guiding light for your path as we navigate the transitions of April, and beyond. Note that you can apply much of this to any transitional time you are navigating, like a big life change, whether it is short term or long term.

If you’d like some support and guidance for your journey at this time, I offer Tarot Readings to shed light on your situation and bring balance to your mind, body and spirit! I also offer 1 on 1 Reclaim Your Magick Sessions to help resource you for stressful times.

Blessings,

Serena

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The Fertile Darkness- Dwelling in the Dark Womb

The Fertile Darkness- Dwelling in the Dark Womb

We live in a world obsessed with growth, light and productivity. Capitalist conditioning runs deep within our bones, urging us to behave like a machine rather than a fleshy, sensitive human that requires rest in mind, heart, body and soul.

There is rarely an allowance for receiving, waiting, or incubating. There isn’t much room for uncertainty or mystery. We must always be ‘on’ rather than flow with our creative cycles, which have dormant periods and transitional spaces.

Nature teaches us that growth is a cyclical process with distinctly different phases.  While I’ve been facilitating circles and centering my work around these teachings for years, the phase I feel is most important to focus on is the dark season, which we are in now.

The dark season is here to show us how darkness is a source of massive creative potential, healing, and inspiration.

The dark time of year, specifically this time nearing Solstice, the seemingly fallow ‘death’ phase of late autumn/winter, corresponds to the dark moon, old age, the Crone archetype, and the Dark Goddess. In addition to it being an earthly season, it is also an inner season that we may experience for varying lengths of time, during periods of personal transformation, loss, creative dry spells, natural aging or moving from one phase of life to another.

This is the aspect of life I feel we most need to collectively reclaim, and explore in our personal lives, as we typically resist it. It is not inherently negative; we have just been conditioned to think of it as such.

Darkness dwells in us all, and the Dark Goddess teaches us that this is a place of fertility, magick, beauty and mystery within us. It is where our potency and power lie. But we must be willing to do the work of unraveling our conditioning to access its gifts.

Rather than running or numbing out the discomfort of difficult emotions or being in a fallow phase, it is much more empowering to embrace it.

Our darkness may show up when we’re triggered emotionally, when we meet with shadow aspects of ourselves, through life changes or loss. These times can trigger fear, anxiety, ‘fight, flight or freeze’ responses in us.

Perhaps something has ended, and we just want to rush into the next thing- like a rebound relationship, job, or activity. Or perhaps we simply feel stuck or frozen in the status quo as we resist acknowledging it.  

We may reach for our favourite numbing agent or try to escape by traveling or distraction. This is fine and human. But the feelings will likely just come back again in the future, as things are cyclic, so we might as well use the opportunity to grow.

If we practice embracing the darkness, the uncertainty, the grief or the fear and shame- if we feel the feelings, sit with the discomfort rather than running or numbing, we actually evolve, learn and heal.

Embracing the darkness begets growth.

Nature’s Teachings on Dormancy

Currently, the weather is getting colder, the sky darker, and it seems as though everything is dying around us or going to sleep. But this is a crucial stage of growth and magick happening behind the scenes.

Many seeds require several months of dark, cold dormancy for them to take root. This is why we plant tulip bulbs in autumn, as they need the dormant period first, to grow in spring. Some seeds take weeks, months or even as long as 50 years of dormancy before sprouting!

Dormancy is not death. It is a waiting period of transformation and uncertainty. This ‘not-knowing’ makes us uncomfortable, as we are conditioned to always have a sense of clarity on where we are going, but the reality is, much of the time life just doesn’t go how we imagine it would or how we want it to.

The dark dormancy period may last a short while or a very long time. It is a mysterious, magickal, fertile stage. It’s where one could say life truly begins. It is where energetic potential and physical potential slowly merge and mingle, doing the actual work that begets visible growth. This is where the roots grow, drawing nourishment into the seed that will one day sprout and grow into a beautiful plant.  Even if it seems not much is happening, a lot is. New foundations are forming.

Tending to our Roots

Roots are the most important part of a plant, but grow downwards, not upwards. They’re not always visible to the outside world, but they are essential. We humans are like plants, and tending our roots is a tender, sacred, vulnerable act.

Like plants, so much that is essential for our own well-being and growth goes on beneath the surface and lies within our roots. Our roots are connected to our foundations in life- childhood, home life, family and ancestry, our spiritual beliefs, values, and of course in our physical body. They are found in the basic building blocks of who we are.

