Walking barefoot has many benefits. And it’s one of the easiest ways to ground yourself to the earth. By allowing your skin to touch grass, sand, or mud, can absorb grounding energy.
Another plus to walking barefoot is that it may help improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles and ligaments of the foot.
Other ways absorbing grounding energy can help…
Chronic fatigue. Many massage therapists, believe that grounding can decrease fatigue levels after four weeks of treatment with grounding mats.
Chronic pain. While not going barefooted, studies in holistic healing have found grounding for those who used grounding patches reported lower pain levels.
Anxiety and depression. It has been shown that even 1 hour of grounding therapy can significantly improve mood.
Sleep disorders. Massage therapists also reported clients experienced an improvement in sleep length and reduce sleep disturbances with grounding therapy.
Now that we’ve talked about a few benefits of going barefoot, let’s talk about foot care. If you go barefoot or not your feet still some TLC. One of the best ways is with a foot scrub followed by a rich cream.
Here is recipe for super simple yet amazing foot scrub (it has chocolate in it how can it not be amazing).
What you need…
1 cup loosely packed brown sugar
1/2 cup coconut oil in solid form
1/3 cup almond oil
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
a few drops of coconut extract or essential oil
What you do…
Add all ingredients together in a large bowl and mix until combined. I like to mix with the back of a spoon until the coconut oil all breaks down and no chunks remaining. If desired, top the scrub with a few chocolate chips or cacao nibs before packaging.
To use the scrub, simply rub it over your skin and wash off! FYI: I do not use this on my face. As long as you are keeping it in a closed container, it should be fine at room temperature for up to 2 months.
My favorite cream and Amazon link. I usually buy mine through Beauty Brands when they have it on sale for half off.
I love nothing better than during the winter season than cuddling up with a cozy blanket, a glass of wine, and a book as the ideal soothing time…But it’s not always possible with a ten year old and a 218 lb puppy. But I can add a soothing element to the chaos errr joy they bring to my day with a simmer pot.
What is a simmer pot?
A simmer pot is an alternative to scented candles, completely all natural and beautiful smelling. All you do is simmer a pot of spices on the stove and your home fills up with the smells of a cozy fall day. Things like cinnamon sticks, apples, oranges, cloves, vanilla, star anise, and nutmeg makes it feel like you have the sweetest smelling home ever.
This is hands down my favorite winter simmer pot – a great blend of smells 🙂
How to make a simmer pot
Fill a small saucepan with water and add your simmer pot ingredients, bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to a simmer. Add water every 30 minutes or so. The beauty of simmer pots is that they are an art, not a science. If you use fresh ingredients, they will last 2 to 3 days in your simmer pot. This will depend greatly on how long you let the pot simmer. You can reheat the mixtures several times before discarding or composting.
You don’t definitely need recipes and your house will still smell amazing. I’ve included my favorite combinations below!
I tend to use small twigs from the pine tree in my yard for my simmer pots but use whatever you love to smell!
Spiced Coffee
¼ cup of coffee (vanilla is nice but ‘regular’ coffee is awesome also)
4 cinnamon sticks
1 orange sliced or just the peels
Festive forest
cedar sprigs
spruce sprigs
eucalyptus sprigs
They sell most of these at garden stores, Home Depot, or even Whole Foods during fall and winter.
Citrus vanilla
1 lemon, cut in half, sliced, or just peels
1 orange, cut in half, sliced, or just peels
2 tsp vanilla extract
Apple cinnamon
apples, cut in half, sliced or just peels
1-2 sticks cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla extract
I’d love to hear your favorite combos for simmer pots!
I wrote a blog post on Romancing The Genre’s on creating self-care/self-love time when there is no time. If you are interested here’s the link – Magical Love
Last year I used the Witches Tarot by Ellen Dugan – and loved them! The art was amazing for intuitive reading which is my main style of reading.
But I felt a pull towards this deck so I’m moving into for 2022. I have several other decks by Colette Baron-Reid and loved them. One of the big ‘draws’ I think is the fact that this deck is all about goodness (AND who could use some goodness after the last couple of years???) and self awareness/compassion. Here is the Amazon link The Good Tarot if you are interested – I don’t have a shop so I don’t receive anything if you click from here 🙂
The Suits
The four suits are earth, fire, air, and water. Earth is the traditional suit of Pentacles – and represents Taurus, Capricorn, and Virgo.
