The 3-Card Spread

My favorite 3-card spread because it is so versatile (credit to Daily Tarot Girl on YouTube):

• Card 1 (middle) is the “mirror” card. It is reflecting your situation back to you.

• Card 2 (left) is the “challenger” card. It represents what is challenging you right now.

• Card 3 (right) is the “helper” card. It represents what is helpful right now.

• Plus, I will look at the bottom card of the deck for an overarching theme/message.

Without further ado… pick your pile!

Look at the image below and pick your pile. Don’t overthink it! Whichever one really grabs your attention first, click the link for that reading below, and it’ll bring you right to it.

The Readings

• Pile 1

• Pile 2

• Pile 3

Pile 1

Hello Pile 1! You were drawn to The Art of Rituals.

Embrace a passage you are experiencing in life by practicing a ritual around it, whether the passage is a birth, a wedding, a death, or another change in season (season of life that is).

Mirror Card (middle) - King of Swords - You want clarity, but you are hanging on. In the image, you’ll notice the King is looking backward, as if longing for the spark in the Page of Wands again.

Challenger Card (left) - Page of Wands - You’re having trouble finding your spark again. Life passages can do that to us, even if they are intended to be times of joy, such as a birth or a wedding. But any big life event comes with an adjustment period, and with the adjustment comes change in not only our surroundings, but within us.

Helper Card (right) - Queen of Swords - Pause, take a deep breath (or two or three) and sigh it out. BIG! I want to hear it through the screen! Giving yourself space can help you see more clearly, even if for a moment. And if you notice, in the image, the Queen is looking forward, not backward, like the King is. This too shall pass, and with it, you will find your spark again, which brings us to the…

Bottom of the Deck (overall theme) - Ace of Wands - On the other side of this passage you are experiencing, you will have a newfound passion for life and for yourself. You may notice things you used to enjoy just don’t bring the same smile to your face. Follow the breadcrumbs of the universe and see where the path takes you.

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After finishing all 3 of these readings, it felt that Pile 3 was connected to this one, so if you also felt pulled to that pile, you may want to read that one too. You can jump to it here.

Pile 2

Welcome to Pile 2! You were drawn to the Coyote Totem.

The Coyote is here to remind you to not take life too seriously. Sometimes we need to see the humor in things in order to see the lesson.

Mirror Card (middle) - 8 of Wands - Things are moving fast for you right now. You’re having a lot of spark, passion, or are desiring it.

Challenger Card (left) - Queen of Swords - Taking things too seriously, coming off as cold-hearted. The Queen has her cup (representing emotions) locked away. Sometimes setting our emotions aside can aide us in seeing things more clearly, but here, it is hindering you from having the joy/passion in your life that you want. The Queen may be representing you or someone in your life. You already know who it is, if it’s not you.

Helper Card (right) - The Magician - You have the resources you need. You have the power to choose how you feel and show up in a situation. Sometimes we allow our circumstances to get the better of us, but once we remember that everything begins and ends with us, new doors start opening.

Bottom of the Deck (overall theme) - Knight of Swords - Along with the 8 of Wands, there is fast movement here, so you are certainly running towards something. Just don’t forget to be playful and maybe throw a skip or cartwheel into your run to help you laugh on your journey.

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Pile 3

Hello, Pile 3! You were drawn to the Healing card.

She is here to not only help support you through healing, but through a transformation.

Mirror Card (middle) - The Magician - You are starting something new; working towards manifesting something into reality.

Challenger Card (left) - 5 of Pentacles - You’re stuck in lack mindset and you don’t notice the key that can help you open the door.

Helper Card (right) - The Devil - This may seem like an odd card as a helper, but facing your own inner “devil” is the only way to grow through this (or any) transformation. What limiting beliefs are you holding onto? What habits are you keeping up that aren’t serving your higher self? Who are you hanging around with that may not be the greatest of influences? Cut the ties and stop being the puppet in your own life.

Bottom of the Deck (overall theme) - 9 of Pentacles - This healing and transformation will bring you wonderful inner peace and contentment. It may also bring other forms of abundance - you just never know ‘til you’re there. 😉

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‘Til next time, everyone!
Ally 💚

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

Within Stripped Away is “The Raven’s Cawl” - a newsletter you can print and enjoy!

All writings are free, and becoming a paid subscriber helps support this publication and my family on a new level. Paid subscribers also have access to a paid members only chat that is developing as we speak!

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!

It’s here! The second issue of The Raven’s Cawl!

I created this printable newsletter as a way of helping bring some analog stuff back and have something for you (and me!) to look forward to - not just another “how-to” or thing that doesn’t light you up. I really enjoy piecing it together and sharing it with all of you.

I have a bit of an update (it is in this issue, but I wanted to share it here too).