When we get triggered, or feel low or in pain, it can be wise to follow the feeling down to its roots. We can follow it into our body, into our childhoods, beliefs or even our ancestral inheritance.

Once we find the root of something, we can bring a tender loving energy towards it and then the pain it holds will lessen. The pattern shifts. This inner work is transformative, healing and has impact not only on us but all those connected to us. It is one of the gifts the darkness brings us- Stronger, healthier roots, which help us personally and collectively thrive in the future.

The Importance of Rest and Retreat

We all began in the darkness of the womb. Our instincts know on a deep level that darkness and retreat are required for living life. As humans, we spend about one third of our lives sleeping! This is our daily dose of resting in the dark womb.

During the dark season we require more sleep, more solitude, more time in the dark womb.

In the dark times of our lives, we often feel this pull by our soul. Just like our body gets exhausted at the end of the day, our soul gets weary over time and longs to come home. Our soul requires rest and renewal too.  

When we feel we are going through a dark or fallow period in our life, it is often because an old part of ourselves is changing and a new part of ourselves is taking root. This requires a lot of energy and can make us feel weary and tired.

We may feel disoriented, confused, like everything around us is dissolving. We don’t know what to do next, or how to manage or control the situation. A relationship, project or dream dear to us dissolves. Things end, and we may be carrying grief, confusion, frustration or give up hope as we descend into what seems like a dark chasm, meeting a void of nothingness, as we cannot see ahead or even understand where we are now.

But in these times, we are in the Dark Womb of the Great Mother, or The Dark Goddess. We are held by Her warmth, and by the grace of Her Mystery. We are beneath the soil, letting go of our previous form, to become something new and beautiful.

Like the tulip bulb, our growth can only happen if we are willing to surrender and rest in the darkness for as long as is necessary. We must trust in the process, let go of our need to control it, and have the courage to be present to the magick unfolding, as quiet or subtle as it seems.

The Art of Surrender

While the process of transformation often requires surrender, I don’t think of surrender as passive or powerless. Surrender, I am discovering is quite an art. It requires our active participation and presence. It may require extrapolating our perception of surrender from powerlessness, which for some of us go hand in hand.

When in a process of change, we are meant to surrender by letting go of certain conditioned habits, stories about ourselves or ways of doing things that are holding us back. Often the resistance to change is more painful than the change itself.

Surrendering doesn’t mean we do absolutely nothing, give our power away or self-victimize. It means we consciously soften into a new way of being that our soul is longing for. When we choose to soften into our soul’s longing, stay present with all that are feeling, and accept all that we are experiencing, we are practicing the art of surrender. This is a courageous act.

In times of darkness, it often means we are simply taking root. We are incubating a new birth. We are meant to trust the process, and trust that we will know when it’s time to come up into the light of day again.

How to Embrace the Darkness as Your Ally

If you feel called to work with the darkness this season or anytime in your life you feel in a dark period, here are some practices to work with:

-Turn the lights off completely or light a single candle as you just sit in the darkness as a nightly ritual. You may wish to do this while you relax in the bath, or at your altar, or sitting up in bed before going to sleep. Rather than reaching for your phone or another activity to ‘unwind’, try just letting the darkness enfold you, and imagine it holding you like a mother. Feel its peace.

What feelings come up for you when you sit in the dark?

-Go for a nighttime walk. Perhaps you already walk in the dark with your dog in the evening or just coming home after work, but instead of it being routine, let it be an intentional, sacred walk for your heart and soul. Look up at the stars and moon. Feel the energy of the trees whispering in the night, notice the night creatures- raccoons, cats, possums, bats and the nightlife that surrounds you.

What feels different when you walk at night vs in the daytime?

-Get to know a Dark Goddess and work with Her. What makes a goddess ‘dark’? She may be associated with harsh weather such as winter, storms, wind or cold. She may also be associated with war, strife, or death. She may be associated with transformation, nighttime, old age, wisdom, or healing. Dark goddesses’ myths may depict them in frightening ways; however, they are often the strongest, most protective and healing goddesses that come to help us when we are going through the most difficult times in our lives.  Some examples are: Hecate, Persephone, Medusa, Nyx, Kali, Sekhmet, Nepthys, Nut, Ereshkigal, Lillith, Hel, Pele, Baba Yaga, Cerridwen, The Morrigan, An Cailleach.  

Is there a Dark Goddess you are drawn to? How might her story or personality reflect your own?

