Well I didn’t have losing Dolly Parton on my eclipse season bingo card and all I can say is, “WTF?? Why???”. I wrote most of the article below before the news of Dolly’s passing hit the airwaves and I mention that the things the eclipse brings may be hard but ultimately need to happen in order to close a chapter and create something new. Well, whatever to that noise! Dolly has been an icon since my youth. Her ability to show up as herself, to support diversity and to act like an actual Christian in a world full of hypocrites is worth it’s weight in rhinestones and then some. I will say, all the socials are flooded with photos, quotes and love for Dolly from all types of people. Maybe if there is anything positive in losing such a magical creature it is that collectively we can remember our humanity. Dolly was not a pushover, she worked hard and she was smart. She did not step on others to gain fame and she invested in community and children. She could have been a billionaire but she gave her money to good causes that supported children and people different than herself. She embraced the LGBTQ+ community and reminded people that judgement was God’s job. Dolly stands as a symbol of love and belonging and I know we can all do a little better in the world if we just ask ourselves, “What would Dolly do?”

“It’s hard to be a Diamond in a Rhinestone world” ~Dolly Parton

This Pisces full moon is the final lunar eclipse in Pisces and wraps up a 2-year cycle that kicked off in September 2024. We won’t see the eclipse in its totality, but it will be a very red glowing orb and about 96% at 9:12PM on Thursday, August 27^th.

What kicked off in your life 2 years ago and what feels complete or in need of completion. Don’t worry, if you aren’t sure, I bet you’ll soon find out! Of course the part of your life that has been transforming with the Virgo/Pisces lunar noses these past 2 years depends on where you have Pisces in your own chart. Regardless, Pisces is that boundless feeling, the creative and mystical energy that feels like anything is possible. This can also be very overwhelming and lead us to avoidance and escapism. Sometimes it just feels TOO MUCH. But eclipses are here to expose things and bring things to light regardless of if we want to deal with them or not. It is usually the best call to expect the unexpected and if you can, go with the flow. Fighting the tide is futile here.

This eclipse will be life altering in some way, and it may not feel great but knowing rather than guessing or being in the dark is the only way to face things and move forward.

This full moon eclipse also coincides with a Sun/Mercury cazimi. This amplifies the energy of curious and communicative Mercury. With the Suns and Mercury in practical Virgo, this helps edit out the unnecessary parts and home in on the issues that arise. Mutable Earth Virgo is flexible but also grounded where mutable water Pisces can kind of spread out like a spilled glass of water. Pisces is deeply compassionate and intuitive, and that is a good thing when hit with the unexpected challenge whether personal or relational.

Adding to the unexpected or volatile energy of this eclipse, we have the Sun/Mercury and Moon forming a T-square to Revolutionary Uranus. Uranus is already associated with hard hitting insights and quick changes, so the tension he brings will definitely churn things up. Uranus is in Mercury ruled Gemini, and the expectation of information being exposed that has been remaining hidden is more than a possibility. You would have to actively be looking away or “escaping” to avoid the onslaught of this eclipse.

I know this sounds ominous and I’m trying to not sound too negative because whatever comes up needs too. Plus, I’m having a medical procedure that day that I really can’t avoid, so I’m doing my personal best not to overthink the unknown. UGH! Ultimately, this will be a positive event even if it doesn’t feel that way at the time. Closing a chapter that needs an ending so you can work on the next phase is a good thing. This is a reflective time as well. What have you been working on since September of 2024 and how have you grown or transformed? Have you been avoiding something that needs your attention so you can open yourself to new things?

This eclipse is a threshold. Stepping through the doorway and into the next phase of your life may actually end being less of a choice and more of a getting shoved through the doorway, but, you know, it is what it is! You can expect breakthroughs, probably the emotional kind seeing as it’s a Pisces full moon eclipse! Roll with it, feel it and if you can, embrace the insights and the choppy waters. Surrender is not giving up. Surrender is acceptance and trusting the process of life. Trying to swim against the tide or hold onto the bank of a raging river is as futile as it is exhausting. This eclipse will invite us to re-align with our dreams and our intentions. Letting go of unrealized goals can be hard, but be honest, is the goal you set is still what you want? We are allowed to change our minds and our direction. What inspires you now?

And if all else fails, ask yourself, “What would Dolly do?” And remember…

“Dream more, learn more, care more, and be more.”

~ Dolly Parton

What’s happening locally?

Check out all upcoming events at The Exchange where we gather, learn new crafts, laugh and plot the revolution….

New Moon Women’s Circle September 13th for the Virgo New Moon! It’s the Season of the Witch!!

Let’s Work Together!

I am a hedge witch living in Vallejo, CA with my 3 sons, husband, and Ember, a 8-year-old ball python. I am a certified Death Doula, Funeral Arranger, Astrologer and Writer.

Book an astrology reading with me.

Learn More

Finally, the Season of the Witch is upon us! Virgo season begins on August 23^rd as the Sun enters this practical and witchy sign. With her she brings the urge to purge, cleaning away that which is not needed, much like separating the chaff from the wheat. You’ll also notice my oh so subtle nods to Practical Magic (the movie) as the long awaited sequel comes out on September 10th. I am only the teensiest bit excited…

Ever the practical witch, Virgo represents our daily work, our health and how we are of service. Now more than ever we are needed in our communities, organizing and being of service wherever we can. Perfection is not the goal, but we can do a hell of a lot better than the current state of things. We would do well to remember that chaos births life but finding calm in the storm is also valuable and earthy Virgo can help clear out some of the static.

Ruled by Mercury, Virgo is about taking in data and editing out the noise. Discerning facts from fiction is not a luxury we can look away from, and it’s a hell of a lot harder these days, especially with Uranus in Gemini (also ruled by Mercury) stirring the informational pot and challenging us with AI and propaganda. Unfortunately, we are bombarded everyday with disinformation, making it hard to find the order in things. And Virgo is known for being orderly! Even the messiest of Virgos, and yes, there are messy Virgos, know exactly where all their things are. They find order in chaos.

Mutable signs transition us from season to season and as summer winds down and the days get shorter and the nights cooler, we can begin to dream of Autumn. The veil is thinning. The ancestors are calling, and Persephone is preparing to head back into her Underworld domain on the Autumnal Equinox.

I talk a lot about Persephone and her story of duality as Queen of the Underworld and Goddess of Spring. Going inward through the fall and winter and being renewed with the Vernal Equinox. But what about Persephone’s mother? What about Demeter or Ceres as she is known in Roman mythology? The Goddess of Grain and Agriculture, whose deep love and grief, gave us the seasons we know now. Autumn begins when her daughter goes to Hades for the dark half of the year, and the harvest season winds down. The dying portion of the cycle that allows the old to go back to the earth, to compost and renew with the springtime and her reunion with Persephone.

I’ve been studying the Goddess asteroids and their role in astrology. In a heavily masculine universe (thanks Patriarchy), the Goddess asteroids in our horoscope bring in the feminine, the soft and nurturing and strong and demanding. Ceres is the feminine representation of the mother. Procreation, nurturing, and nourishing; she brings life and sustains it. Ceres has rulership related to two water signs (Cancer and Scorpio) and two earth signs (Taurus and Virgo). She is birth, death and renewal. Her compassion and grief ran so deep she was ready to sacrifice all humankind by letting the crops die when Persephone was abducted. Her rulership in Virgo is practical in its mothering application. Food is physically nourishing for building and sustaining a strong body. Work is important and you must be strong in order to work. Teaching and perfecting skills that are useful for growth and efficient functioning, Ceres in Virgo has high stands and fosters self-reliance. If we’re honest, that is the job of mothering, to teach your child how to exist without you, that you are wanted but not needed for them to thrive.