This printable newsletter will be available to everyone for free. It is my belief that anyone should be able to have access to something like this. My goal is to make it kind of like a mini newspaper, minus world news because we can get that anywhere, and I honestly have a hard time stomaching a lot of the news stories. I want to bring light into the world and share it with those that can really use it - even if they may not realize they need some extra light.

So, I will keep the paid subscription option on, but you can look at it more as a way to support my writing, this newsletter, my family, our kitties, along with any new developments my work takes. (Pssst: There is an announcement coming soon!)

Paid subscribers will still have a paid members only chat that will develop further over time.

Without further ado, here is your link to the second issue of The Raven’s Cawl!

Download

If you enjoy this newsletter as much as I do, please feel free to share it with others. Maybe even print and mail an issue to someone who you think could use some good mail!

‘Til next time,
Ally ❤

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

Within Stripped Away is “The Raven’s Cawl” - a newsletter you can print and enjoy!

All writings are free, and becoming a paid subscriber helps support this publication and my family on a new level. Paid subscribers also have access to a paid members only chat that is developing as we speak!

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!

Ok, I’ve posted a few Notes/comments about leaving my job of almost 17 years because of a hair-brained idea I had, and some of you have asked me what that idea was… so here it is.

But first, I have to give you some background so you (hopefully) understand a bit more and see where I’m coming from.

Rewind It Back

2007-2009

I graduated high school and started college on a partial scholarship in 2007. I went for a couple of years, then dropped out in the spring of 2009.

Yes, dropped out.

My family was of course not too keen on the idea, but they weren’t paying for it, I was, and it’s my life.

Summer of 2009, my husband and I got married. Yup, I was 20. We had already been together for 6 years and we didn’t want to wait any longer, so we got married at the Justice of the Peace.

Half my family apparently thought the “sudden” wedding was because I was pregnant. Really, guys? How cliché. NOPE, we just wanted to be married without all the hullabaloo (yes, I just wrote that 😄).

In the fall of 2009, I started a job that I had zero experience in - a veterinary assistant. Mind you, I was still 20 so the only work experience I had was working at a diner. I was very grateful for this opportunity and fell in love with it right away.

I could really see myself doing it “for the long haul,” so I started an online veterinary technician program (before online schooling was as big as it is now) while working full time as an assistant. I graduated and passed the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam) in 2013/2014, and continued working at the same clinic as a veterinary technician.

Along the way, I also became a Shift Manager… I’m still not really sure how that happened, but it did, LOL.

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Punching July 2, 2018 into the DeLorean

I think it was July 2nd… I know it was very close to July 4th, but the exact date doesn’t really matter for this article.

My husband has his first SCA (sudden cardiac arrest) episode… yes, his first one. WTF.

Thank GUS (God/Universe/Source - term from Soph Newman & Shelby that I love and am definitely using going forward) I was home and I did NOT get in the shower about 5 minutes beforehand.

I heard a sudden weird noise from the bedroom where he was napping for work, so I looked in to check on him. I won’t go into exact details here because it’s not really relevant for this article.

But, the point is, I realized he needed CPR. It had been 10+ years since I had been certified, so I called 911, got the latest guidance for CPR and got to work until the paramedics got there.

My world was so flipped upside down, it could’ve been an episode of Stranger Things. I was shaken. I had two very small children at home (a 2 month old and a 2 year old), and I had no idea if my best friend was going to survive. And if he did, how he would be post-SCA vs pre.

Thankfully, he made a miraculous recovery.

I was still left in pieces because seeing your 32 year old husband almost die in front of you puts life into perspective. I was already getting this feeling that something in my life needed to change, mostly career-wise, but I did not have a clear picture of it yet. This occurrence started nudging me in that direction even more.

Jumping Forward to August 4, 2019

He has his second SCA… what in the actual fuck?

Again, thank GUS I was home. This one actually happened in the middle of the night and he was home too, so I woke up to a similar sudden weird noise and saw him in SCA again. This time, I knew what it was right away, called 911 again and started CPR.

Thankfully, he miraculously survived this one too and earned himself an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator - fancy name for pacemaker/defibrillator combo) in case it ever happened for a 3rd time (please no).

I don’t know what the odds are of surviving TWO SCA’s, let alone one, but holy hell.

Around this same time, there was a lot of hell going on in our lives, so I fully believe the stress from it was a big component to his second SCA.

I was still healing from the experience of his first SCA, processing the shitstorm of life happening around us, and now adding this on top did NOT help me when it came to the feeling that something needed to change.

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Hitting 88 MPH to Jump Back to Now

2026

Here we are, several years after either of his SCA’s, and I can finally NOT think of life as “before” or “after” his first SCA. It was such a pivotal time for me (and him), it was hard not to think of it that way.

