Struggling to journal? These journaling tips for beginners actually work

Simple journaling tips for beginners to help you slow down, clear your mind, and build a practice that fits your real life.

15 expert journaling tips for beginners that actually work

There are days when I sit down at my desk, pull out my journal, a basket of washi and stickers, and my favourite fountain pen, put on some music, and just begin writing. Some days, the pages fill easily. On other days, I’m there because I need to work through something that’s bothering me.

Getting to your journal daily, especially if you are a journaling newbie, can be a real struggle sometimes — life happens, and journaling is one of the first things to fall by the wayside. At other times, you may look at your journal and just not know what to write.

But in a time when so many of us are trying to slow down, step away from our screens, and return to more analogue ways of living, journaling offers a quiet, tangible space to do just that. Still, building a journaling practice for beginners that feels natural rather than forced can take a bit of experimenting.

Continue reading

April 2026 reading wrap-up

You know those books that sound really promising, but when you starting reading them, they simply fall flat?

At one time or another, most of us readers have either struggled through a book, or wondered at what point to give it up. Should we read just another chapter? Will the pace pick up soon? Will something interesting or exciting happen in the next chapter?

The reason I’m thinking about this is because I struggled through a book this month. Now, I’m usually pretty good at DNFing (did not finish) a book, but for some reason, I refused to give up on this one. I kept hoping for some brilliance, but it just kept disappointing.

So my question for you this month is, how do you decide when to DNF a book? Tell me in the comments?

Continue reading

May 2026: Tarot spread for the full moon in Scorpio

Plus an astrology and tarot forecast, journal prompts, and Womanrunes reading for the Scorpio full moon.

Tarot spread and astrology and tarot forecast for the May 2026 full moon in Scorpio

The May 2026 full moon falls in the sign of Scorpio. The Scorpio archetype is known for its intense power and its ability to transform, much like the butterfly emerging from its cocoon, ready to fly. The Scorpio archetype isn’t afraid of the birth-death-rebirth cycle, for it is only when parts of us die and are reborn that we can fully transform.

So perhaps it’s not surprising that spiritually, the Scorpio archetype teaches us to surrender — to align our human will with divine will. It can teach us that sometimes our human trials can reveal a need for deep healing. This is not always easy to live with or to understand, especially when the need for healing arises from trauma, and yet on the other side of working with and healing trauma there can be deep and valuable transformation.

This full moon also highlights our standing in the world, and with it, our personal sphere of influence and power. It also lights up our role in society and the ways in which we contribute to the world. Some of us contribute boldly, through activism, teaching, sharing of wisdom and knowledge, others in gentle, smaller ways, among our families and communities. Both ways of being in the world are necessary and valid.

Continue reading

April 2026: Tarot spread for the new moon in Aries

Plus an astrology and tarot forecast, new moon ritual, and herbal lore for the Aries new moon.

Tarot spread; astrology and tarot forecast; and ritual for the April 2026 new moon in Aries

The April 2026 new moon falls in the sign of Aries. The Aries archetype is known for its bold – often rash – action, for going where angels fear to tread. As the first sign of the zodiac, it represents the active core of our spiritual journey on earth, and teaches us to act in accordance with our ideals. The Aries archetype teaches us to be unafraid to march to our own drumbeat, to assert our willpower towards the attainment of our desires, and to embrace beginner’s mind and the innate trust and explosive power {conviction + action} that is needed to start something new.

Spiritually, the Aries archetype teaches us about action. And as most of us know, it’s easier to talk about the things we want to do than to put in the work and actually do the thing! Aries teaches us that courage is the key to unlocking the full potential of this spiritual principle. And that comes from connecting your head to your heart, focusing your will, and taking consistent action towards your dreams.

This new moon also highlights our sense of purpose and belonging. The ways in which we show up for ourselves and others. The things, great or small, that we accomplish for ourselves or within the wider world. It also highlights our partnerships — the people and ideas we collaborate and partner with, learn from, create with.

Continue reading

The 100 day project, but make it unpredictable

An update of the first 30 days of my 100 day project for 2026

The 100 day project but make it unpredictable. An update of the first 30 days of my 100 day project for 2026 - 100 days of play

For the 100 day Project 2026, my aim is to approach my art with beginner’s mind and some playful experimentation. I have some unfinished projects and ideas that I want to explore. But most importantly, I want to tap into that child-like feeling of play!

As adults, how often do we allow ourselves to play, after all? Bogged down by responsibilities and the “serious work of adulting”, play is something most of us forget to do. I aim to remedy that with my 100 day project!

I’m also giving myself grace with this project. I already know that I will have some breaks in between due to travel plans and family commitments. So my 100 day project will take a bit longer than 100 days to finish, and I’m ok with that.