-Go to bed earlier and pay attention to your dreams. The longer we sleep the better chance we will have more dreams to remember! Often our dreams communicate to us the truth about how we are feeling, and deeper wisdom coming from our Spirit and Guides about our life. Keep a dream journal. Notice how you feel when you awaken.

What emotions or symbols come up in your dreams? How do you feel when you get more sleep?

-Practice acceptance and the art of surrender. What part of your life is asking you to soften and change? Is there something that you need to accept but are resisting? Perhaps there are signs in your life that something has come to an end or needs to shift for greater well-being. What isn’t worth fighting anymore? One way to embody surrender is to move your body. Put on some music you enjoy and move in whatever way feels good. This can help prevent us from getting stuck or rigid and open to ways of being.

Where in your body can you invite in some more softness, gentleness or acceptance?

May your journey through this dark season be rich with healing, rest and the love and protection of the Dark Womb and the Dark Goddess.

Xo

Serena

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Heeding the Call Inward at Equinox

Autumn calls us inward, urging us to release that which we no longer need, and gather what sustains and nourishes us for winter.  Autumn is not only a season outside of us, but an inner season as well- one that favors deep spiritual renewal and growth.

As we descend from the lighter half of the year into the darker half, we are invited to tend to aspects of ourselves we may have neglected over the summer months. We can integrate shadow parts that may have cropped up into our awareness, as well as discover hidden seeds of wisdom and new creative beginnings within our soul.

Like the acorns that fall from the oak to the ground now, creative ‘seeds’ are planted in our energetic womb for incubation, growth and birth in the light half of the year.

This is where it’s important to slow down so we can hear our inner voice, sense the deep longings of our soul, and allow for these seeds to find fertile ground within.

What has been whispering for your attention lately?  Is there a part of you that perhaps has been neglected, forgotten, or simply not given a voice?

As we prepare for the inner journey, we must pack light.  We don’t want to carry any burdensome energy drains with us into winter. This is the season to lighten our load, simplify and release. Let our emotions bubble up and into our consciousness to be transformed. Let any excess be composted into the soil. Create space.

What are you carrying on with that is draining your energy? What can you let go of to lighten your load? Can you simply sit and be with your feelings?

We are invited to be open, embrace change, cry, grieve, to feel it all and let it move through us; To enter the realm of mystery, shadow, longing, and hidden gems of passion that we’ve forgotten.

A cool breeze can awaken new inspiration or a jolt of clarity on your daily walk. The falling leaves may bring up an old grief or a reminder of the fleeting nature of life.

Rather than trying to cling onto the familiar or hold rigid to ideals and old habits, autumn teaches us to simply allow things to shift and flow into their new form.

Surrender is our superpower. Gratitude is our anchor.  

Gratitude & Grief- They Go Hand in Hand

Autumn Equinox is also called ‘Witches’ Thanksgiving’, as it is the harvest season. It is a time of gratitude for the abundance of the Earth Mother, for the support we have in our lives, for all the good things, big and small.

The harvest season can be a time where we reap what we have sown in our own lives- projects, relationships, personal growth etc. We can reflect on our efforts of the last several months, notice what has bloomed and produced, as well as what didn’t.

We may have grief to process, and an awareness of what we need to accept or let go of, existing alongside gratitude for what we have lost, as well as what we still have. While seemingly odd bedfellows, grief and gratitude go hand in hand.

Gratitude often helps us flow through grief. Gratitude can act as an anchor for us during times of change, reminding us that we are taken care of and loved even when things feel chaotic or challenging.

After a very hot, chaotic summer, I am even more grateful than usual to be at this point in the Seasonal Wheel. It’s been a busy time of obstacles and setbacks in most areas of my life- work, home, relationships and personally. It’s been a year of disappointments, frustrations and waves of burnout for me, accompanied by lots of shadow work. To be honest, I’m pretty exhausted. Yet, each day, taking time to feel gratitude is helping my energy come back. Focusing on the love and abundance in my life shifts me out of negative thinking patterns around what didn’t work out and what is naturally ending.

I’ve been making a point of walking more and simply taking in the beauty around me. The cooler air has been a harbinger of clarity and renewal. A reminder that new seeds are awaiting, and my spirit is calling me on an inner journey.

What do you feel grateful for?

The Power of Pause

Over the summer, I was keenly aware of my need for darkness, coolness and quiet. As is typical for me in summer, I slept terribly, didn’t have much alone time, and operated mostly in survival mode, as I don’t do well in hot weather and excessive sunlight. (I’m more of a night plant or winter-bloomer!)