But, what does all of that have to do with NOW?

Everything.

When I abruptly left school, got married, and started a brand new job, I was literally starting a whole new life. Oh, I forgot we also moved in together a month or two before we got married, so there’s another change LOL.

I have been feeling an itch that I needed to leave my job for a LONG TIME. Too long, honestly. BUT, I know everything works out in its own timing, not our idea of timing, so I stuck with the job.

Over the years, I dove into Astrology, Tarot, Human Design, Gene Keys, Reiki, meditation, and so on. Soooo many metaphysical things, it could make someone else’s head explode.

Why? I was just drawn to them. I was being pulled to start diving into that realm, and I still don’t really know why in an endgame kind of way. I understand why I would be interested in them - they are freaking intriguing, but aside from that, I still don’t really have a clear picture of why.

I could feel that my time at the clinic was coming to a close, and I knew I wanted to work for myself, I just wasn’t really sure of what I’d be doing.

I kept fighting the usual battle of - I COULD leave, but I’m stubborn and refused to get another job because a different one would likely be way less understanding and less flexible, sooooo how would I make money? “I got bills to pay, I got mouths to feed, there ain’t nothing in this world for free” (thank you, Cage the Elephant for the reminder). So I stuck it out with the minimum amount of hours I could get by with to still be part-time and make enough to pay my bills. That way, I could continue diving into and trying various things.

The Hair-Brained Idea (Finally!)

A couple of months ago, a hair-brained idea came to me in the shower. Yup, another shower epiphany! It seriously can’t be just me LOL.

The idea that came to me like a freaking download was “you could just cash in your 401K and put in your 2 weeks…”

Wait. What?!

Oooooh, I COULD do that! Why hadn’t I thought of THAT before?! (Enter divine timing.)

Ok, now I am SURE a lot of you just about threw your phone across the room and thought “ALLY, YOU IDIOT!” but hear me out.

YES, I understand the amount I am getting is way less than the amount that was actually in there because of taxes, taxes, and oh wait… more taxes (thanks Uncle Sam). However, I ran some math, and the estimated leftover (even after I set aside some for tax return time) will last me for a good chunk of time. And the chunk of time will be long enough for me to figure out this transition, start gaining traction on SOMETHING, and not have to be in the stressed state of figuring out money at the same time. We all know that never ends well.

I am NOT suggesting that anyone else should do this. I am not a financial advisor, a CPA, or any other person that handles money aside from my own. I am also sure that NONE of them would EVER advise someone to do what I am doing.

I took a HUGE leap of faith… even bigger than the last one in 2009 since we are now married with two kids. But I am willing to bet on myself, and have faith in GUS to have my back.

And after experiencing the miracle of my husband surviving SCA TWICE, and surviving the whole ordeal myself (among other things), I am not afraid to take chances. Playing it “safe” will result in me dying feeling unfulfilled and with regrets, and to hell with that. This is my life and I want to LIVE it.

So, there was my hair-brained idea for those that were curious, and I look forward to seeing how this path unfolds.

‘Til next time,
Ally 💚

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!

Funny thing is, that was not my actual intention. I was just sick and tired of constantly seeing the “how to grow on Substack” crap and I needed to express it. So I just wrote out my truth and BAM! The Universe said, “Well, you asked.” 😄

After A LOT of you clicked subscribe, I realized I never updated my welcome email a few weeks ago when I turned off all my offers. Yes… ALL my offers.

I had just left my job of almost 17 years and wanted to give myself some breathing space and allow my Substack to naturally develop into whatever it wanted to become.

Well, it has certainly developed - like a teenage boy going through his voice change - from child to deep to squeaky and awkward. Trust me, I will make it awkward at times because I tend to just say shit that I’m thinking, which I think is why many of you subscribed LOL!

Sooooo, I have since updated my welcome email that goes out to free subscribers. The overall message was not that much different, but the link within it changed. Since I took down all of my offers, the offer for 30 days of async coaching was no longer valid (oops!) But, I did update it with my FREE Reclamation Workbook, so if you were one of the many that did not receive the link for it, here it is…

The Reclamation Workbook

Now, onto my next step!

After taking a few weeks to adjust and let my Substack develop AND a few days to adjust to the spike in my subscribers, I discovered my next step!

I’m creating an ACTUAL newsletter. Not just an email/article that goes out, but an actual printable newsletter! (You don’t HAVE to print it, but some of the features will be easier if you do, unless you screenshot them and use your phone or tablet somehow. You’ll see what I mean in a moment.)