The image of Virgo as “The Virgin” or woman unto herself and Ceres are similar. Usually depicted as a woman in the fields, wheat and scythe in hand bringing the harvest and separating the useful from the waste. Virgo is much like Ceres as the Goddess of Agriculture. Ceres brought agriculture to the people so they could grow food and sustain themselves through the darker days of winter. The cereal we eat is named for her. Virgo, the practical, represents the harvesting and making of medicine to nourish and bring health, transitioning us into the death and rebirth phases of the year.

Virgo rules the working class and is concerned for workers, compensation, labor unions, and social services. Ceres is concerned with the voice of the commoner, and the led the “strike” of all strikes when she refused to work and let the crops die when her daughter was taken, and no one seemed to care. If you have Ceres in Virgo in your chart, there is a good chance you are drawn to working with food, farming or service within food or medicine. You may find that your self-worth is tied to mastering skills and striving for excellence and self-discipline. This can lead to taking on too much and asking for help can be difficult but do it anyway. Letting go of perfectionism helps balance those workaholic tendencies. I know it’s hard to believe, but remember, perfection is NOT the goal...

Mothering for Ceres in Virgo can also be about parenting oneself. That inner child that still has needs that won’t be met by others can be consoled and healed through us. When my mother died, learning to parent myself was both scary and a very liberating thing that happened. I miss my mother deeply, but I’ve built skills that support my inner child in ways even my mom was unable to do.

Now that Virgo season is here and we are transitioning into Autumn, it is time to get organized, stock the pantry, purge the closets and release the things that are no longer of service. Don’t forget to enjoy the dwindling light and spend time outside. Virgo is an earth sign and though she is Mercury ruled and very analytical, she likes to get her hands dirty (in an orderly way most likely!). It is also a good time to assess the goals you set for yourself this year and take stock of your health routines. If a bit of course correction is needed, now is a good time to realign with your goals, let go of ones that may have shifted for you and prioritize what needs attention. We enter this Virgo season during an eclipse window and have a lunar eclipse coming in watery Pisces on August 27^th. Eclipses are unstable and bring insights as well as the unexpected and getting grounded while keeping that in mind can’t hurt. The mutable signs are adaptable, and that will be a supportive thing when this eclipse hits later in the week.

Honestly, I’m so happy to welcome Virgo season this year. Although my own health is still in flux as I expect to be having my appendix removed in September sometime and my home is not quite winter ready, I’m ready for the apple spice, the closet purging and organizing and the cozy comforts of the coming Autumn. Virgo also rules pets, and we’re looking to add a puppy to our household this month. It’s been nearly two years since our Trixie crossed the rainbow bridge, and we are finally ready to have a canine in the quarters. With the world as weird (and not a good weird) as it is right now, I look forward to being both in my home and in my community being of service while enjoying some solitude when I can. I wish you a lovely, productive, and realigning Virgo season. We’ll talk soon about this eclipse!

What’s happening locally?

Check out all upcoming events at The Exchange where we gather, learn new crafts, laugh and plot the revolution….

New Moon Women’s Circle September 13th for the Virgo New Moon! It’s the Season of the Witch!!

Let’s Work Together!

I am a hedge witch living in Vallejo, CA with my 3 sons, husband, and Ember, a 8-year-old ball python. I am a certified Death Doula, Funeral Arranger, Astrologer and Writer.

Book an astrology reading with me.

Learn More

Not to jump ahead, but I’m ready for Virgo Season and the slowing down into Autumn. The Season of the witch is nearly here!

Yesterday I spent the day with my youngest son. We did some Back-to-School shopping and went to see The Odyssey. It’s not a normal thing for a 17-year-old to enjoy a full day with his mom, at least not in my experience. I only chipped in a little on his budget for new clothes and we had a lovely day and finished it off with a beautiful movie. The Odyssey is a star studded epic but lacked the “Hollywood” glitz and shine. This only made it more impactful and beautiful to watch. I’ve been reflecting on it all day while I find myself moved into Virgo things like closet cleaning and organizing drawers.

In preparation for Virgo season and all things acceptably “witchy”, I went back into my Dark Goddess Series and thought I’d share Circe. Since I’m also feeling inspired by the movie, this seems like nice time to pave the way into the Season of the Witch and honor the isolated Goddess of Magic, Circe and her independent life on Aeaea. I first shared this back in September 2024. Enjoy!

Circe

Circe, the Goddess of Magic and Witchcraft, living a life of exile on her island Aeaea feels right for this first Dark Goddess Series and perfect for Virgo, the “Woman unto herself”.

So many of the monsters and demons in mythology are women. Women who do not fit the mold of what is expected of them, powerful women who stand up for themselves or push against the norm. Depicted as jealous or predatory, as Circe has been, banished out of fear of their power and their stories told to highlight depravity or vengefulness. Yeah, we see you Patriarchy. We see your fear. Circe is known throughout history as just this, a vengeful and predatory woman who changes men into animals (pigs and woodpeckers…) and her female foes into monsters by use of poisons and magic.

There are many stories that depict her as the daughter of the Sun God Helios and an ocean nymph Perce, but more ancient texts say she is the daughter of the Goddess Hekate. Hekate is the Goddess of MANY things. She was known in Greek mythology as a titan who took the side of the Gods and moved into Roman mythology without a forced name change. Over time, we have shifted in how she we honor and know her. The Mother Goddess, the Goddess of childbirth, wilderness, Witches, death and the underworld, of magic, ghosts, the moon and of course, the Goddess of Crossroads. So, it makes sense that Circe, the “original witch” was her daughter.

A quick Google search will tell you that Circe is an “Evil Enchantress, the ultimate portrayal of the predatory female”. WTF? Seriously? I have come to view her a wee bit differently, a more Virgo like figure. Circe, living alone on her island of exile befriends the wild animals there, mostly wolves and lions, she hones and expands her craft, and she is the truth teller. Her transformations of others can be seen as a reveal of one’s true nature, be that of a pig or a monster. Your insides may not show to the outside world, but Circe sees deeper within, and she will not spare you the truth. Transformation is a large part of working with Circe. Her own story is one of transformation, of growth and love and being true to oneself. Working with Circe is shadow work in many ways, embracing the parts of yourself you have hidden, we sometimes hide good things too, not just the “bad”. As children we may have been told our opinions were too much, or as girls that our places were not as engineers or mathematicians, so we pushed those ideas aside to wedge ourselves into societies or our families’ molds. Circe will show you the truth. Transformation is not easy but with hard work, diligence and trusting yourself, amazing things will happen. We will persist.

After many years on her island with her beastly friends and apothecary of herbs, eventually Circe had visitors, both human and of the Gods. The tale of her love affair with Odysseus who came to her island with his crew while unable to get back to his home is probably one of the more well-known stories. This is the one where she turns his men into swine, but Odysseus is spared because Hermes gave him the herb moly to put into his wine. There is debate on what moly is, some say it’s actually garlic but regardless, it counteracts the magic Circe used to transform the men. Taken with Odysseus, she convinces him to stay with her for a year. Together over the full course of their relationship she bears 3 sons by him. However, she never leaves with him, mainly due to her exile but as a powerful witch one wonders if she has also just grown very comfortable in the quieter space with her beasts. Oh, and she does turn the men back into humans eventually. Love can make you do weird things, I guess.

Circe is the Patron of Witches and Enchantresses in Greek mythology and in modern witchcraft we look to her as the wise witch, the medicine maker and we honor her vast knowledge of herbal and magical potions. Although poisons are part of the herbal work, Circe is associated with healing. As the first daughter of Hekate, she was gifted the sacred pharmakeia, the use of the spirits of the natural world of plants, minerals and animals. This is another reason I associate her so much with Virgo energy.

