May 2024: Tarot spread for the new moon in Taurus

Plus an astro-tarot forecast, journaling questions and an exploration of the Sabian symbol for the new moon in Taurus.

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the May 2024 new moon in Taurus

The May 2024 new moon falls in the sign of Taurus. The Taurus archetype is grounded and steadfast, calm and composed, firm and also somewhat stubborn. This is a sign that is practical and earthy, and is associated with material pleasures, desires, luxuriousness, and abundance.

Spiritually, the Taurus archetype teaches the principle of belonging through presence…our presence as sacred human beings…honouring the body temple…honouring the flow of life. This can be difficult given the society we live in, which praises the hustle over reverence and treats time as money rather than a finite resource that should be used wisely in the pursuit of the things that give us meaning.

This new moon presents an excellent opportunity to spend time with friends and communities that nurture you and help you grow. If you’ve wanted to attend a workshop or plan an event or outing with friends or colleagues, this will be a great time to put those plans in action.

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April 2024 reading wrap-up

Reading wrap-up for April 2024. Mini book reviews of everything I read this month

It’s been a bit of a slower reading month, which isn’t surprising given the sudden spike in the temperatures in Delhi. I don’t know about you, but the start of summer generally throws me off-center. It takes me a while to acclimatize to the return of the oppressive heat.

Anyway, I read quite a mix of genres again this month — historical fiction, mystery and crime, and contemporary fiction. So, let’s dive right in to the April 2024 reading wrap up!

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April 2024: Tarot spread for the full moon in Scorpio

Plus some journaling exercises, an astro-tarot forecast and an exploration of the Sabian symbol for the full moon in Scorpio.

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the April 2024 full moon in Scorpio

The April 2024 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 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.

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April 2024: Tarot spread for the solar eclipse in Aries

Plus an astro-tarot forecast, journaling questions and an exploration of the Sabian symbol for the new moon solar eclipse in Aries.

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the April 2024 new moon solar eclipse in Aries

The April 2024 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.

We have the second eclipse of this season, with a total solar eclipse that will be visible in Mexico, the US and Canada. Parts of Western Europe, South America, Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic will also see a partial solar eclipse.

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March 2024 reading wrap up

It’s been a lovely reading month, with some truly delightful books that, much to my astonishment, all corresponded to one of the Book Bingo prompts! I’ve now finished all of the prompts from the last column and the second row. Double bingo!

It’s quite an eclectic mix of books in terms of genre too – mythological retellings, historical fiction, magical realism, and philosophy. Let’s dive in!

(Click on the book covers to purchase the book on Amazon.)

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March 2024: Tarot spread for the full moon lunar eclipse in Libra

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast and an exploration of the Sabian symbol for the full moon lunar eclipse in Libra.

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the March 2024 full moon lunar eclipse in Libra

The March 2024 full moon lunar eclipse 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.

This full moon also kicks off eclipse season, with the lunar eclipse visible in parts of Europe, Australia and Africa, as well as in North/East Asia, North & South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic & Antarctica.

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March 2024: Tarot spread for the new moon in Pisces

Plus an astro-tarot forecast, journaling questions and an exploration of the Sabian symbol for the new moon in Pisces.

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the March 2024 new moon in Pisces

The March 2024 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 full 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.

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February 2024: Tarot spread for the full moon in Virgo

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast and an exploration of the Sabian symbol for the full moon in Virgo.

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the February 2024 full moon in Virgo

The February 2024 full moon 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.

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Reading challenges for 2024

“We read to know we’re not alone.”
William Nicholson

Reading may be an inherently solitary activity, but it is something we can do as part of a wider community. Perhaps that explains the popularity of reading challenges. Or maybe they are just a way to hold ourselves accountable or expand our reading horizons. Whatever the case, as long as there are readers, there will be reading challenges!

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February 2024: Tarot spread for the new moon in Aquarius

Plus an astro-tarot forecast, a personal values exercise and an exploration of the Sabian symbol for the new moon in Aquarius.

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the February 2024 new moon in Aquarius

The February 2024 new moon falls in the sign of Aquarius. The independent, free-thinking Aquarius archetype encourages us to examine our inner wild self and celebrate everything that makes us unique. It is the archetype of the reformer, the idealist who strives for tolerance, unity, and a better and brighter society. And despite these rather lofty ideals, the Aquarius archetype isn’t afraid to get in there and get its hands dirty.

Spiritually, the Aquarius archetype teaches us how to be true to our own voice, to listen to and follow the calling of our own heart and soul. By learning how to tune in rather than out, by being true to the things that make us unique, we undertake the journey to individuation.

This new moon also highlights our sense of self-worth and self-esteem, which are intrinsically tied to our finances, our emotions, and the things we value. This Aquarius moon encourages us to reflect on our tangible and intangible possessions (our feelings and emotions, as well as our inner selves, needs and wants) and our values — specifically on the ways in which our material possessions are either harming or supporting us.

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