I don’t believe in truly niching down. We are multi-faceted beings that should honor our human-ness and our many interests throughout our lives. So, to bring my many interests together, I am putting them into a one-ish paged “newspaper”… better called a newsletter! It will have small sections, like a newspaper, including, but not limited to things like:

• Ask the Oracle: intuitive guidance for that issue; this may end up guiding the theme for each issue too (it did for this one, but we’ll see how things develop!)

• Something funny: by now you probably know I LOVE Dad jokes, so there needs to be something funny in each one just like the Comics section of the paper

• Something positive: a Substacker shout-out, a positive quote, something like that

• Something fun: an actual game, puzzle, or something to color, like in a regular paper as well

• Something shared/learned: a reflection, a book I read, a Tarot/Oracle deck I recently bought (not that I ever buy any of those! 👀), a podcast I’ve been listening to… essentially anything that seems to fit at that time

I want this newsletter to be something you and I both look forward to. Not just another article to read, or just another “how-to” (there are plenty of those), but something that brings us all together, in a way. So, I would like to introduce you to “The Raven’s Cawl” (there I go again with the word play 😄).

The newsletter will be available to EVERYONE. To kick it off, I’m starting with sharing it biweekly. I may kick it up to weekly once I get into the rhythm of making it - and if you love it as much as I do!

Paid Subscription Option

I have also turned on the paid subscription option starting at $7/month or $77/year. I plan for all my writings to be free. So why turn on the paid option, you ask? It is my belief that anyone should be able to have access to something like this (the printable newsletter, whatever I share in my articles, etc). I want to bring light into the world and share it with those that can really use it - even if they may not realize they need some extra light.

So you can look at the paid option more as a way to support my writing, this newsletter, my family, our kitties, along with any new developments my work takes. (Pssst: There is an announcement coming soon!) Paid subscribers will also have a paid members only chat that will develop further over time.

Upgrade to paid

And without further ado, here is your link to the first issue!

Download Issue 001

Enjoy and ‘til next time,
Ally ❤

(Cover Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash)

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

Within Stripped Away is “The Raven’s Cawl” - a newsletter you can print and enjoy!

All writings are free. Becoming a paid subscriber helps support my writing, the printable newsletter, my family, our kitties, and any developments my work takes. Paid subscribers also have access to a paid members only chat.

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!

The Book

As usual, I tend to wander the library and look for a book that catches my eye. I know they say not to judge a book by its cover, but of course the cover caught my attention. Look at all those cat faces! How could I resist?

So, I picked it up, stood there and started to read some of No Rest for the Wicked by Rachel Louise Adams to see how I liked it. If it doesn’t catch my attention in the first few pages, it’s probably a no-go for me. But I was intrigued right away.

The Story

Dolores Hawthorne is a well-known medical examiner living in Los Angeles and she gets called back to her small hometown of Little Horton, Wisconsin when her father goes missing.

It was a captivating mystery that fills in the blanks of Dolores’ past as the investigation into her father’s disappearance goes on, and it was hard to put down.

Overall

I do recommend it if you’re a mystery lover, and want an easy weekend/vacation read. I also did not realize until right now that it is the first in a series, The Coldren County Series. The second book, Where There’s Smoke, is set to release this October. I should probably add it to me library list now, if they’ll let me. 😄

To Read It Yourself

I found it at my local library. I love books, but don’t want to store them all, so I borrow as many as I can from the library.

If you cannot find it at your local library, or prefer to buy it yourself, you can find the hardcover version here, the paperback version here, or the Kindle version here (affiliate links).

‘Til next time,
Ally ❤

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!

The 3-Card Spread (The Werewolf Spread)

Full Moon inspiration + transformation? Of course I’m gonna pick The Werewolf Spread! This is a spread in the guidebook for The Halloween Forever Oracle deck created by Tess Whitehurst with artwork by Jasmine Beckett-Griffith. Yup, that is an affiliate link that would send me a bit of commission at no extra cost to you, if you chose to bring the deck into your own collection. I mean, just look at those adorable Fairie faces!

I will be using The Halloween Forever Oracle deck for each reading since the spread came from its guidebook.

• Card 1 (left) is the “waxing moon” card. It is what’s leading up to your transformation.

• Card 2 (middle) is the “full moon” card. It represents the full illumination of your transformation “and how to best deal with it” (quoted directly from the guidebook).

• Card 3 (right) is the “waning moon” card. It represents what you’re releasing.

• Plus, I will look at the bottom card of the deck for an overarching theme/message.

Now to pick your pile!

These cards are from the Oracle of Pluto deck. This is essentially a shadow work deck, but what better than the Full Moon to shed some light on things? Look at the image below and pick your pile. Don’t overthink it! Whichever one really grabs your attention first, click the link for that reading below, and it’ll bring you right to it.