She is Circe, Regina Pharmakeia

Original Witch

Sorceress Divine

Queen of Animals, Plants and Minerals

Revealer of Truth

Spirit Speaker

Opener of the Ways of the Witch

(“Entering Hekate’s Garden” by: Cyndi Brannen)

Circe’s tools are the wand or staff, the chalice and the loom. Circe is a weaver. She is associated with the Sun due to her parentage (Helios the sun god in some stories) and with the underworld because her powers as a witch are chthonic which is associated with the underworld. This makes her a goddess that brings more truth to the Hermetic saying of “As above, So below, As within, So without”. She is a Goddess of both the Upper and Under worlds, bridging the mind and the emotional bodies, she has a special kind of balance.

As for modern witches, very few of us are born as hereditary witches or into Witch families. Circe was gifted but also self-made, learning and honing her craft through experiments and knowledge seeking. This is a reminder that hard work can indeed pay off and following your natural talent and passion can bear greatness. Now many of us may not choose to remain in solitude and I doubt Circe was happy all the time in her isolation, but she was very impactful. Her reputation as a sorceress remains today. Unfortunately, many still perceive her as the “Evil Enchantress and predatory female”, even characters in movies, comics and beloved TV series are named for her in this less than glowing light. Those of us that look past the demonization of women can ask the questions, “Why?” and what exactly is so bad about exposing truths, standing up for yourself and being different? The powerful women of the world, those who don’t want to play by the rules laid out before them always seem to be labeled as bad. However, I still agree with the saying, “Well behaved women rarely make history”.

Circe’s story is one of feminism and agency. In a world dominated by Gods and men she had to carve her own path and make her own life. Witches are powerful in many senses and although we may not literally fly through the night on our broomsticks and transform people into frogs, we are truth tellers and may find ourselves more at home in the wilds with the wolves and lions than in the flock amongst sheep. Circe had to choose to not only survive, but to thrive. She made mistakes and paid dearly for them, but she learned, and she grew. She knew love of all types and she loved herself, this is something we forget to do in our daily lives and another thing we can look to Circe to remind us of when we’ve spread ourselves to thin.

Circe, The Goddess of Magic, may call to you, so listen, you may hear her in the forest or on the seashore and if she calls, will you answer? What truth may you need to face?

** Shout out to Rachel White for helping inspire this post with her beautiful Flower Essence deck. Here’s the link to her Etsy shop where you can get both her tarot and Flower Essence deck.

What’s happening locally?

Check out all upcoming events at The Exchange where we gather, learn new crafts, laugh and plot the revolution….

New Moon Women’s Circle September 13th for the Virgo New Moon! It’s the Season of the Witch!!

Let’s Work Together!

I am a hedge witch living in Vallejo, CA with my 3 sons, husband, and Ember, a 8-year-old ball python. I am a certified Death Doula, Funeral Arranger, Astrologer and Writer.

Book an astrology reading with me.

Learn More

The new moon in Leo is also a solar eclipse! On August 12th at 10:36AM PT at 20 degrees of Leo. This is a South Node eclipse bringing insights around creativity, self-expression, leadership and authenticity. And yes, I see the themes of “Autonomy and Disruption” with this new moon and eclipse.

I’ve recently been working more with the Goddess asteroids and the strong feminine energy of Eris and Black Moon Lilith. Let’s just say all of them are feeling themselves with this lunation.

The New Moon (Sun/Moon) is making a trine with the Goddess asteroids Vesta and Pallas Athene with Eris sandwiched between them, and she’s bringing the disruption. This is breakthrough energy for overcoming limiting structures and moving into creative expression.

Vesta is all about autonomy and the home. She brings hearth energy, the heart of the home and the inward energy of being at home with oneself. Of the Goddess asteroids, she is the Priestess or Flame Keeper. She turns toward the tending her own hearth and inner workings. Pallas Athene is wisdom, strategy and creative expression. She is a warrior goddess. She and Vesta are both virgin goddesses, meaning they are unto themselves and “owned” by no one. Both represent autonomy.

With Pallas Athene, Vesta and Eris all conjunct in Aries we have some serious feminine energy swirling and a recipe for disruption with Eris being the midpoint between Vesta and Pallas Athene. The midpoint is a mathematical point and it represents the energy between two planets (or asteroids in this case). Eris is Aries’s (God of War) sister. She is the Goddess of Discord and known to create a bit of chaos as she stirs the pot. However, she doesn’t stir the pot without reason. What she disrupts needs to happen in order to create change and growth. It’s not chaos for chaos sake.

Adding to the strong feminine in this new moon, Vesta, Pallas Athene and Eris are all making a trine to Black Moon Lilith in Sagittarius. Although trines are a flowing energy generally creating ease and harmony, with the solar eclipse happening along with the new moon and this dance of goddesses, it feels pretty intense. We are claiming or reclaiming our sovereignty and individuality with this new moon but also in community and celebration of the radiance we all carry. There is also a lot of “bad bitch” energy going on too. I say embrace it!

The planets in general are tipped toward the masculine, so highlighting the feminine planets and asteroids this Leo season feels empowering. Looking at Venus who is closely tied to the Goddess Asteroids, the archetypes they represent and transformational energy they bring we see she is in opposition to dreamy Neptune. In Libra, one of Venus’s home signs she is focused on relationships and balance. In opposition with Neptune we may find we need some clarity regarding Venusian things- relationships, finances and our values. It can be easy to get caught up in ideals and we want to be aware of what is realistic. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dream big, just know that Neptune can bring illusion and disillusion to the goals or dreams we have. Remember to seek balance and reciprocity. If you are feeling overwhelmed or drained, give yourself space to find the balance Neptune in Aries is a more “activating” than he was in boundless and ethereal Pisces, the pull to move forward is there, just do so with your eyes open.

Mars has moved into Cancer, a sign where he is in his “fall”. This means Mars doesn’t like being in Cancer and isn’t as strong as he is in other signs like Aries, Scorpio or Capricorn. But as Rick Levine points out, the roots of astrology are written for the patriarchy and it’s pretty clear that Mars does just fine in Cancer. You would know this if you ever came across someone with that natal placement (myself for example) and you saw someone try to hurt their children, family or close community. We Mars in Cancer folks do not mess around and are intensely protective. Think of a lioness protecting her cubs kind of protective. Mars in Cancer is generally quieter than Mars in other signs, more strategic and less impulsive. With this new moon and eclipse, Mars is conjunct another Goddess Asteroid, Ceres. Ceres is the mother, she is fierce and nurturing, protective and compassionate. In Roman mythology Ceres is Demeter, Persephone’s mother and goddess of the harvest and grain. When her daughter is stolen by Hades and taken to the Underworld, she literally lets the world die. Well, she doesn’t bring the harvest, crops die and food is scarce. Eventually an agreement is reached that Persephone is allowed to return to her mother each spring and go back to the underworld each autumn. This myth brings us the seasons. With the return of Persephone, the land is renewed and in bloom and when she heads back to Hades, we experience the falling leaves and cooler weather of autumn. The cycle of life and death continues.

In Cancer, Ceres is in one of her signs of rulership as Cancer is known for it’s nurturing and mothering nature. Together, Mars and Ceres are fierce in protective energy for the home and family. So, let’s just add on top of all this fierce feminine energy the first solar eclipse of a new 18-month cycle!

Eclipses are known for shaking things loose or exposing unexpected things in our lives. In ancient times people feared eclipses and they were thought of as “King Killers” (a-hem) because royalty had a way of meeting their demise during eclipses. The common folks had no idea when they were coming, that was definitely only known to the elite royals who had astrologers on the payroll. Of course the sudden blotting out of the sun or moon was scary and ominous feeling. Now a days people seek out seeing an eclipse but lots of cultures still steer clear of them, still considering them bad luck. Whatever you believe there is no doubt a chaotic feeling when we experience eclipses.

