October 2024: Tarot spread for the solar eclipse in Libra

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

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the October 2024 new moon and solar eclipse in Libra

The October 2024 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.

This new moon we also have a solar eclipse, which will be visible in the southern part of North America, much of South America, the Pacific, Atlantic, and Antarctica. Solar eclipses typically lend extra oomph to the new moon, helping us to break habitual patterns, bringing in an awakening of sorts, and offering us a cosmic reboot.

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September 2024 reading wrap-up

September was a somewhat mixed reading month. I read a total of 7 books, finally breaking that ceiling of 4 books a month that I’ve been hitting since May, but some of them were just about average, which was a pity. The handful of interesting books more than made up for the disappointment of the damp squibs, though, which is always a silver lining when it comes to books and reading.

Without further ado, let’s jump into this month’s reading wrap-up!

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September 2024: Tarot spread for the lunar eclipse in Pisces

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

The September 2024 full 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.

This Pisces full moon also kicks off eclipse season, with a partial lunar eclipse that will be visible in Europe, much of Asia, Africa, North and South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic, and Antarctica.

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August 2024 reading wrap up

I spent most of August back home visiting my parents. My sister was home too, with her two children aged 4 years and 4 months, so it was a time for family and baby cuddles, and painting with the niece. But through it all, I did manage to read quite a bit too — from published diaries, to dystopia, a short story collection and general fiction. Here’s my reading wrap up for August 2024.

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September 2024: Tarot spread for the new moon in Virgo

Plus an astro-tarot forecast, space cleansing ritual and an exploration of the Sabian symbol for the new moon in Virgo.

The September 2024 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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August 2024: Tarot spread for the full moon in Aquarius

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

Tarot spread, journaling questions, and astro-tarot forecast for the August 2024 full moon in Aquarius

The August 2024 full 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.

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August 2024: Tarot spread for the new moon in Leo

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

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the August 2024 new moon in Leo

The August 2024 new 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.

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July 2024 reading wrap-up

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

I seem to be on a somewhat slower reading trend this year. Once again, I read just 4 books this month, 2 of which corresponded to Book Bingo prompts. But most of them were very interesting. This month’s book selections took me across the US and France in the 1990s, on a road trip in small-town America, to the Scottish Highlands in the 1300s, and the moors in Victorian England. Here’s my reading wrap up for July 2024!

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July 2024: Tarot spread for the full moon in Capricorn

Plus an astro-tarot forecast and an exploration of the Sabian symbol for the full moon in Capricorn.

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the July 2024 full moon in Capricorn

The July 2024 full moon falls in the sign of Capricorn; this is the second full moon in Capricorn this year. The first was towards the end of June, and took place in the first decan of the Capricorn zodiac. Now, the second Capricorn full moon this year arrives at the end of the zodiac, bringing us to the endpoint of our story.

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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July 2024: Tarot spread for the new moon in Cancer

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

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the July 2024 new moon in Cancer

The July 2024 new 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.

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