The Readings

• Pile 1

• Pile 2

• Pile 3

Pile 1

Hello Pile 1! You were drawn to the Porcupine. The meaning from the guidebook is “ancestral wisdom”. We all carry answers within us from our ancestors and families, whether we realize it or not. We can also carry around energies from them. Let’s see what The Halloween Forever deck has to say…

The Waxing Moon card (left) - The Wicked Witch’s Hourglass - you’re putting pressure on yourself. Could be self-inflicted deadlines or other similar pressure due to external forces you are taking in as your own.

The Full Moon card (middle) - Candy Witch - The center of your transformation revolves around universal love and kindness. Choose to give yourself love and kindness, and share it forward. Keep in mind that we are one drop in the ocean, but we are still a part of that ocean.

The Waning Moon card (right) - Will O’ the Wisp - Release anything that does not inspire or excite you. We are not in the push hard energy anymore. It is up to you to decide if something really aligns with you and your values. If it doesn’t, delegate it or completely scrap it in whatever way you can.

Bottom of the Deck (overall theme) - Listen to the Dead - Ok, this is really pushing the message home of working with and listening to your ancestors. Don’t ignore the messages that are coming through for you, whether they are intuitive, synchronicities around you, in your dreams, etc. You can help nurture the relationship by visiting a loved one’s grave, bringing them flowers, or even setting up their picture similar to an altar. It doesn’t have to be complicated, up just have to be willing to accept their help.

What a-ha or insight came through for you?

Leave a comment

Pile 2

Hello Pile 2! You were drawn to the Griffin. The meaning from the guidebook is “the superconscious”. This is essentially a pivotal time for you and the energy here will stick with you for a long time. Now let’s see what The Halloween Forever deck has to share…

The Waxing Moon card (left) - Will O’ the Wisp - Follow the breadcrumbs of your curiosity, things that inspire you. They are leading you to and through your current transformation.

The Full Moon card (middle) - Pumpkin Thief - You are deserving of everything you want and more. You are seeing that, and realizing that your scarcity or frugal habits have been blocking you.

The Waning Moon card (right) - Dracula’s Heiress - You are releasing self doubt. You are becoming who you were always meant to be, and with that, you are open to accept a gift that was always meant to be yours. This gift could come in many forms, and you no longer question whether you deserve it or are the right person for it.

Bottom of the Deck (overall theme) - Immortal Gaze - Embrace pausing and observing. There is no need to feel rushed into anything. Allow yourself the space to notice and decide, or adjust, if necessary.

What a-ha or insight came through for you?

Leave a comment

Pile 3

Welcome to Pile 3’s reading! You were drawn to the Friend card. The guidebook meaning is “truth, mirrors, sound advice”. Others are mirrors in our lives. They reflect back to us parts of our true self. Sometimes we enjoy them, and sometimes we despise them - just as we do aspects of ourselves. Each brings their own lesson. Let’s see what The Halloween Forever deck would like to share…

The Waxing Moon card (left) - Immortal Gaze - You’ve been skeptical of a situation. Do you trust it or not? You’ve been sitting back and observing to help you decide. You’ve likely even been skeptical of yourself.

The Full Moon card (middle) - Dracula’s Heiress - You do not need to question whether you deserve what is waiting for you. You have the birthright to accept yourself in your fullest, truest form - even the parts you’ve deemed unworthy, whether by yourself or societal standards

The Waning Moon card (right) - Conjure the Dragon - You are releasing anything holding you back. Your confidence looks good on you! (Even if you are new to letting it show!) Be bold; do or wear something that helps you feel more like you!

Bottom of the Deck (overall theme) - Candy Moonbeams - Girl, you create your own magic and your own luck! Wear that confidence with pride and let those around you see you for YOU!

What a-ha or insight came through for you?

Leave a comment

Looking back at all of these readings combined, they really seem to go in a sequence. And some of the same cards wanted to come out in each, adding to the progression. The cards do what they want; that’s for sure!

I hope you enjoyed your reading, and I look forward to bringing you more of them! These are really fun for me to put together.

‘Til next time,
Ally ❤

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!

Does anyone else get a lot of good ideas in the shower? I think it’s common, but maybe it’s just me 🤷

Anyways… a lot of songs I really enjoy are about rising up in some way, and many of them are written about another person. Or at least, so I always thought. You’re never really in the head of the artist, so you can never be too sure. You just make your own assumptions and connections.

But what I realized is, I don’t need to think of someone else being the person to bring me down… I do that enough on my own. 🤯

Unfortunately, I’m sure many can relate. Especially since there is even a saying that we are our own worst critic.

So, as a way of letting my inner critic know that I’ve had enough, I am now dedicating the following songs to her…

The first one HAS to be “Liar” by Jelly Roll, because she’s nothing but a liar! And damn it, I have “walked right out the fire!”