Fire is the traditional suit of Wands, and represents Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.
Air is the traditional suit of Swords and represents Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.
Water is the traditional suit of cups and represents Pieces, Cancer, and Scorpio.
Let’s see what my year will bring…
The tower is January moving around the circle and ending with the World for December
I started out with my year guide pull. I place the fool in the center and drawing 12 cards and placing them in a circle, touching one another. I use this card as an influence card for my weekly pulls. *Note: I use oracle cards for my moon readings.
The card for January is the tower. Look how peaceful the art on this card is versus the chaos feeling of many other decks. Colette Baron Reid has this card meaning a time of change, shift but not in the disaster manner that many decks have. What an ideal card for the beginning of the year? A time when the focus is on change and the day before the new moon.
I decided to do my spirit animal annual draw tomorrow as part of my new moon activities. Have you downloaded your journal? I think it’s an awesome sign that the new moon is only two days from the beginning of the year. I’m so excited to set my intentions!
New Year, Not new story
I had planned on having The Key finished but hey life. And because life doesn’t show any signs of leveling out, I’m holding off on setting up a writing projects que for 2022. I have a writing que that I usually pull projects from and put them on a Google sheet with a start date. I do hope to have The Keymaker done by Mid-February.
Here’s a little teaser…
Emma stopped. She had heard something. No she’d felt something. Slowly, she turned but saw nothing lurking in the dark woods. To her left was a giant spider web but lacked the shiny luster of one unkempt. She shuddered to think what had happened to the spider. She took another step and realized the path was becoming more narrow.
Were the trees closing in? She took a deep breath to calm herself and instantly regretted it. A foul odor filled her lungs causing her to gag. She placed both of her hands on her knees coughing. She needed to find the cottage and get out of these woods. Without warning, black snakes erupted from the leaves. Their jaws open wide as fork tongues lashed out at her.
Scrambling backward, she drew her magic.
Hunger. So hunger. Bring me the witch.
Unleashing her magic, she aimed for the largest snake head hoping it was the one in control. Her magic bounced off leaving the beast untouched.
Where December 24th started the first sign of the Celtic zodiac (The Birch and The Stag).
On December 22, started the last earth sign of the zodiac, Capricorn, which is represented by the sea-goat, a mythological creature with the body of a goat and the tail of a fish.
While the birch and Capricorns have some similar traits, they do differ.
Capricorns tend to be – Ambitious – driven to do their utmost best, Capricorns never let themselves off the hook. … Persistent … Realistic … Sensitive … Practical … Disciplined
While the birch tends to be time of renewal/rebirth (loves to reinvent themselves)… Risk takers… High achievers… Movers and shakers… Inventors
A goat with a fish tail
A goat with the tail of a fish is created to face fear and create panic. It is the sign of decisions made to be protected from monsters in our minds, lives, and immediate physical surroundings. Always ready to transform into something that scares those scary things off, Capricorn speaks of each natural chain reaction of fear, where one scary thing leads to many others, rising up as defensive mechanisms that only make things worse. Immersed in their secrecy, they face the world just as they are – brave enough to never run away, but constantly afraid of their inner monsters.
Tarot and Capricorn
Capricorn’s cycle of never ending work and its need to succeed is represented in its Tarot card, The Devil. This Tarot card often pictures Pan, the half-man/half-goat nature god, reigning over a dark and fiery hell. Capricorn’s constant need to get to the top — no matter what — can often make this sign feel like a victim of circumstances. Much like the Mountain Goat’s tireless and eternal work ethic, The Devil is about feeling trapped or stuck and creating our own personal hell.
Herbs bring all the comfort
What herbs should be a part of a Capricorn’s diet??? There are five main ones are –
Rosemary
Tarragon
Caraway
Marjoram
Thyme
I make flavored butter as a gifts for my Capricorn friends as well as different scrubs for self-care. For some other ideas check out – Herb Time
Capricorn and the New Moon
The first new moon of the new year takes place in earth sign Capricorn territory, which brings out the hardworking and disciplined edge in all of us. I’ll have more on this with prompts and a free download journal on Thursday so make sure you check back.