I knew I needed to have that quiet space to hear my spirit speaking. But as I often do, I let life’s busy-ness override that need. I kept putting it on the backburner- knowing I’d have more time later.

Now that it is later, I have the time, but I’ve really had to coax myself to slow down and allow for the necessary pause. It’s been a practice working on letting go of the need to fill free moments and instead hold space for my spiritual renewal.  

Energy seeks to fill empty space, so it is important to open to receiving what you need, while having an intention. In my case, I wanted to hear what my spiritual life was asking of me. So, I opened to that, and almost immediately, my spirit whispered to me my next steps, which was to take an upcoming course on Welsh Goddesses and to continue learning on my path of Welsh Witchcraft.

What has your soul been calling for? What can you shift in your daily life to honor that?

Nurturing Boundaries for Energetic Health & Integrity

Over the last two years with The Cauldron Goddess, I have found it challenging to balance creating spiritual content and offerings while also tending to my own spiritual needs.

My spiritual path is very personal and dear to me, and there is pressure these days to share everything all the time, with the public, constantly, which I feel is unnatural and invasive. Also, as an introvert, I don’t get the dopamine hits extroverts do off social media. I find it exhaustingly inauthentic, and irritatingly manipulative of people’s desires for validation and attention.

Leading an online existence is draining for me. So, I have paused posting online and drastically lowered my social media scrolling for several weeks now and I am much better for it! Reclaiming my spiritual need for privacy, living in the moment and experiencing life in 3D has been a positive shift. These boundaries have helped me feel more nourished by my spiritual practice, and more relaxed in general.

I will still post online and share in my blog, but only on my own terms, rather than in service of an algorithm or social pressure to be a content-machine. I will decide what and when to post based on how authentic it feels to me.

Are there boundaries you’d like to create to support your energy or personal integrity at this time?

Letting our Harvest Ripen in its Natural Timing

When it comes to spirituality, I like to take my time, years in fact, to fully digest what I learn and experience before sharing it with others, especially if it’s in any type of ‘teaching’ capacity.

Over the last few years, I have been learning Welsh, studying The Mabinogi and learning from Welsh Witches, Druids and scholars in the ways accessible to me. I went on pilgrimage to Wales, am learning about Celtic history and have been keeping a consistent practice in devotion to the Goddess Cerridwen. There has been a lot of inner growth and change related to this, however, I rarely share my experiences in these matters publicly, despite the name of my blog and social media pages!

This is because my sense of spiritual integrity demands time for integration and ripening. Boundaries and privacy are necessary to allow that ripening of creativity and wisdom. Sharing unripe fruit with others not only tastes bad but can cause indigestion.

I’ll only share something when it’s ripe and ready. Everything I share is something I have been working with for some time already, (years), and feel confident about.

My recent reflections have made it clear that I need to focus more on my own path for a bit so I can bring new insight and offerings to The Cauldron Goddess. If you hear from me a bit less, that is why. But I encourage you to stay tuned, as I will bring any ripe fruit to the table from my harvest!

In the meantime, I continue to trust in life’s natural cycles, and urge you to do the same, even when in a difficult season or phase. The wheel only keeps turning and each turn brings us new experiences, wisdom and inspiration. Every plant has its own timing in which it flowers or bears fruit. Some plants bloom only at night, and some only produce colourful berries in winter.

There is no such thing as a barren season. Every phase has its fruit- whether on an inner level or an outer one. You only need to tune into your unique cycles.

What is ripening in your life? What still needs some time before harvesting? What is going to seed? Can you patiently embrace this phase for what it is?

I wish you much love, healing and gratitude during this harvest season. May whatever phase you find yourself in bring you into deeper wisdom and inner sovereignty. May you enjoy your unique bounty to its fullest!

*If you’d like to read my post from last year’s Fall Equinox on Dancing with Our Shadow in Relationships, please read it here.

Thankyou for reading,

Xo

Serena

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Being Present & Embracing our Inner Seasons

I talk alot about cycles- seasonal cycles, astrological cycles, moon cycles, and the menstrual cycle.

I’ve always found it fascinating how our own psyches and bodies are mirrored through these cycles around us. Knowing that whatever we are struggling with is temporary and part of a natural cycle, is deeply comforting. Understanding the nature of the energy we are dealing with and how to work with it rather than against it can be so empowering.

Aligning with the cycles of nature can be a healing act of resistance, too. When we remember we are nature, we tap into a power that our capitalistic cultural conditioning seeks to suppress.

