Book review: Edith and Kim by Charlotte Philby

A slow-burn spy novel that will appeal to fans of literary historical fiction.

In June 1934, Kim Philby met his Soviet handler, the spy Arnold Deutsch. The woman who introduced them changed the course of history. Her name was Edith Tudor-Hart.

Who doesn’t love a good spy novel? Espionage, undercover operations, the thrill of wondering if they will be caught…Except, Edith and Kim has none of this intrigue. Instead, Philby tells the story of Edith Tudor-Hart, the woman who changed the course of 20th century history, and was then written out of it.

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February 2023: Tarot spread for the full moon in Leo

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

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the February 2023 full moon in Leo

The February 2023 full moon falls in the sign of Leo. The bold and dynamic Leo archetype infuses us with a passionate zest for living. It is the archetype of the fiery creative who is confident and unafraid to stand in the spotlight. But this infectious dynamic can also succumb to its shadow aspects of overbearing pride, drama and arrogance.

Spiritually, the Leo archetype teaches the principle of creative manifestation. Clarity of thought and focused energy, which points to the spiritual principle that your beliefs about life tend to shape your life. You can see this spiritual principle at play with a regular gratitude practice. When you cultivate an active gratitude practice, you tend to experience a shift in your life and circumstances. And while your life may not change dramatically, your outlook to life can certainly shift.

This full moon also highlights our standing in the world, and with it, our personal power. It also lights up our role in society and the ways in which we contribute to the world. Some of us contribute in big and beautiful ways – through social 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 valid.

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The Word: 2023

Choosing a word of the year

Words, they say, are spells. And the word of the year can be an intensely potent spell that you cast not just over a year, but — dare I say it? — over a lifetime. They have an inherent magic and power that can work in ways you may never have imagined, to bring you the exact medicine you need at any point of time.

That medicine can sometimes be bitter, sometimes not. But like any good medicine, a word of the year can change you in bold and beautiful ways. Like Devotion. My word of the year for 2022. It was a bitter pill to swallow, and yet — it swept through my life, leaving me with some important and necessary questions to answer.

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January 2023: Tarot spread for the new moon in Aquarius

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast, an exploration of the Sabian symbol, and additional resources for the January 2023 new moon in Aquarius.

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the January 2023 new moon in Aquarius

The January 2023 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.

The January 2023 new moon also brings into focus the ways in which we communicate and the power of owning your voice. This isn’t always an easy thing – to speak your truth. There’s a lot of anxiety that it can bring up, around how you are perceived; how your words translate; and what people may think of you. It can lead to fears of being “found out” or ostracized – neither of which is a rational fear!

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January 2023: Tarot spread for the full moon in Cancer

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

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the January 2023 full moon in Cancer

The January 2023 full moon falls in the sign of Cancer. The Cancer archetype is emotional, intuitive, nurturing and healing. It also symbolizes “home” and all the things that home represents – not just our physical home, but also our emotions, energy, body, and the spiritual hearth of our souls.

Spiritually, the Cancer archetype is one of compassion, of recognizing that people, in general, act to the best of their abilities, limited by their education, upbringing and current awareness. The Cancer archetype knows that love and forgiveness, where possible, are the best way to respond to destructive behavior – along with firm boundaries, of course.

The first full moon of 2023 invites us to dig in deep and really get to know ourselves. What makes you tick? What do you want more of in your life? What do you want less of? In the daily hustle and grind, it’s easy to lose sight of who we really are, of what makes us tick, what drives us, and where we want to focus.

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Looking back at 2022: Reflections on devotion

Devotion. That was my word for 2022. And what an interesting experience it has been!

I started the year by listing down the areas that I was devoted to, all of the places where I wanted to bring my love + attention + care. That included my health and my relationship with my body; my art and creative practices; my relationships and friendships; and my connection with my soul + the divine.

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December 2022: Tarot spread for the new moon in Capricorn

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast, an exploration of the Sabian symbol, and additional resources for the December 2022 new moon in Capricorn.

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the December 2022 new moon in Capricorn

The December 2022 new moon falls in the sign of Capricorn. Symbolized by the mountain goat, which maintains perfect balance while it climbs over precarious rock ledges, the Capricorn archetype is one of disciplined and dogged determination towards the attainment of our worldly desires.

Spiritually, the Capricorn archetype teaches us about integrity and helps us to harness the ability to plan our work, and stick to it, no matter what. In these times of 24×7 consumption culture, it’s easy to be addicted with shiny object syndrome and forget about our goals and plans. Capricorn teaches us about the meaning of integrity: to align ourselves with our highest ideals and actualize our potential.

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.

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The 2023 Book Bingo reading challenge

Read more, read widely in 2023!

An open book with flowers, a tea cup and candles on a tray. Text reads the 2023 book bingo reading challenge hosted by Modern Gypsy

It’s time for an all-new edition of the Book Bingo reading challenge! This reader favorite is back for a fourth consecutive year, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of your reading journey once again!

Read on for all the details and some changes this year.

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December 2022: Tarot spread for the full moon in Gemini

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

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the December 2022 full moon in Gemini

The December 2022 full moon falls in the sign of Gemini. The Gemini archetype is very curious, an excellent communicator, and a disseminator of knowledge. It is the sign of the writer, of those who tend to think deeply, are highly perceptive, and prefer to learn from experience.

Spiritually, the Gemini archetype is about courageous conversation, be it with another person or with the Universe. Gemini adds its vibration to the advancement of culture and civilization through dialogue, be that via books or blogs or letters.

The December 2022 full moon also highlights our creativity and creative expression. It brings our personal pleasure and self-satisfaction to the forefront, highlighting all the little moments and things that bring us beauty and joy.

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November 2022: Tarot spread for the new moon in Sagittarius

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast and an exploration of the the Sabian symbol for the November 2022 new moon in Sagittarius.

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the November 2022 new moon in Sagittarius

The November 2022 new moon falls in the sign of Sagittarius. The freedom loving Sagittarius archetype is in a constant search for inspiration, new avenues of exploration, and adventure. This is a sign that gets bored of the status quo easily, and needs the rush of a new quest to keep them on their toes.

Spiritually, the Sagittarius archetype teaches us to cultivate our own personal relationship with the divine. Contrary to what most religions and a lot of spiritual teachers say, you don’t need an intermediary between you and Source/God/the Universe. You have that connection available to you at all times. Learning to tune in and trust that connection is where a lot of us seem to stumble, though.

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