Next up, “Too Much” by Dove Cameron, because if she thinks I’m too much, she can certainly try to bring me “down, down, down.”

One of my all time favorites, “Black Sheep” by Dorothy, because of course “I march along to a different song”

And one you can really shake it to, “Got Your Number” by Serena Ryder because I’ve “finally awaken from the spell I was under.”

If you made a playlist to tell your inner critic to F off, what would be on it? I’d love to know so I can add it to my list too!

‘Til next time,
Ally ❤

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!

Since this is my first time doing a collective/timeless Tarot reading this way, I’m keeping it very simple with a 3-card spread. I shuffled an Oracle deck and intuitively chose 3 of its cards. Each Oracle card represents its own pile. I am also using a different Tarot deck for each pile to not cross energies between readings.

The 3-Card Spread

My favorite 3-card spread because it is so versatile (credit to Daily Tarot Girl on YouTube):

• Card 1 (middle) is the “mirror” card. It is reflecting your situation back to you.

• Card 2 (left) is the “challenger” card. It represents what is challenging you right now.

• Card 3 (right) is the “helper” card. It represents what is helpful right now.

• Plus, I will look at the bottom card of the deck for an overarching theme/message.

Without further ado… pick your pile!

Look at the image below and pick your pile. Don’t overthink it! Whichever one really grabs your attention first, click the link for that reading below, and it’ll bring you right to it.

The Readings

• Pile 1

• Pile 2

• Pile 3

  And if you’d be so kind to take the Poll at the end too!

Pile 1

Hello Pile 1! You were drawn to the Candy Moonbeams pile.

This card’s overall message is that you create your own magic. No one will save you, and you can only attract what you put out into the world. Let’s see what the Crow Tarot deck has to say for further guidance in your current situation…

Mirror Card (middle) - 6 of Swords - you are in a transition of some sort. Life feels chaotic and uncertain. There are calmer waters ahead.

Challenger Card (left) - 4 of Pentacles - you are holding on too tightly. Possibly being too conservative.

Helper Card (right) - The Emperor - take action, grab life by the horns. You don’t have to be all go, but you do need to step up to the plate and show up in your own life.

Bottom of the Deck (overall theme) - 8 of Cups - You’re being called to walk away from or release what no longer serves you. You may be on a path of seeking- likely seeking yourself. A deeper connection with yourself and with life. Follow your heart and trust yourself.

Your own intuition is always welcome too. If you look at the image of the cards and get different vibes from them, go with what your intuition is telling you ✨

Please help me decide if I should do more of these pick-a-pile readings by participating in the poll below.

The Poll

Pile 2

Hello Pile 2! You were drawn to the Will O’ the Wisp pile.

This card’s overall message is to act upon your own inner desires, follow your curiosity breadcrumbs, and don’t ignore the signs that are given to you, no matter how foggy the road ahead may be. You are given each step as you need them. Let’s see what the Light Seer’s Tarot deck has to say for further guidance in your current situation…

Mirror Card (middle) - Ace of Pentacles - Something new is being planted. You have been given many seeds by the Universe. Which one will you nurture first?

Challenger Card (left) - Page of Cups - Your challenge is that you have your head in the clouds and are unsure how to bring your dreams down into reality. This is NOT a message to stop dreaming! It is simply letting you know that you may be caught up in the fantasy of your dreams and are forgetting that you are always supported so you CAN make them a reality.

Helper Card (right) - 2 of Pentacles - It will be helpful for you to have some harmony in your life. A harmony of your current life circumstances while bringing form to your dreams.

Bottom of the Deck (overall theme) - The Moon - Oh that pesky Moon energy. Your fear of the unknown is blocking you. You feel surrounded by dark water, and because you cannot physically see clearly, you are unsure where to go and how to get out of the water. Stop fighting and let yourself relax. You will float to the surface once you stop struggling.

Your own intuition is always welcome too. If you look at the image of the cards and get different vibes from them, go with what your intuition is telling you ✨

Please help me decide if I should do more of these pick-a-pile readings by participating in the poll below.

The Poll

Pile 3

Hello Pile 3! You were drawn to The Wicked Witch’s Hourglass pile.

This card’s overall message is that happiness, success, etc are not something that happens in the future. They can be chosen now, you just have to be willing to allow yourself to accept them now. Let’s see what the Tarot Magick deck has to say for further guidance in your current situation…

Mirror Card (middle) - Ace of Swords - New breakthroughs and ideas are upon you.

Challenger Card (left) - The Lovers - Your challenge is in the duality, the harmony of opposites, the coming together of the pieces.

Helper Card (right) - 8 of Wands - Some aligned action will really get your momentum going.

Bottom of the Deck (overall theme) - Queen of Wands - You bold, charismatic, beautiful being! Embrace your boldness and do the thing. Whatever that thing is for you. Everything happens with its own time (Hourglass card), so release the pressure on yourself.