But, we are complex beings. Sometimes how we feel doesn’t match the season or phase we are in.  Just because it is summertime outside doesn’t necessarily mean we are feeling happy, expressive and social and aren’t experiencing grief, loss, or death (so-called ‘winter’ feelings). Just because it is the waxing moon doesn’t necessarily mean we feel energised and creative. We can have our bleeding time at any moon phase, even if bleeding resonates with the dark/new moon. We can experience a relatively chill and relaxing Mercury Retrograde or chaos and delays when it is direct!

This is partly because there are several cycles happening within us and around us at the same time- for instance, we could be going through a long Saturn transit (planet of restriction & loss) that goes on for years, and it overlaps with a season of abundance, or a transit of benevolent Jupiter.

It’s also partly because we are not meant to always look for explanations and answers outside of us- in theories, systems and patterns. Sometimes, we’re just meant to experience life in the moment and not overthink it! Sometimes, we just need to embrace whatever our current feelings and needs are and listen to them, and trust they are part of our growth.

Embracing our Inner Seasons and Cycles

None of these cyclical systems- astrology, the seasons, or the moon- is a perfect template for our life, nor is our understanding of them meant to be rigid, or fully understood so we can control our lives and make them foolproof.

After studying and living with this awareness for so long I feel that it is impossible to fully understand how cycles overlap and play into our lives. Leaving life to the Great Mystery is part of the fun, as well as a key spiritual ingredient to our growth and wisdom.

Increasingly, I’ve been feeling our human analysis of ‘how this cycle is supposed to go’ can be a trap that prevents us from flowing through our own phases more organically, in a more honest, authentic way.

Oftentimes in life, simply knowing ‘this is a temporary phase’ is enough. Remembering that death and rebirth happen simultaneously, and that energy is always changing is enough.

It’s ok to be in whatever phase you are in, for however long you need to be. It’s ok to flow back and forth between phases. There is no right way or wrong way. It doesn’t have to match up with anything outside of yourself. Your experience may resonate with a seasonal or lunar energy, or it may not, and it can happen any time, and its all good. It’s part of your path. You are not doing life wrong or misaligned somehow if your plans don’t match up with the moon or you’re not feeling the effects of Mercury retrograde!

Information vs Wisdom Gained from Experience

I’ve been thinking about this whole thing more lately because there’s been a huge increase in astrologers, psychics and witches- and all kinds of random people without any astrological knowledge or study behind them- talking about astrology, the moon and sharing information online. Some of it is parroted info, lacking in any substance or actual knowledge of its complexity or delineation.

I see lots of superficial cookbook associations such as ‘Venus retrograde means it’s the season of the ex!’ ‘Leo season means it’s time to sparkle!’, ‘Plant your intentions, it’s a fabulous new moon!’ (even if it’s under conflicting aspects). I know that friendly bite-size bits of info are all folks want to consume these days, so I get why this is a trend. However, it bothers me that this is where it usually stops.

I started studying astrology formally with a mentor with the Canadian Association for Astrological Education in 2001. Social Media wasn’t a thing back then. We were fringe-y weirdos into hidden knowledge. Ever since, I have been continuing to learn and live the knowledge, which gives a more nuanced perspective than when you simply read an article and parrot things other astrologers say for your own online content. When you study the cycles in-depth, you realise you have to actually live the knowledge and experience it yourself before you can say you know it or understand it. And even then, you still can’t truly know the secrets of the universe or even fully ever understand any of it.

The more I live it, the more I realise I don’t know. I also realise how spiritual systems of understanding are quite limited and can hinder our spiritual growth by encouraging us to continually measure our experience with external patterns, or gaze towards the future instead of fully being in the present. Especially since so much of our existence is online now, I feel it is more important than ever to instead gaze within and live more in the present 3D moment.

Being Present & Leaving Space for the Mystery

What makes life what it is, is its mystery. We’re not always meant to understand it or feel we can control it.

In witchcraft and astrological communities online, I repeatedly see the message that when the season is ripe, we should grab the bull by the horns and go for it! Every new moon, we are reminded to plant those seeds of intention. Every full moon, we’re told to release, let go, or watch what we say to avoid drama. I’ve repeated this narrative too, of course.

But, my practice has been shifting away from harnessing energy to create a desired outcome and instead just flowing with the energy and experiencing it within myself with no agenda.

