Book review: The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

Book review The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

All you can do with regard to your own life is choose the best path that you believe in. On the other hand, what kind of judgement do people pass on that choice? That is the task of other people, and is not a matter you can do anything about.

Billed as a Japanese phenomenon, The Courage to Be Disliked is written as a dialogue between a youth and a philosopher. If you were expecting Japanese philosophy, this books isn’t it. Rather, it revolves around Alfred Adler’s psychology, blended with wisdom from ancient Greek philosophers like Socrates and Plato.

Now that we’ve got that bit cleared out, let’s come to this book.

It’s eye-opening, controversial in parts, and quite a bit for this Jungian enthusiast to wrap her head around!

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October 2025: Tarot spread for the new moon in Libra

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

Tarot spread; astrology and tarot forecast; and ritual for the October 2025 new moon in Libra

The October 2025 new 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.

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Lessons from 1 year of early retirement: emotional transitions and finding peace

Lessons from 1 year of early retirement: emotional transitions and finding peace after corporate burnout

It’s been a little over a year since I took an early retirement from my corporate career, and as is typical around milestones, I’ve been reflecting on this journey — the burnout that started it all, and the emotional transitions and mental shifts that I’ve encountered along the way. And while I do not regret my decision to quit the corporate world in the slightest, there are still some things that, despite my emotional and mental preparation, took me unawares.

But let’s start from the beginning, shall we?

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October 2025: Tarot spread for the full moon in Aries

Plus an astrology and tarot forecast, journaling prompts, and Womanrunes reading for the Aries full moon.

Tarot spread and astrology and tarot forecast for the October 2025 full moon in Aries

The October 2025 full 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 full moon also highlights our creativity and creative expression, and directs our attention towards the activities and pursuits that bring us joy.

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September 2025: Tarot spread for the solar eclipse in Virgo

Plus an astrology and tarot forecast, new moon ritual, and herbal lore for the Virgo new moon solar eclipse.

Tarot spread; astrology and tarot forecast; and ritual for the September 2025 solar eclipse in Virgo

The September 2025 solar 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, with a partial solar eclipse that will be visible from New Zealand, a thin strip of Australia’s eastern coast, various Pacific islands, and parts of Antarctica. 

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Key to the self: Intuitive painting as oracle

An intuitive painting exploration, plus a creative practice invitation for you.

Intuitive Painting as Oracle: Intuitive Painting for Self-Discovery

When I first started painting intuitively, I used music as a tool to quieten my mind. Trance drumming, and artists like Wadaruna and Deya Dova were my favourites to paint to. The rhythmic, hypnotic beats would help me to empty my mind and get into an almost meditative state while I painted.

Slowly, I moved to a playlist of upbeat songs, which helped me to connect to my body, responding to the music and to what was happening on the page. During this phase of my journey, I would often dance around the studio as I painted — especially when I felt myself tightening up, trying to control a painting, or getting stuck on what my next move should be.

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September 2025: Tarot spread for the Blood Moon lunar eclipse in Pisces

Astrology and tarot forecast, tarot spread, journaling questions, and a Womanrunes reading for the September 2025 Blood moon lunar eclipse in Pisces

The September 2025 lunar eclipse 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, 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.

This full moon kicks off eclipse season, with the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022. The eclipse will be visible in most parts of the world, including Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean and Antarctica.

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8 cozy witch books with an edge

A stack of books with a cute coffee cup against a blurred background of a windowsill filled with flowers, representing the cozy vibes of these 8 cozy witchy novels with a serious edge

Cozy witch books have an irresistible charm, don’t they? They bring to mind spells and covens, small town witches and secret family potions, old grimoires and ancient magic. But the witchy reads I love most aren’t just soft and comforting, they have an edge…a bite. They’re the kind of autumn witch books that feel like soft woolen sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes, with a shimmer of danger and a bite of feminist fire.

If you’re looking for witchy novels with a gothic atmosphere that balance comfort with thrills, here are eight spellbinding choices to slip into this season.

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August 2025: Tarot spread for the new moon in Virgo

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

Tarot spread; astrology and tarot forecast; and ritual for the August 2025 new moon in Virgo

The August 2025 new 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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The surprising truth about Ikigai: The Japanese philosophy for a life well lived — not a purpose-finding blueprint

Ikigai is often touted as the Japanese philosophy for finding your purpose, expressed through a colorful Venn diagram that helps you explore the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

But what if I told you this was a lie?

The first lie: Ikigai isn’t a deep philosophy about purpose, it’s a simple word that’s rarely used in Japan in casual conversation.

The second lie: Ikigai has nothing to do with finding a lofty life purpose or figuring out what you can be paid for.

Instead, the true meaning of Ikigai is a feeling — a sense that life is worth living, rooted in the small daily joys and experiences that make you think, “Damn! It’s good to be alive.”

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