Today starts the Celtic zodiac sign of the Birch (December 24 – January 20). If this is your Celtic tree, you likely are an achiever that delights in motivating others. You aren’t easily thrown off your game and once you dig in your heels, you are there to stay 🙂
The birch signifies new beginnings, something you delight in. You often leap at the chance to start something new. Like the birch shedding its bark, you have no problem letting the old go to make room for the new.
Birch – The Achiever
December 24 – January 20
Witchy Uses
Ways to use birch to bring clarity, chase away stagnant energy, and shadows include making a ‘witches’ broom or a wreath out of birch twigs.
Or if you are feeling a ‘little’ down (this is NOT a replacement for medication or other means of dealing with depression) brew yourself a mug of birch tea. Cut about a quart of twigs into one-inch pieces. Place in a suitable pan and pour hot (but not boiling) water over them. Let the mixture steep until it’s cool and strain the twigs and impurities from the water with a tea strainer. Heat again and serve warm with milk and a dash of honey.
When using birch (in any form) make sure your focus is on pushing the negative way and inviting the light in.
Birch can also be used in romance/love spells. Hangin a branch above your bed is an invitation for romance or love, it can be used to rekindle a relationship that has lost some of its spark. It also opens the door for love in more than a sexual manner. Remember to remain open to all healthy forms of love.
This is also the time of the stag.
Mythological stories of the Stag tell us that his is a mystical Spirit Animal who moves between the worlds and can transform into the likeness of a human. So shape-shifting is not outside the Stag person’s grasp. In nature Stag sheds its antlers then re-grows them. This represents rejuvenation and renewal. Wherever Stag goes he brings fresh energy, health and hope.
The female Stag (Hind) embodies the Goddess and the Sacred feminine. She is grace, beauty and a link to the fairy realms. Females born under the sign of the Stag often gravitate toward magic, and specifically nature magic quite naturally. The intention of the Hind is always positive and filled with love. Be aware, however. The Hind can see right through falsehoods and illusion. She can also sense trouble a mile away. Do not try to fool this lady!
The Celts saw Stag as a Forest King who protects his land. This is a sacred task and one that many Stag people find themselves doing, even unwittingly. They are the proverbial “tree huggers” who see taking care of the earth as a spiritual duty. They approach such endeavors with balance, an awareness of legalities, and a strong drive for justice.
As a Stag, your dreams and ideals are always in the forefront. You are patient to a fault and have no issue persistently tackling any boundaries that come your way. Throughout this you never lose your cool. Your integrity and calm demeanor define every word and deed.
The Stag’s solar connection speaks of life-giving light. The greatest warriors of Celtic Tradition were ruled by the sun. Stories also infer that the Sun has divine connections and the ability to use mortals as a conduit of light. This gives Stag a protective element, a fiery heart of passion, a keen ear for Divine messages and a bit of romance to round things out.
Today is National day of the horse. The horse is often associated with freedom. Often when we hear horse, we think of one running through the field in wild abandonment.
The Horse Spirit Animal
As a spirit guide or totem animal, the horse does represent Freedom. As the card from Colette Baron-Reid’s Spirit Animal Oracle deck says – Freedom is your.
This a beautiful deck! And one of my most used –Amazon Link
If you set intentions at the new moon (or close to it), then you should be moving towards them. If not, the horse could be telling you that you need to make some changes and you have the freedom to do it.
When the horse comes to visit, it doesn’t mean that you need to pack everything up and move – it could but the horse also comes to remind us that we have the freedom of choice. If you set intentions at the new moon (or close to it), then you should be moving towards them. If not, the horse could be telling you that you need to make some changes and you have the freedom to do it.
To find where we truly belong – one must adventure into the unknown
Are you at a place where you need to take a leap of faith? The horse may appear as a symbol of strength that will carry you to bigger and better things. They will give you the energy and courage to move forward toward your goals.
If the horse is one of your totem animals, you may be prone to take risks, enjoying the rush of the unknown. You are most likely daring and bold filled with passion.
What if you dream of a horse?
When a horse appears in your dreams, they carry an important message that may differ from that of a spirit guide or totem.
When you see a horse in your dreams make sure to take note of things like color, how they act, what they’re doing, and what you’re doing while you’re around them. The way they appear in your dreams may have special meaning too.