As the nodes of the moon move into Leo and Aquarius, this south node eclipse in Leo may be a humbling one. Our sense of self or our ego, our perceptions of life and understanding of the world may be altered. There is a window both before and following an eclipse where the energy has already begun to shift. It is also thought that the lessons or situations brought on during an eclipse will take 6 months or longer to process. Things will have to run their course even if they came on unexpectedly. Laying a bit low and focusing on your mental and physical health during the next few weeks seems like a reasonable thing to do. Grounding exercises and nervous system resets may fortify you during times like these. Our reactions or impulses during this time might not serve us well in the long term so breathe and think before jumping to conclusions. Keeping an open mind and heart is always good medicine.

This new moon and eclipse do have a lot of “bad bitch” energy and a push to creativity. Paint, dance, write or whatever draws you in to feed and express yourself. Make art! Crafts of any type are always revolutionary!

What’s happening locally?

Check out all upcoming events at The Exchange where we gather, learn new crafts, laugh and plot the revolution….

New Moon Women’s Circle September 13th for the Virgo New Moon! It’s the Season of the Witch!!

Let’s Work Together!

I am a hedge witch living in Vallejo, CA with my 3 sons, husband, and Ember, a 8-year-old ball python. I am a certified Death Doula, Funeral Arranger, Astrologer and Writer.

Book an astrology reading with me.

Learn More

Time keeps on ticking… In a busy world full of distraction and consumption, we have to be really intentional in staying connected to the seasons and nature. As a species we’ve gotten further and further away from the natural world. The Celtic Wheel of the Year provides traditions and meaningful connection to our roots and the ever changing seasons of the year. That said, the seasons can vary depending on where you live and celebrating the first harvest festival of Lughnasadh while living in a tropical climate near the equator may not resonate the same way it does in the American Midwest. Many places in the world don’t experience the seasons like the ancient Celts or old Germanic tribes, but there are shifts and changes throughout the year regardless of where you live. What marks the “seasons” for you?

The seasons of life have been on my mind lately. I was fresh out of the hospital and bed bound for the Summer Solstice (Litha), unable to dance around a midnight bonfire or celebrate the longest day of the year up in the Northern Hemisphere. I had intentions of more time in a bountiful garden and deepening my connection with mama earth this summer. After years of hustling, I’ve been yearning to move slower. Although the world is full of very yang Fire and Air energy this year, I have been craving the yin of earth and water. The universe had its own plan for me and how I needed to slow down. The act of surrendering in order to heal has been humbling. It has also been a gift, a forced slow down in a world where our value is measured by our output, opting out of the production line is a strangely guilt ridden place. It is also incredibly refreshing. The world kept turning and I had time to take stock. Funny how when our children are nearly adults, we need the reading glasses and a few days without exercise (or weeks…) sets you back to square one you can REALLY relate to Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide in a way that makes you understand your mom better. Reflecting on how we’ve handled the seasons of our lives so far and wondering what the future has in store feels heavy some days, especially when the world feels so incredibly wrong lately. There is also an urgency to make it all worth it too. Maybe it’s because I work in deathcare that I’m very aware of how short life is, even if we do live into our nineties. Wasting time living a life we don’t love is time we can’t recover.

As a witch I have practices and rituals tied to the moon and the earth. I check the cosmos each morning to know what phase the moon is in and what sign. Balancing the good and bad of technology, I definitely use my phone for a lot of my astrology and planetary magic timing. Life still moves fast regardless of my desire to be more analog. You can’t really get away from the screens and the constant flood of information pulling your attention in 5 second clips. We’ve become tied to the algorithm and we don’t usually slow down enough to read an actual book or drink a cup of tea while enjoying a sunset. It takes a bit of work and consistency to seek beauty, joy and magic in the mundane daily living we do. It is, however, worth it. Actively looking for good things and I don’t mean some toxic bullshit of “it’s all rainbows and unicorn farts”, is actually quite simple. Notice the clouds in the sky, a flower growing along the roadside, the wind blowing against your face, a bird floating on a thermal. Even in cities, nature is alive. Having rituals keeps us connected, the Wheel of the Year celebrations keep us tapped into the ever turning earth and her cycles of life, death and rebirth.

Recently, I intuitively (smirk) picked up the book, “Year the Witch” by Temperance Alden. Her book invites us to connect with Earth’s cycles and seasons through intuitive magic and loosening the structure on traditional celebrations. She discusses the origin of the Wheel of the Year and the traditional rituals that correspond to each celebration and feast and she encourages the reader to explore non-traditional ways of honoring natures cycles based on lived experience and yes, geographic location. Making the wheel more personal can enhance your magic and your ties to the land in which you live. This is the inspiration I needed without knowing it. Witchcraft is always personal, it’s always political and it’s always elemental. It is strongest when the practitioner makes it their own. Shoot, many of us were drawn to paganism and witchcraft because we wanted a different path than the ones we grew up with, or we were taught to make our own path. Some rules are important and many need to be broken.

August is still summer. The days are warm (or sweltering) and we become aware that we are getting closer to Autumn. There is an energy to complete something or a hustle to get something started if we let the long days get away from us. Regardless, the wheel still turns. The first harvest is upon us, Lughnasadh which is also known as Lammas, meaning “Loaf Mass” is an honoring of the Celtic God Lugh and a celebration of the wheat harvest and the bread we make from it. It is a midpoint celebration between Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox. Below I’m sharing what I wrote in 2024 which still holds true on this turn of the wheel.

From 8/1/2024 “What is Lughnasadh?”

On August 1^st we celebrate Lammas or Lughnasadh. Lammas (Loaf Mass) is traditionally a time to celebrate the dying grain god and the sacrifice it takes to bring the bountiful crops that carry us through the dark winter. Gatherings with feasts, dancing, storytelling, crafting and of course bread are ways of honoring the first of the three harvest festivals of the Wheel of the Year. Lammas is a cross-quarter day or the mid-point between Litha (Summer Solstice) and Mabon (Autumn Equinox). It represents not only the fruits of our labors but also provides the seeds for future harvests. It is a time to give thanks, reflect and prepare for the remainder of the harvest and the next cycle. The productivity of summer is still upon us, but the days are slowly shortening, winter is coming…

Lughnasadh is an ancient Celtic festival honoring the solar God Lugh who is known as the Many-Skilled God because he excelled in craftmanship and athletic ability. Basically, he excelled at nearly everything he did! Lugh started the Tailteann Games, an athletic competition, that was held in July and ended on August first. These games were to honor his foster mother Tailtiu and pre-dated the Olympic games by 1000 years. Tailtiu’s story is both real and myth. She lived and died around 2000 BC. According to some she was the daughter of Mag Mor, a king of what we now call Spain, and she was the wife of the last Fir Bolg High King of Ireland; Eochaid mac Eirc. Tailtiu represents the Goddess of Earth and agriculture. Her husband died in battle during the invasion of the Tuatha De Danann, having survived, she was allowed to keep her holdings and was given a foster son, Lugh, as a sign of trust.

Tailtiu decided a large portion of forest should be cleared to create land for growing crops and in her impatience to have the work completed she exhausted herself with plowing and cutting, ultimately bringing her death. She asked for the space to be used for her funeral celebration and Lugh, having a deep love for his foster mother started the games and festival that we know today as Lughnasadh to honor her and the abundance of the earth. The Games continued until 1100AD where under Norman conquest they were stopped.