This idea that we need to harness the energy around us at all times- do something with it, create with it, use it, feels kinda capitalist and colonial to me. I get that it can also be empowering sometimes, so I don’t mean to diminish that, but the messaging often feels steeped in our cultural shortcomings- The fear of being rather than doing, the fear of resting and not producing- and perhaps our biggest fear- being fully present within ourselves.

I feel it is too easy in today’s witchcraft to fall into this trap of needing to be in control, to overly focus on manifesting, to keep ‘using’ nature’s cycles to get what you want, and to spend more time creating online witchy content than living your actual witchy life.

What if we live fully in the moment? Without analysing, or striving to understand its context or place in the whole. What if we spend less time doing and more time being? What if we stop looking outside for validation and listen to the whisperings within?

My practice has steadily been shifting away from manifestation towards surrender over the years. It’s more about connecting with myself and my environment more deeply, rather than spellwork or ‘harnessing the energy’ all the time. I’ve been spending less time online in favor of staying present within my body and self.

I have been outgrowing practices I used to do and making shifts to honour where I am at now.

Midlife Weirdness and my Inner Fall-Winter

I feel I have been in a ‘fall-winter’ phase within for the last few years. My creative and social drive is low, my sensitivity, introversion and spiritual antennae is high.

My solace is the cave of the Dark Goddess, merging with the fertile darkness of Her womb, where all life begins. Cerridwen has been my companion through this. I have been in a process of simplifying, clearing and turning inwards.

I am in a particularly challenging phase of parenting, as my daughter nears her 15th birthday. I have hit middle age, and my role as mother, as partner, as healer and all the things I identified with is changing.

I am aware of my current astrological, hormonal and life cycles. However, this awareness hasn’t really helped me navigate the path as much as I would expect. My mind wants to analyse and understand but it is being quieted by my heart and soul who just want to experience. I am making space for this transition and doing my best to simply be present rather than grasp at activities that distract me away from it.

I can’t see more than this very moment in time right now, so I am embracing this call inward, this call to self, to letting what needs to fall away go.

I am letting go of my need to know and trusting the mystery before me no matter how strange and uncomfortable it is.

I trust that this process will help me on the next step of my journey.

Being called to the Cauldron of Change and Rebirth

There are times when the metaphorical cauldron calls me to deepen my spiritual lessons. I envision this cauldron as much larger than me, sitting in the earth, tended by Cerridwen.  I sit on the edge and dangle my feet in for a while, testing the waters. I may stay there for days, weeks or months, just slowly dipping in, one part at a time, like entering cold water, gathering the courage to let go of the rim and drop all in. Cerridwen is patient with me, most of the time.

I try to go voluntarily or else I know I may just get pushed in. I currently feel I’m headed in for another journey. I’m already quite immersed, I just need to let go of the rim. I don’t know how long it will be, or where it will take me, of course. Not knowing is key to its purpose.

Letting go is a practice. It takes practice to really tune into our internal creative rhythms and listen to the call of our soul- especially if it doesn’t align with our idea of where we ‘should be’ or with our environment.

Change is the only thing we can rely on. This is always a bit uncomfortable for me to accept.

What season are you in?

The seasonal energy I feel within is on the dark side- it resonates with the Last Quarter Moon, the Fall, Midlife, The Enchantress and the planet Pluto. Yet, it is none of those, exactly. This is my own unique experience, my own personal ‘season’- the spiritual phase I embody, as I type this under the high noon July sun and waxing moon. My season is my own.

I am on a journey of renewing my creative energies. Composting the past and incubating new seeds of growth for the future.

Following our creative rhythms takes courage, as it can go against well-worn patterns we’ve become stuck in, or the outside world’s demands- to constantly and consistenly produce and share all the time.

But as a creative soul, I know the importance of doing what is necessary to renew my energy, to keep my creative waters flowing without stagnating. To regain inspiration and motivation requires change and many journeys inward and down to the deep.

Is there a particular aspect of your life, where you feel in a reflective winter phase? A blooming summer phase? A change-filled spring or release of fall?

How do you feel when the focus of your energies is quite different from the energy around you?

What spiritual practices ground you into this moment?

If you are interested in learning practices for renewing your creative energy, as well as celebrating the season of First Harvest, please join me for my online circle on Tuesday, August 1st for First Harvest Circle- The Cauldron of Creativity! This will be my last seasonal circle before I take a pause to renew my creative energies. More on my journey to come, I recommend you sign up for my newsletter below for details.

Wishing you acceptance and love as you move through whatever phase you are in!

Xo Serena

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