Felled by a tree

They came on their bikes and they cut down my tree¹.

Its branches couldn’t withstand the determined set of their jaw, thudding heavily to the ground as they lost the battle against the teeth of their saws.

The neighbors gathered below sounded like the Queen of Hearts shouting “off with their heads”, as they pointed at one branch and then another and said “chop it all off”.

I stood on the terrace and watched in horror, as the house in front of mine came slowly into view with every felled branch.

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January 2025: Tarot spread for the new moon in Aquarius

Plus an astro-tarot forecast, journal prompts, and herbal lore for the new moon in Aquarius.

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the January 2025 new moon in Aquarius

The January 2025 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 work life. If you’re currently working, especially in a job or providing a service of some kind, take a moment to reflect on how you are feeling with regards to your work. Are you overworked? Bored and de-motivated? Thriving and striving? Pay particular attention to any feelings associated with your work life and career goals during this Aquarius new moon.

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January 2025 reading wrap-up

It’s a brand new year, so let’s talk goals!

I usually set a reading goal on Goodreads — my goal for this year is 40 books. It’s been set at 40 books since a couple of years, actually, even though I usually end up reading a lot more than that.

This year, I thought I’d bump that number up to 50, but I immediately felt anxious about it, so back down to 40 it went. After all, there’s no point in stressing yourself out over something that you enjoy doing!

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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

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 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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