Both Lammas and Lughnasadh are celebrations of the abundance of life and gratitude for what we have. In our modern world, especially if we live in cities, we most likely don’t have access to the harvest the same way our ancestors did. We are mostly dependent on the supermarkets to deliver our food to us. However, this doesn’t mean we can’t partake in the festivities or honor the harvest. There are many ways to honor the earth. If you have access to farmers markets, find local growers to support and bring the harvest home! Although we may be insulated from what it takes to get food from the farm to the table, reflecting on the impact if we were to not have this access or that others lack access can inspire change. Is there a community garden you can donate to or volunteer at? Can you contribute to a reputable organization that is working to improve farming conditions, our environment or end the use of GMO’s? Lately the conversation of how eating healthy foods in America is a privilege has come up frequently. Food scarcity is a real thing and fast food is readily accessible. Looking at the bigger picture of where we are going as a people and how we are caretaking our collective mother, Earth, can all be ways of honoring the season. If you do have a garden at home or simply a windowsill herb garden, spending time giving thanks to the plants and cooking a good meal using what you’ve grown is also a great way to honor the earth, bonus points if you can share this meal with others 😊.

This holiday is definitely food centric but that’s not the only way to honor the season or Lughnasadh. In our fast-paced modern world of screens, AI, constant production, political upheaval and uncertainty, slowing down is a crucial part of the human experience. Life can be overwhelming. Taking time to reflect on your accomplishments and victories this year and honoring your journey, giving thanks for the abundance of what you do have and who you are is way more impactful for your personal growth than focusing on the shortcomings we all have.

Generally, my family celebrates Lammas or Lughnasadh by joining our eclectic group of circle friends. We gather and honor the turning of the wheel in ceremony, we share and send loving energy to those in our lives that can use an extra lift (including ourselves). We eat and laugh and enjoy the communal parts of life. So often as a society we think we have to do it all alone and that is just not true. We thrive as a tribe, we bolster each other, we listen and offer loving advice, we care for our elders and hold each other close when words are not enough to ease whatever is ailing us. We also call each other out when needed in the most loving (or direct) way possible, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns after all. As the earth provides life, our community can provide our lifelines, our connection to each other and to nature.

Ways to celebrate-

~Make corn husk dollies!~

Corn husk dollies are made during the harvest to ensure a healthy house through the winter and an abundant harvest. In some northern cultures it is believed that the doll holds the spirit of the corn and offers fertility to the land. They were created and adorned and put in a special place in the house or on an altar. They were kept until the following year and then burned to release the spirit of the previous harvest.

~Make smoke cleansing bundles~

If you have herbs you can harvest at home or responsibly foraged great, if not, many can be purchased at the market.

You can use many different types of herbs for smoke cleansing, not just sage. Smoke cleansing is used to clear negative energy from a person or a space. I smoke cleanse my little studio regularly but ALWAYS before I do any ritual or spellwork. I cleanse my home as the seasons shift or as needed (I have teenage boys so sometimes I need to move the energy out) and when my over-sensitive husband is out of the house (demon??)

You can use sage, rosemary, mugwort, lavender, cedar, thyme and mint. You can add fresh flowers as well, like roses. This is just a partial list so don’t overthink it. I’m attaching a quick video tutorial because it’s way easier than typing out a step by step 😊

~Reflective journaling~

Spend some time looking inward and slowing down. Light a candle, get quiet and reflect on the following

• Where am I at with the goals I set for myself for this year? Note the positive progress and shifts in direction.

• What are my unique talents and attributes I bring to the world? I know this isn’t an easy one, but you don’t have to show anyone else this info. It’s Leo season too, so love yourself and be proud of what you bring to the table. Just start writing!

• How have I grown as a person this year? Note the hard things you’ve worked through, the boundaries you’ve put in place. Even small victories should be celebrated.

• What can I do to honor my body and care for myself more? Is this getting a massage, regular ritual baths, time alone or with community if that is needed?

~Community Gathering~

If you have a community that gathers for the sabbats, join them! If not but you are interested, look up local groups that may gather in your area. Use your discretion and keep an open mind. You may stumble into something beautiful!

~Get dirty~

If you have a garden or can join a local community garden, go get your hands dirty! If that is more than you are up for at least try to find some dirt to be in. What I mean is, go be in nature. That will always be on my list of recommendations, regardless of the season. Being in nature helps reset our nervous systems, calm our minds and hopefully remember that without this lovely planet, we are lost. Go find yourself and some trees to hug while you’re at it.

Regardless of what you do to honor the earth and yourself this season, I wish you a peaceful heart and abundance! You do reap what you sow and I hope your harvest is full of all the good things and gratitude to carry you through the winter.

Blessed Be

What’s happening locally?

Check out all upcoming events at The Exchange where we gather, learn new crafts, laugh and plot the revolution….

New Moon Women’s Circle UPDATED DATE!! August 9th for the Leo New Moon!

Let’s Work Together!

I am a hedge witch living in Vallejo, CA with my 3 sons, husband, and Ember, a 8-year-old ball python. I am a certified Death Doula, Funeral Arranger, Astrologer and Writer.

Book an astrology reading with me.

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Lately I find myself feeling overwhelmed by the world, both personally and collectively. As I heal from a perforated appendicitis and begin to feel less fragile physically I am trying to find my way without spreading myself to thin. I want to do all the stuff and yet I want to streamline and purge. I have to remind myself to slow down and seek the magic. Astrology has been helping me do that for many years now, or at the very least offering me a way to connect and better understand my emotions or the overall energy happening in the collective. The full moon on July 29th has me excited and cautiously optimistic for the first time in what feels like an age.

July has been an intense month astrologically. I mean every month of this year has been intense astrologically but July is a real whopper. It’s hard to even pinpoint the effects here on earth because each new day we have some “breaking news” which means we never actually get to process things. We continue to move so fast we can barely keep up and we never seem to see accountability. It’s incredibly challenging to stay optimistic, to not become numb to it all.

This full moon in Aquarius is powerful, in fact it may be the most potent full moon of 2026, which is pretty big since 2026 is an incredibly active year astrologically! The Sun and Jupiter are conjunct at 6 degrees of Leo. Vitality and expansion together are a recipe for abundance and good fortune. We can lean into this optimism and hope with all our being. Full moons are for celebrating and releasing. This is a time to let go and allow deep healing and transformation to take hold. The Sun and Jupiter are opposing the moon and Pluto which shines a light into that which needs to be healed and the real possibility of renewal. This is individual AND for the greater good of humanity. And oh Goddess, do we need some healing and renewal for humanity!

This full moon doesn’t foster numbness, it’s bright and full of possibility. It reminds us of our gifts and our radiance and our humanness. Our unique radiance shines brightly and our role in community, our responsibility to hold ourselves and each other to account is in the spotlight. We can change, we can heal. Jupiter is amplifying all the outer planets fostering creative energy, spiritual connection (Neptune), innovation and revolutionary insight (Uranus), and as mentioned, transformation and healing (Pluto). Jupiter is also making a square to Chiron, the wounded healer which adds even more potential for healing and renewal. Of course we won’t wake up on Wednesday all healed and shiny, it will take time but the path is getting more clear. We will always have hard choices to make.

There is also a disruptive quality to this lunation with the Sun and Moon making a square to Eris, the Goddess of Discord. All I can say about that has already been said…

"Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America."~ John Lewis, Civil Rights Leader & US Congressman.

We can’t stay small and silent, not individually or as a collective. We can’t numb out. That said, slowing down and caring for ourselves is really important and allowing ourselves to truly feel all our feelings invites healing and transformation to take hold.