Continue reading

April 2026: Tarot spread for the full moon in Libra

Plus an astrology and tarot forecast, journal prompts, and Womanrunes reading for the Libra full moon.

Tarot spread and astrology and tarot forecast for the April 2026 full moon in Libra

The April 2026 full moon falls in the sign of Libra. The Libra archetype is closely associated with justice and maintaining balance in social interactions and within the self. They are the true diplomats among the zodiac archetypes, and focus on fair dealings in all their relationships.

Spiritually, the Libra archetype teaches the principle of intimate balance, of the ability to remain centered and true to yourself no matter what may be going on around you. This is a skill that can be particularly helpful for those of us who turn up our noses at societal expectations as we dance to the tune of our own drum beat. Being able to remain centered is also an important skill to have if you’re surrounded by toxic people — and in these times, even toxic politics! One of the easiest ways to remain centered is through the breath, and by being able to distinguish between the things that are in your control, and those that aren’t.

Continue reading

March 2026 reading wrap-up

We’ve had some beautiful spring weather this month. Cool breeze, soft sunlight, and the chirping of squirrels forming a backdrop to my morning reading on the balcony.

Summer will be here before too long, so I’ve been soaking up this lovely spring weather while I can!

March reading wrap up

It’s been a languid reading month, with just 4 books read. This month’s reading took me down the halls of the Vatican, to a small village in Sweden, wandering through a magical inn, and to the somewhat haunted, gothic lake in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

Continue reading

March 2026: Tarot spread for the new moon in Pisces

Plus an astrology and tarot forecast, new moon ritual, and herbal lore for the Pisces new moon.

Tarot spread; astrology and tarot forecast; and ritual for the March 2026 new moon in Pisces

The March 2026 new moon falls in the sign of Pisces. The Pisces archetype is highly intuitive and very open to the flow of creative imagination. This is the sign of creative dreamers and mystics and visionaries, which makes this new moon an excellent time to flex your intuitive and creative muscles.

Spiritually, the Pisces archetype teaches the principle of unity, of recognizing the divinity within you. One way to understand this principle is by looking at creation – the creator {God, Universe, Source, however you wish to name it} created this earth, the rivers and seas, the trees, birds, insects, animals, man. Similarly, man has the ability to create – and to create consciously. It is this ability that points to the spiritual truth of Pisces, that we are spiritual beings having a human experience {with the emphasis on our humanness in all its frailty and beauty}. It is by accepting responsibility for consciously creating – which isn’t always easy – that you connect most deeply with the creator. Needless to say, empathy and compassion are the cornerstones of the Pisces archetype.

This new moon also marks a time of endings and new beginnings. It can bring up old issues, patterns, or blocks for another go-around or a final resolution. Healing work — be it therapy or self-healing techniques — will be helpful during this time. Spend some time to review where you have been focusing your attention and decide where you want to go from there.

Continue reading

March 2026: Tarot spread for the lunar eclipse in Virgo

Plus an astrology and tarot forecast, Womanrunes reading and journaling questions for the Virgo full moon lunar eclipse.

Tarot spread; astrology and tarot forecast; and journaling prompts for the March 2026 lunar eclipse in Virgo

The March 2026 full moon lunar eclipse falls in the sign of Virgo. The Virgo archetype is logical and practical, with an eye for detail and the steadfastness to go after their goals. This is a sign that thrives on meticulous planning, on honing skills to perfection and gaining mastery over their chosen vocation.

Spiritually, the Virgo archetype teaches the principle of devotion. One way to understand this principle is by looking at it through the lens of one’s devotion to their craft. While all the buzz seems to point towards profiting from your passion, there are numerous examples of famous writers and artists who held down a day job for most of their lives. Franz Kafka was an insurance clerk, Harper Lee was an airline ticketing agent, Mark Rothko was an elementary school teacher and Paul Gauguin was a stockbroker. They could all have given in to the dull drudgery of making a living, but they didn’t — and the world is much richer for their devotion to their craft.

We have the second eclipse of this season, wiht a total lunar eclipse that will be visible from Asia, Australia, and North America. This is the last total lunar eclipse until the December 2028/January 2029 New Year’s Blood Moon Eclipse.

Continue reading

February 2026 reading wrap-up

Mini book reviews across genres: literary fiction, magical realism, romance, crime and thriller

This month, I found myself in the middle of a fruit orchard, my back leaning against the trunk of a peach tree, surrounded by neat rows of trees as far as my eyes could see. The warm sun caressed my face and the air was filled with the sound of a thousand buzzing bees. There I was, surrounded by nature, a book in my hands…reading a few pages…soaking in the surroundings…feeling the warmth caress my skin. It was bliss!

And I’m wondering, what’s the most atmospheric reading spot you’ve found yourself in recently?

Continue reading