Thinking in systems: How to create daily routines for a fulfilling retirement

How to structure your perfect day when you are retired or on a sabbatical.

They say that the euphoria after retirement lasts roughly 6 months to 1 year. Then, the boredom and depression set in. Or at least that’s what an acquaintance told me recently.

Well, six months in to early retirement, and I’m still ridiculously happy, not the least bit bored, and definitely nowhere near depressed.

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, though.

I’ve spent some time beating myself up for not being “productive enough”, for not working on all my projects and interests; for still feeling like I still didn’t have the time to do the things that I want to do, which is bananas!

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January 2025: Tarot spread for the full moon in Cancer

Plus an astro-tarot forecast, journaling prompts, and Womanrunes reading for the Cancer full moon.

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the January 2025 full moon in Cancer

The January 2025 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.

This full moon in Cancer can also usher in a new cycle of change, encouraging us to release old patterns, blocks, and goals that may be going nowhere. This energy is further amplified by the astrology around this time.

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The Word: 2025

Plus a reflection on last year’s word of the year

Word of the Year 2025

Choosing a word of the year can be an intensely transformative journey — even when you lose sight of your word, it doesn’t lose sight of you. I should know. This is, after all, my 11th year choosing a word of the year. And while there have been years when I have forgotten all about my word (I’m looking at you, 2020), that word has still, somehow, worked its magic in my life.

After all, words are spells. They have an inherent magic and power that can work in ways you may never have anticipated to bring you the exact medicine you need at any point of time. Which is why I don’t take my word of the year practice too lightly. I need to be clear on at least some aspects of what I’m drawing towards me with the word that I choose.

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December 2024: Tarot spread for the new moon in Capricorn

Plus an astro-tarot forecast, resources, and an exploration of the Sabian symbol for the new moon in Capricorn

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the December 2024 new moon in Capricorn

The December 2024 new moon falls in the sign of Capricorn; this is the second new moon this month, making it a Black Moon. This rare astronomical phenomenon occurs when there are two new moons in the same month, and generally indicates a time of significant change and transformation.

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.

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December 2024 reading wrap up

December 2024 reading wrap up

December has been a stellar reading month. I look at my Notion books tracker in amazement, counting and re-counting the number of books I’ve read. 8 books, a 9th in progress, and a 10th almost finished. By the time the month, and the year, ends, I would have read 10 books during the month! Even I’m not quite sure how that happened!

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December 2024: Tarot spread for the full moon in Gemini

Plus an astro-tarot forecast, release ritual, and The 2025 Visioning Workbook.

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the December 2024 full moon in Gemini

The December 2024 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.

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5 of my favorite books of 2024

2024 has been a wonderful reading year. I’ve read somewhat fewer books than the last couple of years, but there have been some absolute gems in the mix.

From dystopia to historical fiction, fantasy, romance and magical realism, you’re bound to find something that tickles your fancy in this list of my 5 favourite books from 2024

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The 2025 Book Bingo reading challenge

Read more, read widely in 2025!

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

Read on for all the details.

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The best apps and tools to track your reading goals and habits

best reading tracker apps and tools

As readers, we are constantly looking for the best way to track our books — be it keeping track of books that we want to read, books that we have read, or books that we own. There are a plethora of reading tracker apps, websites and tools that can help us track our books and reading, with new ones seemingly popping up on the regular. While it can be tempting to try all the new, shiny apps out there, especially when we see Bookstagram influencers waxing poetic on every shiny new app, for our own sanity, it’s helpful to try a few apps and tools and stick to them.

Here’s a handy list of some of the best tools and apps to track your reading goals and habits.

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December 2024: Tarot spread for the new moon in Sagittarius

Plus an astro-tarot forecast, resources, and an exploration of the Sabian symbol for the new moon in Sagittarius

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the December 2024 new moon in Sagittarius

The December 2024 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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