Leading up to this full moon the lunar nodes moved into Aquarius and Leo on July 26th. The nodes are points on the moons elliptical that give us eclipses. The north and south nodes are destiny lines in our birth charts. The north node is the direction we are moving toward in this lifetime and the south tells us where we’ve been. However, where the nodes are currently affects us as well. The nodes move backward through the zodiac and are always polar opposites. They move through the signs roughly every 18 months and will be in Aquarius (north) and Leo (south) until March 26th, 2028. This is a big deal as the nodes haven’t been here since 2007 and given the current world climate I expect this time will be impactful. Moving from dreamy and “go with flow” energy of Pisces into futuristic and visionary Aquarius will be a significant change. Leaving the Virgo south node and moving into creative and emotive Leo will also be big. Virgo asked for a release of perfection and Leo wants us to be happy and confident without needing others recognition. It’s about true authenticity without needing to be seen. The north node in Aquarius is a shift for collective growth and empowerment for the people. Acknowledging our individual natures and uniqueness as part of the greater whole. It is a pull toward power for the people and a step away from egoism and power of the few. We have officially entered the eclipse season portal and the new moon in Leo will also be a solar eclipse on August 12th. Get ready for the jolts of insight and the unexpected. The upcoming eclipses will definitely affect the parts of your chart where Leo and Aquarius rule. If you don’t know where that is, now is a great time to learn. With so much happening in the cosmos and here on earth being armed with some knowledge is never a bad thing!

This full moon is especially fruitful for the masses because it brings in the polarity of Leo and Aquarius like the nodes themselves. Aquarius is fixed air, logical, somewhat aloof or possibly emotionally detached and focused on the greater good. Aquarius’s love language is not known to be affectionate but the love is deep and true. They are a little alien like in their personalities, Aquarians show love by showing a better way, by bringing knowledge to better arm the community for a brighter and more just future. Ruled by both Saturn and Uranus, Aquarius wants to know the rules and how the structures are set up so they can break the ones that hold us back. Balanced with the dramatic, playful and creative nature of Leo we can incorporate responsibility and creativity in this full moon party. Aquarius shines a light on what we can improve as a society and Leo reminds us to not get swept away in the hard parts. We can use our talents to change the future and continue to seek fun.

The rules have changed. Or maybe it’s time we realize we don’t have to play by the rules laid out by other people, most of them no longer apply and honestly, they never applied to ones who made them. The ones in power are counting on us being overwhelmed and becoming numb. It’s way past time to make good trouble and to keep doing it until we heal, until we no longer have to make trouble. So go howl at the moon, celebrate the small victories and keep going my friends. The future is still ours to create! Oh, and keep it weird people!

Journal prompts for the full moon

~ The quality of my heart right now is…

~ The vision I have for the future of humanity is…

Happy Full Moon Witches! Check out the links below for local in-person events and info on working with me one-on-one. I can’t think of a better time to dive into your natal chart and current transits. With so much intense astrology happening, knowledge is power.

What’s happening locally?

Check out all upcoming events at The Exchange where we gather, learn new crafts, laugh and plot the revolution….

New Moon Women’s Circle UPDATED DATE!! August 9th for the Leo New Moon!

Let’s Work Together!

I am a hedge witch living in Vallejo, CA with my 3 sons, husband, and Ember, a 8-year-old ball python. I am a certified Death Doula, Funeral Arranger, Astrologer and Writer.

Book an astrology reading with me.

Learn More

Leo season starts today with the Sun moving into this Fixed fire sign that brings us the height of summer up here in the northern hemisphere. The first harvest festival of the year, Lugnasadh is celebrated on August 1st, during Leo season. The gardens are flourishing and the days are still long. This year, we’ve had some intense “weather”, with incredible heatwaves, tornados and floods hitting all over the US and horrific fires in Canada. It is hard not to notice the extreme conditions this summer season is bringing and like Leo there is nothing small about it.

Leo is ruled by the sun and stirs up passion in creativity, playfulness and fun! We do remember fun don’t we? I mean, I know it’s not been easy for many of us to come by it much lately but it’s still an important part of living even amongst the backdrop of corruption and war. This year with Jupiter moving into Leo, where he’ll be hanging out until July of 2027, the energy of Leo has a little extra punch. We are experiencing some never before seen astrology this July with Uranus, Neptune and Pluto all activated and making aspects to one another and from July 20-22 Jupiter joins in with his expansive energy making a sextile to Uranus, a trine to Neptune and finally forming an opposition to Pluto. Overall, these are positive aspects with planets in harmony or flow, even the opposition with transformative Pluto is looked at as a good thing. We’ve spent the past few years exposing corruption and rot but we haven’t done anything to change the system or hold those in power accountable. Now is the time to design the playbook for change. Jupiter expands and amplifies and we see this in the cosmos and here on earth. Uranus in Gemini, Neptune in Aries and Pluto in Aquarius are bringing rebellion, imagination and transformation to us. Embracing change, pushing off the banks of the rising and fast moving river instead of holding on to the past is happening now! Holding on will not stop the changes afoot so my best advice is to go with the current.

Leo, the Lion, brings courage as well as a flair for the dramatic. In the Tarot, Leo is associated with the Strength card, which depicts a woman and lion together in harmony with one another. We call the Lion, the “king of the jungle”. However, we all know, it the Lioness who is Queen. Her fierceness, loyalty and ability to keep the pride alive and thriving is unmatched, even by a King. The Lioness does not back down and will go after much larger animals, including the “king” to defend her young and community. You don’t mess with the mama. That strength and courage benefits us in doing hard things and facing dark places, even our own shadows. Time to do those hard things ladies.

Leo does have a royal quality that when neurotic, can show up as an excess of ego. The playful lion has an unmistakable radiance that does enjoy the spotlight. Bringing their gifts to the world stage is natural for Leo and the balance calls for the Aquarian quality of community and responsibility for for the greater good. The polarity of Leo and Aquarius wants us to be acknowledged for our individual gifts and the benefit they bring to the collective. We can shine and share the stage at the same time.

There will be a theme in Leo over the next year as Jupiter makes his way through this fire sign. He entered Leo on June 29th, 2026 and will head into Virgo in July of 2027. Leadership, personal radiance and creativity will show up in our personal charts where Leo rules. For me, that is my midheaven, the top of my chart representing career and reputation. I’m not exactly sure what that will bring but I’m already looking at re-launching my business and restructuring the work I do in deathcare. I feel overwhelmed at the moment so I’ve been diving into Rachel White of Totem Readings “Business of Woo” to help me gain some clarity about my path and how to make the most of my witchy talents without spreading myself too thin or losing my way. Jupiter takes about 12 years to orbit the sun and his impact in each sign and where that hits in your natal chart is always worth looking at. He opens up opportunity for growth and good fortune. Since I’m planning on highlighting my astrology work as a part of my re-launch of Golden Thread Alchemy, hit me up for a reading and lets explore where Jupiter is impacting you. We could all use some good news right?

Living in strange times, we all have opportunity to shine and you use our voices (or Roars). We can support each other and help others into the spotlight as well. This Leo season, remember to seek joy and to play. Go swing on a swing or slide down a slide, do something creative. Maybe do something you’ve never done before and who cares if you suck at it. Meet people, eat good food, fall in love, even with yourself. In fact, definitely fall in love with yourself as you transform into someone new, a more radiant version of the “you” you know. Enjoy the season and don’t let the hard stuff make you numb. Keep feeling all the feelings and keep your “roar” ready to let loose.

What’s happening locally?

Check out all upcoming events at The Exchange where we gather, learn new crafts, laugh and plot the revolution….

New Moon Women’s Circle August 16th for the Cancer New Moon!

Let’s Work Together!

I am a hedge witch living in Vallejo, CA with my 3 sons, husband, and Ember, a 8-year-old ball python. I am a certified Death Doula, Funeral Arranger, Astrologer and Writer.

Learn More

Image by Viktoria Greynert

The Cancer New Moon on July 14th at 2:43AM is conjunct Mercury who is retrograde in Cancer until July 23rd. This is a great time to set intentions around home and our inner worlds. Mercury being retrograde calls for a slowdown, for our overactive minds to seek balance with our mental and emotional states. You may find words now to express your emotions or find yourself at a loss for them and either way, honor that and be honest with yourself and what you’re feeling. Cancer is cardinal water, ruled by the Moon; Cancer represents home and is mothering and nurturing. Cancer is the memory keeper. This new moon opens the door into astrology no astrologer alive has ever seen before and there are definitely some changes on the horizon.