(Addendum - when I was doing this reading, I fully had Queen of Wands on the brain, although that is clearly the Queen of Pentacles card in the image, which is definitely the card that came out. I am leaving the Queen of Wands message here because I wholeheartedly had her energy coming through. For those that resonate more with the Queen of Pentacles energy, please go with what your heart and intuition tell you.)

Your own intuition is always welcome too. If you look at the image of the cards and get different vibes from them, go with what your intuition is telling you ✨

Please help me decide if I should do more of these pick-a-pile readings by participating in the poll below.

The Poll

The Poll

Help me decide if I should do more of these Pick-a-Pile readings!

Thank you for taking the time to participate in the poll! This publication is as much yours as it is mine, and I want to know what content you’re enjoying so I can bring you more of it.

‘Til next time,
Ally ❤

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!

My two most remade summer recipes are lemonade and food for the Hummingbirds.

Homemade Lemonade

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 8 and 1/2 cups water

• 1 cup lemon juice (I do use bottled because it’s so easy, and I tend to always have it on hand for other things.)

1. Combine the sugar and 1/2 cup of water in a small pan. Heat and stir until sugar is dissolved.

2. In a large pitcher, combine the other 8 cups of water, lemon juice, and the sugar water.

3. Give it a good stir and place it in the fridge to cool. Or, pour over ice to enjoy right away. 😋

Link to the full original recipe is here, because there is no way I could’ve created a recipe this delicious on my own without a lot of trial and error. Plus, I have to give credit where credit is due. ❤

Our oldest can be very particular when it comes to food and drink, and she loves this homemade lemonade. It’s a great balance of sweet and sour.

Hummingbird Food

• 1 cup water

• 1/4 cup sugar

1. Combine into a small pan. Heat and stir until sugar is dissolved.

2. Allow it to completely cool before pouring it into your feeder(s).

Unfortunately, I do not have the original source for this recipe. It is one I found and simply wrote on an index card for my recipe box.

I typically make a double batch and share it between two feeders we have on our back porch. When I made it this morning, one of the hummingbirds kept going back and forth between the areas where I usually hang them, wondering what happened to its food. Whenever I make fresh food, I scrub out the feeders so they are clean. Hot weather + sugar = a great place for mold to grow. I tend to make fresh food every 1-2 weeks, depending on how quickly the birds go through it.

I also tend to make lemonade and hummingbird food back to back. Since I am already using the same small pan to make sugar water for each, why not?

What’s your favorite or most remade summer recipe? Feel free to share below!

Leave a comment

‘Til next time,
Ally ❤

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!

If you’re here trying to connect with others through your writing, please stop trying to pick a niche. Whether your goal is to simply connect, or to some day turn this into a real source of income, just be you.

Write about something that actually means something to you. But it doesn’t have to be ONE thing forever.

Write about what wakes you up at 3 am.

Write about a book or article you recently read.

Write about your recent trip to the grocery store. (There are usually some weird encounters there. 👀)

We are meant to take that box and turn it into a bed for our cats. Or a spaceship for our next astronaut adventure.

The time of the single niche is over.

I know I’m not the first one to say this. And others will tell you to just pick a damn lane.

Well, I say your lane is your lane and you can do what you damn well please.

Your breadcrumbs of curiosity can be what you share. You don’t need to narrow yourself down so much that you feel stuck.

You can pick a focus to start with, but don’t feel like you need to stay in the constraints of that one focus.

I know you see something shiny in your peripheral and you want to go to it like a raven to a beautiful copper button. So go, my little feathery friend. Fly to your precious button and examine it to your heart’s content. Then share what you found!

If you could write about anything, what would be the first thing you’d write about?

Leave a comment

‘Til next time,
Ally ❤

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!

The other day, I decided to share at least one small article each day for at least 10 days. Not to bombard someone’s inbox, but to get into the daily habit of writing and sharing something.

I have to internalize things before I can write or share, so I could easily go days or weeks without sharing anything.

But I’ve noticed that causes a bottleneck in my inspiration and creativity.

I start to overthink everything.

Is this worth sharing? Why would someone want to read this? How is this helpful?

So, instead of just writing and clicking send (or at least scheduling it for the near future when I have an influx of inspiration), I wouldn’t write anything.

I’ve noticed it being like a faucet. It’s like a slow drip at first, but that slow drip eventually turns into a steady flow.

But if I don’t release some of the pressure regularly, it backs up and the pipes want to burst.

Of course, there will be times where I’ve said everything there is to say and I won’t be sharing daily, but as long as that faucet wants to at least drip, I’m going to share whatever calls to me in that moment.