White horse spirit symbolize purity and freedom, with the wisdom to make good choices. If your spirit animal is a white horse it means they can be trusted to carry you through life with dignity and grace.
Whether your white horse is tame or wild, they are there to help you express the pure intentions of your soul. If you come to a crossroads and you don’t know which decision is best, your white horse can be trusted to help you find the wisest path.
~ A black horse ~
Do you know the expression that someone is a “dark horse”? A black horse as a spirit animal symbolizes strength and passion that will carry you through the most difficult of times.
If your horse spirit animal is black, you can count on them to be there when you need them the most. Black horses may tend to be wilder than most. And they never lose that wild streak. But that’s what makes them an invaluable asset.
They don’t back down from a challenge. In fact, you can trust in their passion and power to carry you to victory in any battle. So while they may be aloof when things are going well, their strong nature will be right there to lean on when you’re fighting through a tough situation.
Brown horses symbolize energy and control. Of all the colors, this horse will be the one that consistently carries you through.
Whether you’re struggling to muster up the courage to start something new or you just need that extra push over the finish-line, your brown horse will give you the determination and energy you need to see things through.
Brown horses are passionate and determined. Sometimes to the point of stubbornness. But this is exactly the energy you need from your spirit animal to give you that extra push to reach your dreams.
~ Combination of Colors ~
If your horse spirit animal is a combination of colors don’t freak out. Finding their meaning is quite simple. Just combine the meanings of the colors above.
So for example a Piebald or Gray would be a combination of the meanings for black and white horses. They will be both pure and wise, and carry you through tough situations.
If your horse has more of a certain color, that color’s characteristics will be dominant. So if you have a Skewbald or Appaloosa, which is mostly brown, you can expect them to give you more determination than anything. But they will also help you make wise decisions when you reach a crossroads.
It’s also important to note that chestnuts tend to be fierier than your standard brown horse. They can ignite a fiercer passion inside you and give you more energy than a brown horse would, but they are also more difficult to tame, so watch out.
Regardless if the horse appears as a spirit guide, or in a dream, or is one of your totem animals, it wants to remind you…
Instead of trying to make your life perfect, give yourself the freedom to make it an adventure
The moon is going to finish it’s waxing crescent cycle in Aquarius – an air sign which is often represented by the suit of Swords in tarot.
It Could Be This…. Or That
Swords are often double edged and the same is true with the tarot cards. One side is intelligent, thoughtful, rational, logical and excellent communicators. A sign of action, change, force, power, oppression, ambition, and courage. While the other other side can be ruthless, domineering, confrontational, and rigid. And it can also represent someone (or ourselves) who lacks compassion, maybe verbal or mental abusive or being abusive. It could be a sign we are being harshly judged or are harshly judging someone. It could be a sign of anger or guilt.
A Message in The Cards…
If you have a drawing that is mostly swords, some of the underlying messages could be, you are seeking solutions to what are primarily mental struggles, conflict and arguments, and decisions that must be made. Also, there could be many arguments or even violence at present. It could be a warning to be more cautious.
Welcome! Are you ready for the full moon and autumn equinox?
The colorful leaves are warning of the dark months to come…
Pisces is the last zodiac sign, so this is an excellent time to look at things you may need to end. And with the autumn equinox only two days it encourages us to look for balance. Pisces’ tarot card is the moon –
This is a time to think about what things are you clinging to hoping that it will bring a different outcome than what has been proven? Pisces brings with it emotional energy, use that to examine your feelings about a situation or person – WARNING – don’t get caught up in the moment and let those emotions carry you away. You will need to set boundaries.
Pisces also brings with it a healing energy. Is there a situation or a person that you need to remove yourself from? If so, this Pisces full moon may prove the time to do it. Use it’s healing to help you move on.
And don’t forget this full moon is known as the harvest moon so take some time to list the things in your life that are bringing you harvest (both emotional and financial – joy is as important as having enough money to pay for doughnuts!). It is also a time to look to the next month, do you need to tend something so you can harvest from that for the long dark months ahead?
For more journal prompts, four cards for intuitive readings, and ritual ideas, download my free journal. (I’ll post the link to the autumn equinox one tomorrow, I need to fine tune a couple of things).
If you are feeling led, select a card from the three below. Make sure you take a moment to think about the card’s meaning and journal on it (there is a place in the full moon journal).