On July 9th Venus entered Virgo, a sign the planet of love and beauty doesn’t exactly enjoy being in. There is a tendency to over analyze and critique relationships, finances etc. so be aware if you find yourself being overly critical of yourself and others. Venus in Virgo (my personal natal placement) will give some grounding to finances, relationships and values. The energy in practical earthy Virgo is, “show” not, “tell” when it comes to these areas of life. Actions and results are desired over words alone. Venus is making a square to Uranus in Gemini giving way for sudden insights and possibly a little internal tug of war. A desire to dig your heels in versus an impulse to completely shift directions or start over can cause a bit of indecisiveness, so maybe give it a few days before acting on any epiphanies you have.

This brings us to the astrology of mid-July that has been the topic of conversation and podcasts for months in the astrology community. The outer planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are all activated, and we may not see instant activity or results from these aspects as these slow-moving planets can take their time, but things are set in motion in a way we’ve never seen before. Uranus in Gemini is sextile Neptune in Aries, and trine Pluto in Aquarius and Neptune is forming a sextile to Pluto. This speaks of rebellion and revolution, of imagination and transformation. These planets and aspects will be activated in our individual charts, but the outer planets, also known as the community planets, work on the collective at a deep level. This is a time of opportunity and looked upon with positivity, even though not much feels very positive in our world these days. There is a cooperation happening. Uranus in Gemini brings innovation, spurs new ideas, and causes disruption in technology and data processing. This affects our social structures and Neptune in Aries creates a firestorm for spiritual awakening and making dreams for a better future come true. Pluto in Aquarius, whom we’ve talked about plenty of times over the past couple of years, pushes for transformation and the betterment of humanity by exposing the rot we’ve allowed to take hold in our foundations and cultural structures. Well, if we’re honest, we just built on top of the rot in full knowledge it was there, and now we act surprised that it has grown.

All this is happening between July 15th and 19th but as mentioned, the lessons of these planets can take time to reveal themselves and if you’ve noticed, things feel pretty weird these days. Like we’re on a precipice just about to tip over into something new. Or maybe cliffs edge we’re about to tumble from! Keeping faith may be hard but now is not the time to let it go. Rebellion, imagination, and transformation are possible, and what we do now as a global collective will set the course for many years to come.

And not to be left out, Jupiter brings some expansiveness making a trine to Neptune, giving a boundless but possibly unrealistic feeling to our dreams. He is in opposition to Pluto, amplifying the desire for transformation or possibly the desire to avoid change. Change is never easy, but it is pretty much inevitable so roll with it. Jupiter moved into Leo on June 29th and will be there until July 2027. Jupiter in Leo is an invitation to shine and bring your gifts out of the shadows and into the spotlight. Themes of creativity and leadership are a big part of Jupiter in Leo, but we must not forget to share the limelight and that the polarity of Leo is Aquarius. Balancing our own desire to shine and gifts with the responsibilities of being a part of a community are important. We can all shine together.

Image by Roger Wilkerson

The astrology continues to bring change toward the end of the month as we move into Leo season on July 22nd and the Aquarius full moon on July 29th. The lunar nodes will be shifting signs into Aquarius and Leo as well which over the next 18 months will call us to continue seeking balance with humanitarian efforts and being of service and the drama of being in the spotlight and showing our individual radiance. 2026 is proving to be quite the year so buckle up and stay in the game. Self-care and rest are a big part of how we get through this year, take time to step away and find joy in moments.

Happy New Moon!

What’s happening locally?

Check out all upcoming events at The Exchange where we gather, learn new crafts, laugh and plot the revolution….

New Moon Women’s Circle August 16th for the Cancer New Moon!

Let’s Work Together!

I am a hedge witch living in Vallejo, CA with my 3 sons, husband, and Ember, a 8-year-old ball python. I am a certified Death Doula, Funeral Arranger, Astrologer and Writer.

Learn More

So I am still taking a break and healing, but today, June 29th has quite a lot going on! This full moon in Capricorn, also called the Strawberry moon sheds light on the goals you’ve been working toward and is a good time to acknowledge the work you’ve been doing and progress made. It may also shed some light on places you may feel the need to shift your goals or expectations and that is absolutely OK, give yourself the grace to let go of the things that you no longer want. Our path in life is not always a straight line and our intentions may change. On June 29th we also have Mercury turning retrograde which can open the door for miscommunication and all sorts of mishaps. As always during Mercury retrograde, slow down and take extra time to review, reset and rest. The things that come up during this Mercury retrograde which kicks off in Cancer can be emotionally upsetting, so just be aware of your reactions and take time to catch your breath if needed.

Late in the evening on June 29th, …

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Due to an unforeseen illness and a hospital stay, I will be taking until after the 4th of July holiday off from writing and in person work. A ruptured appendix is no joking matter and I find myself in need of a very big reset. I hope you are all still here when I return, your support means the world to me. This is day 9 in the hospital and I’m hoping to finally go home!

Take care out there!

Britt

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May’s Blue Moon in Sagittarius happens at 1:44AM PDT at 9°. Blue moons are powerful; they are the 2^nd full moon in a single month and only occur every 2.5 to 3 years. This one comes to us in Gemini season and is in the sign of Sagittarius. Freedom loving and adventure seeking Sagittarius brings a desire for knowledge and unlike his polar opposite Gemini rises above the details where Gemini can get caught up in its curiosity. Sagittarius is our mutable fire sign and ruled by Jupiter, so they are adaptable and believe there is good to be had. Represented by the centaur with his bow and arrow, Sagittarius takes aim and believes fully that they will hit their mark. Intentions set now do not have to be mundane or easy to track, the path is never straight, and a detour can bring adventure on the winding road to a goal.

This full moon taps into our inner knowing and with the Sun making a sextile to Saturn. An awareness of our responsibilities and guardrails that keep us on track with our “pur…

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Life moves so quickly, it is easier to ignore the things that call for your attention than to stop and allow curiosity to creep in. However, some things will not be ignored. I find, as of late, I hear Baba Yaga cackling in the moonlight calling me to really “see” what is happening around me. I see vultures more frequently, cleaning up the death and debris left behind through carelessness, accident or nature running its course. In a world that looks away from predators and loss, I cannot look away, and yet the chaos cannot be clarified; it too must run its course.

Yesterday I went to a beloved child’s birthday party at a trampoline park. As I was not jumping, I was given a wristband that simply said “Observer”. There is a time to actively participate and a time to observe and allow the chaos to be what it is. There is a time to stand up and a time to watch. Of course, that seems like an easy way out, but meddling with chaos will not end it. Meddling with chaos only makes you chaotic. Sometimes observing chaos can allow you to let go of the things you don’t need, and slowly as the chaos clears, our values become more apparent. What is your priority? Is it different today than last year or many years back? It’s more than OK to change, life is always changing

For Mother’s Day one of my kids gave be an incredible witch’s fairy house. A tall, spired tower in black. It is an endless treasure hunt made of all manners of bits and bobs. It looks like three witches’ hats stacked on one another. Every time I look at it, I discover something new. It’s perfection in its chaos. It’s so perfect that lately I’ve been daydreaming of it in full size, a spiral staircase clinging to the edge of the circular building, filled with herbs and books and crystal balls that shine and reflect the light. All I would add is a pair of chicken legs so that when just being an observer becomes too much, I could simply pull up my fence of bones and walk my perfect tower to a new location deep in the forest.

