Yesterday, I went live on Instagram with What's Your Sign Podcast to lead a meditation for today's new moon in Aries!  It was great fun to connect with  folks even when we are apart. Just one little bit of proof that there is so much love that is being shared through this trying time. This meditation celebrates that and holds space for our new growth and potential. So get settled in, create a space for you to be receptive, and enjoy the text below. I hope it allows for healthful reflection and planning of big dreams! 

We're back to the Rider-Waite-Smith deck for pick a card this week. Check out the answers after the jump!

I'm sure  many of us could use  some support with keeping our life in balance right now,  which is why I  am happy to share with  my 2018 zine your body is a gift: practical pathways to understanding your routine magic  totally free for TAKING UP SPACE subscribers!  this is a digital copy, available for immediate download.  There’s tarot spreads, spells, tips for getting your mind more organized, info on the signs and their relationship to routine, how to make your cycle your ally, and more. simple stuff compiled lovingly and with a soul-centered approach. I hope it provides some help for you during this time!  Leave a comment if you decide to download and check it out! 

 This week, we are using Jessika Fancy’s Visions crystal oracle deck! This is a beautiful deck that I believe is out of print now, but one that I have loved for several years. It’s been a little while since I have used this deck for myself, but I used to read from it every day! I find Jessika’s words and illustrations so resonate and sweet, the perfect medicine for clarifying tarot cards or going through uncertain times (like we are in now!). I am including her descriptions of the crystals and their correspondences from the guidebook that comes with the deck. She and her partner Dru (an amazing astrologer) are also affected by shut downs as a result of the coronavirus - they usually collaborate on a powerful project, combination astrological readings and tattoo sessions, but like many folks they have had to cancel their upcoming engagements and appointments. Send   them some love/$$$ if you feel compelled and are able! Read on for the reveal!

​Back to a video update for this week! In this video I talk about self care and the value of spiritual practices during times of uncertainty. The 7 of cups and swords show up to remind us of what we value in community and how to maintain our center during mass panic and worry.

Learning to work with herbs has been one of the biggest sources of support in my life. I truly believe that the earth provides us with near everything we need to live healthfully. This is no knock against modern medicine, as pharmaceuticals and medical care has helped me many times. Herbal and plant medicine, used in conjunction with staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and eating mindfully, is best used for preventative care and long term holistic nourishment. Here are some of my favorite herbal allies that I use on a regular basis.

• Nettle - An all-around restorative, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying herb, powerful and full of nutrients like iron, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins.
• Tulsi (holy basil) - an adaptogen and anti-inflammatory herb great for anxiety and digestion. I drink this pretty much every day - it lifts the spirits while simultaneously calming nerves.
• Raspberry leaf - a nutritive herb full of minerals and antioxidants, raspberry leaf is used for help with digestion and diarrhea. It is probably best known for helping folks with womb health, as it supports the uterus and reproductive action.
• Turmeric - an amazing ally with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Also helps with blood-clotting for those with heavy periods! For best results, take with fat and black pepper
• Ginger - Great for nausea, digestion, circulation, and with dealing with cold or flu symptoms. Antimicrobial and also great for helping with cramps!
• Garlic - For real for real nature’s miracle plant, antimicrobial, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory. Supports the immune system, circulation, and cold and flu symptoms. 

Do you notice that many of the plants mentioned help with digestion? The gut is known as the second brain, and is where most of our serotonin is produced! So being mindful of what you eat is essential to both physical and emotional health. If you have dietary restrictions, chronic health conditions, or a sensitive stomach, be sure to take care to prepare ahead of time by meal planning, scheduling grocery shopping visits (try not to shop when you are hungry/tired/sick), and asking others for help with cooking if you need it! For example, I like to make a big batch of nettle, raspberry leaf, and tulsi tea that lasts me for a couple days so I don’t have to make it every day. Since I’m in the van, I also try to make bigger batches of food when I am at a friend’s place or when I am housesitting so I have access to an oven to make meal preparation easier. 

Please recognize that I am not a doctor, nor do I claim that anything here can cure you of any ailments. Please consult a doctor, medical professional, and/or a certified herbalist before moving forward with any health plan! 

This is by no means an exhaustive list (heck, I could do a whole post just on mushrooms!). Would you like to see more posts like this from me? Leave a comment, and let us know what you think!

This week the  intuitive update is coming in text form! I recorded audio but I sound very stuffy and there's a bit of background noise, so I decided to transcribe the transmission.  You can read  it in full after the jump!

Ah, nothing like a full moon during a water sign  sun transit and Mercury retrograde, eh? But good news! Mercury has stationed direct and we have an extra hour of daylight. Spring is in the air and change is coming. Let's check out the pick a card answers for this week!

This week we pulled the 6 of cups! A card about nurturing and loving your inner child.  When I see the 6 of cups, I see myself as a child.  6s in the tarot feel familiar and cozy, like softness and hope. Take a listen and share how you feel about this card and message in the comments!