Aquarius Full Moon – take 2 (the 1st one was in July). This month’s full moon is on the 22nd. Twenty-two is a master number of when the loftiest dreams (remember setting those BIG intentions during the Lion Gate portal???) become realities. This energy will add a boost to the surge of creative energy of this full moon.
Blast of creative energy
Hopefully, you set big intentions on the new moon using the extra energy of the Lion’s Gate portal. And you should be seeing some seeds of those intentions growing. If not, don’t give up! With the Sun also wrapping up its journey in the sign of Leo at the time of this Full Moon, there is an added boost of creative and courageous energy to help you make those intentions grow and bloom.
The last half of this lunar cycle will be all about taking the guesswork out of what needs to happen. Take some comfort in knowing that if you do need to make a decision, there is energy on your side that brings clarity, allowing you to make a clear-cut decision.
While the creative energy of Aquarius will have us wanting to do all the things, stop before jumping in. Remember this is also a time of release. Are you clinging to ways of thinking or ideals set for you by someone else? This is a time to develop new habits, ones that celebrate you.
The Magic of Crystals
Searching for a couple of crystals to charge during the full moon? Peridot and amethyst would make good choices. Both can be submerged for the night of the full moon.
Peridot
Peridot is a crystal with healing and abundance energies. It can aid in the release of the unwanted emotional baggage (remember the 2nd half of the lunar cycle is all about release). When feeling emotional drained from releasing beliefs, people, or ways of doing things, splash some of the moon water you charged with peridot on your face and wrist.
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Amethyst is another great crystal for this full moon. Besides the fact it’s the Aquarius crystal, it has energy for calmness which we all may find ourselves in need of. With so much powerful energy being released this month, you may find yourself exhausted. Place an amethyst under your pillow for a peaceful nights sleep. This is also a time we may find ourselves questioning what needs to be release and what needs to be cultivated. Amethyst also brings wisdom and courage to those holding/wearing it. When faced with tough decisions of what to release, try meditating while resting a moon charged amethyst on your forehead (if laying down) or on your wrist.
This month’s full moon journal includes prompts on numerology, an oracle card spread for intuitive reading, sunflower magic, reflections on intentions set during the last new moon/the lion gate portal, and a place to list what you should be releasing during this waning cycle. It’s a free download – Here
It’s predicted this will be the best meteor shower in 20 years!
A meteor show is the universe supplying us with endless wishes
They will grace our sky between August 12th and 13th. Peaking on the night of August 13th, the Perseids are expected to light up the sky with over 120 multicolored meteors visible for an hour making it an ideal night work some meteor magic.
Since we are just finishing up a new moon in Leo, the Lion’s Gate Portal, and several combinations of numerology this is a pretty powerful time. Where the things of last week can feel like overwhelming emotional tides, meteor showers are more like bright little bursts of inspiration.
When I watch shooting stars streak across the sky during a meteor shower, I feel awe and like I’m sharing something ancient and monumental with the person next to me.
So bundle up tonight and sit out under the stars; we’re in for a special treat.
Things to take…
Folding chairs or blanket to sit on
Warm beverages
Blankets to keep warm
Set up your viewing space with the chairs and blankets and get comfy.
As you look up and watch the shooting stars…
What in your life needs a spark of inspiration or a boost of energy. Are you working on a new project or starting a new relationship?
Is there something in your life that needs a fresh outlook (the glitter of a falling star)?
As a star crosses the sky, imagine a potential path you could take. It doesn’t always have to be a ‘serious’ path, let your creativity run wild. Where would it take you?
Leave the journal at home but make sure you take a few moments to journal about your experience when you come in.
Tonight, my wish is…
Ritual time
If you are feeling pulled to a ritual, here are some suggestions:
A hour to hour and a half –
Choose a crystal or pull a tarot card to guide your thoughts.
Find a comfortable place to practice introspection of the event.
After a few deep calming breaths while holding your crystal let your eyes close.
Imagine catching a falling star. What is it revealing to you about you? What part of your life is it showing you?
Allow your intuition to rise inside you and trust what you sense is the answer(s).
When you are ready allow your eyes to open and take a few deep cleansing breaths. Look back and enjoy the show. Let the stars finish speaking to you.
Tasarla Romaney 