People laugh when I tell them this, asking, “Why chicken legs?”. Why chicken legs?? Because Baba Yaga...you know Baba Yaga, right? No? How can you not know who Baba Yaga is? No, she’s not the boogey man from John Wick, yes, she is an old witch in the woods. She’s literally the basis for nearly every wicked witch, the “come to my house for candy child so I can plump you up and roast you for my dinner” wicked old witch. The older I get, the more I understand her.

Normally Baba Yaga is considered a winter goddess, an ancient goddess of the earth, both terrible and loving, dark and full of wisdom. But she is also the height of duality and that feels in line with Gemini season, especially this year. She is an ancestral guardian of the dead. Even in children’s books like “The House with Chicken Legs” where the “Yagas” guide the dead into the afterlife, her stories are those that give warning, speak of loss and encourage wisdom. The undertone of Baba Yaga is that those who abuse others for their own gain or privilege shall be punished and quite possibly eaten. She travels in an oversized mortar using the pestle to steer and a silver birch broom to sweep away her tracks. She is a wise old hag not focused on outer beauty to get what she wants, which ultimately is a quiet life. When she is disturbed, there are consequences. If one cannot solve her riddles or do the work she lays out for them to secure her favor or assistance, they may not make it back to the path. However, when you prove yourself worthy, she will let you live, maybe even bestow a gift or two upon you. Wisdom is her greatest gift. Your pretty face means nothing to her.

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New Moon in Taurus- May 16th at 1PM PST

The theme for the astrology of 2026 is “Intense” and we see it reflected in our everyday life on planet earth. This new moon reflects that, and the intensity is not going away anytime soon. At least when we follow astrology, we can gain some perspective on what is happening. At this point I have zero patience for people who say, “astrology isn’t real”, yeah, whatever.

Taurus is the Fixed-Earth sign, building and growing, steadfast and grounded. Stubborn, yes, but generally there is a good reason. Once in motion, Taurus is very hard to stop. As we currently live in a vastly cerebral world full of technology and information exchange, Taurus brings us back to the earth and the physical world. Carrying us through Spring in the Northern hemisphere, Taurus brings natural beauty with flowers and gardens in bloom, longer days and warmer weather. This year we are also facing many challenges in the material world. Been to the gas station or grocery store la…

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I spent Beltane with five lovely women. I’ve known them all for many years, most for over 20, one since I was 15. These women bring me joy and that is how we spent Beltane, being rebelliously joyful. In a world full of unrest and anger and sadness, all of which we are acutely aware of and feel ourselves, we danced around the Maypole and lit the cauldron fires welcoming the coming Summer and celebrating the fertility of the season. We sent love out into the universe, to our friends, some having just left this mortal coil, some nursing those preparing to cross over and all who are suffering through war and unrest. The list is long and the sorrows run deep. Looking around this group of women, I begin to understand what real community is, what our tribal ancestors must have felt in connection to each other and the land. We need each other and depend on one another if for nothing else, to listen.

Growing up I had very few female friends. We are taught from a young age that women are untrust…

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The Scorpio full moon doesn’t arrive demurely. Scorpio is not demure or delicate. Scorpio says the uncomfortable things out loud, asked the questions others skirt around and usually makes a direct hit. Like the stinger on a Scorpions tail, Scorpio can take you by surprise with their directness and sometimes it may feel like it comes out of nowhere...but if you’re honest, you saw it coming.

I love Scorpio. When I found out I had a Scorpio rising, I made so much more sense to myself. The ability to sit with grief and swim in the darker waters' life brings along with its joys has been a part of my life since I was a child. My vocation as a witch, death doula, and funeral arranger feel very Scorpio like in retrospect. I also have quite a sting when I want to!

The Fixed Water sign usually gets a bad rap because there can be a vindictiveness associated with it and, that stinger, well, it stings when you’re on the wrong end of it. But the beauty of Scorpio cannot be l…

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Although we are still thrumming with fiery Aries energy with six planets including Chiron in Aries, we are moving into Taurus season. The sign of fixed earth and represented by the Bull adds a quality of “get it done” to the impulsive nature of Aries season. Taurus takes the inspiration of Aries and puts the plow to earth, creating a strong foundation for the big plans we dreamed of at the start of spring. Taurus is grounded and wants to build and understand its resources. Once in motion a Taurus is not easily swayed nor gives up, hence the image of stubbornness attached to this strong sign. Generally easy to get along with, the saying, “Mess with the bull and you get the horns” also exists for a good reason. Don’t trifle with a Taurus; they are sensitive and strong creatures.

As we are processing the daily barrage of life and its incredibility lately, leaning into this energy of building something is needed. The igniting force of Aries can burn out quickly if not sustained through pla…

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This Friday, April 17th at 4:51 AM is the VERY Aries New Moon. What I mean is, yes, it's the Aries New Moon but along with the Sun and Moon, Mercury, Mars, Saturn and Neptune are also in the sign of Aries as well as Chiron and Eris. Eight planets in Aries are a lot and not a common occurrence. Not only are most of the faster moving “personal” planets in the cardinal fire sign, but some potent outer planets too which have a larger effect on the collective. This new moon is chock full of motivation and passion. Mars, of course rules Aries and takes on the Warrior archetype, ready to react and push through obstacles without always thinking things through and with this new moon, that may work better than any other time.

Aries is the beginning of the astrological new year. It is the time I encourage people to set their “resolutions” or intentions for the year. With Mars and Saturn conjunct, it is a really good time to put in motion plans you can stick too, all this Aries energy is great for…

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This morning while scrolling and enjoying my coffee, I came across a post that began with a little girl in Iran swinging on a swing set on a beach, like literally in the water, waves breaking just behind her. She was standing on the swing and pushing it as high as it would go. Further behind her on what looked like a peninsula was smoke, obviously large structure fires filling the air with blackness. Next, the post talked about the Palestinian people breaking their fast-during Ramadan, together in the rubble filled streets. Next was the Somali community in Minnesota venturing into mosques for prayers while the danger of ICE looms outside. Amid unrest and injustice, between bombs and hate, people still live. People still gather and eat and pray or just play amongst the uncertainty of their future. People still love.

The internet is full of hatefulness; it can be hard to find the goodness that exists. This goodness is not some type of reality bypassing but almost done in spite of reality…

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The Full Moon in Libra is on April 1^st (not a joke) at 7:11PM. This full moon is the first of the astrological year and in Libra fashion calls for balance, justice and a little bit of beauty... it is Spring after all. Aries is a fiery and independent sign. Impulsive by nature, Aries dives right into whatever calls them, and Libra being more strategic, weighs options and outcomes, sometimes to the point of indecision. Balancing these qualities can get us moving right along, but with a little more thoughtfulness. Libra also brings attention to our relationships and that we are, in fact, stronger together rather than going solo all the time. This of course is not limited to romantic relationships, although Libra does rule over contracts including marriage and business partnerships. Libra, in polarity with Aries, is about “other”; it’s being in relationships outside of yourself. The Scales of Libra also rule justice and a desire for things to be fair which we all know life is not but call…

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Persephone has put down her underworld crown of bones and adorned herself with a flower wreath. Spring is a threshold. Sometimes winter itself feels like a liminal space in between death and the rebirth of life, a rite of passage waiting for the sun to warm the earth and begin again. Like Persephone, we are full of contradiction and complexities, of light and darkness. As Queen of the Underworld, I imagine Persephone able to swim in the depths of sorrow and grief. We may perceive the role of ruling over the dead as one void of emotion, but I think her role is to feel it all and knowing she will return to the light keeps her from drowning in the sorrows. Who knows, maybe the dead aren’t even sad, maybe they are just having a big I’ve been thinking a lot about grief and the current state of the world. Looking back through history we have proven repeatedly to be a pretty awful species, so why do I feel so surprised at the hateful things happening now. We’ve seemingly spent more time as h…

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