Not every article needs to be an entire essay, or even something that seems profound. I just want to get into the habit of sharing a little something every day so it can find whoever needs it.

What have you noticed about your own inspiration or creativity? What seems to help you?

Leave a comment

‘Til next time,
Ally ❤

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!

The Low Down

Requesting your profile is simple. You click the button to request your reading, put in your info and pay. Then, you receive your profile within a few days via email.

The Profile

She breaks your profile down into 4 categories: Soul, Birth, Growth, and Destiny.

Each category is represented by a color (hence hue in Hue-man 😀). There are 9 colors altogether, and each color has it’s own frequency. Like a set of characteristics that are part of our natural design, and when we align with that frequency, we are “unf*ckwithable” (as Kerry will often say 😉).

My Own Profile

My Hue-man Design Profile is made of two different colors. I asked Kerry if that was common, and she said it is common for people to have repeating colors.

My Soul Color: Red

The Soul is the core of who you are, the default setting, if you will. As a Red Soul, I need to initiate, to do. But, a fire can’t burn when there’s no fuel, so I need to mindful of not pushing it too much, which can be too easy for me to do.

With the various inner work rabbit holes I’ve gone down, this very much aligns with my Life Path Number of 1 as well - the Pioneer, the Trailblazer, the Initiator.

My Birth Color: White

In connections and relationships, I am a calm, stabilizing, non-judgmental presence. Which is a nice balance to my initiate and go Soul color. I can definitely see how this plays out in real life, when I honor this frequency. I’ve had many people that I hardly knew tell me things they’ve never told anyone else. I’ve learned that it’s just something that happens, so I go with it and let them unload what they need. I’m happy to hold that space for others.

My Growth Color: Red

For my overall well-being, my system enjoys - you guessed it - movement! I thrive when I can move and do, in bursts. I still need to be mindful of stillness/rest, but it needs to be intentional. Someone trying to force me to stop would be like standing in front of a moving train and expecting to be able to stop it. They’re not Superman, so don’t even try it. When I’m in go mode, just move out of the way and let me do my thing LOL. I’ll know when I need to rest. The key is for me to honor that knowing.

My Destiny Color: White

In the realm of career, success, and purpose, I crave coherence and efficiency for the sake of SIMPLICITY. Oooh that word has followed me around for many years, and I finally understand why. I am meant to simplify, refine and clarify!

As humans, we tend to make things more complicated because we’ve been conditioned to believe we need to earn what we receive. To hell with that! I say keep it simple silly!

In Conclusion

Kerry expands more on each category with various key characteristics and shadow aspects to watch for. And she ends the profile with steps on how to integrate your design.

I love the simplicity (there’s that word again, LOL) of this profile, but how deep it goes with 4 simple categories.

This is certainly a profile I’ve come back to multiple times already, and will continue to come back to so I can check that I am in alignment and have a deeper understanding of how it plays out in my life.

If this is something that calls to you and you’d like Kerry to give you your own Hue-Man Design Profile, you can learn more here.

‘Til next time,
Ally ❤

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!

She’s asking us to stop c*ckblocking our intuition. Our intuition is always here for us - to guide us and to help us. We’ve just been so caught up in our own minds that we forget how to always hear it.

When we allow ourselves the space to breathe and just be, our mind eventually settles down a bit. That space allows our intuition to speak up and show itself.

Everyone’s intuition works differently. Some of us sense words, some of us see images or symbols, some may smell something that triggers a memory or an association.

Each association is unique to you. We tend to think that all butterflies can mean transformation. While, yes, for many they can, you may have a different association and you’re not wrong.

Our intuition is as unique as we are. It will express itself in its own way. You may have different associations than the “traditional” meanings, and that’s ok. As long as you trust the message, that’s all that really matters.

And just as with any other relationship, the more you trust, the stronger your relationship with your intuition will be.

Because in the end, you’re simply trusting yourself.

And what better relationship to have than a great, trusting one with yourself?

‘Til next time,
Ally ❤

P.S. In a world so hell-bent on being fast-paced and telling us what we need to do with our own lives, I need these messages just as much as I need to share them.

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!

The Meditation

Several months ago, I did a free meditation on Insight Timer where I could meet my business. The speaker said it could show up as anything - a symbol, a color, an animal, etc.

Mine showed up as a beautiful white female wolf.

I remember my heart space feeling so overjoyed seeing this beautiful wolf. As she approached, though, I noticed she was limping with her right front paw.

I squatted down to get closer to her and she sat as close as she could and leaned right into me as if to give me a hug. I of course wrapped my arms around her to hug her back. How could I resist? 🤗

We sat like that for a moment, just enjoying each other’s presence.

Unfortunately, I don’t recall much else from the meditation, at the moment, but I do feel like, at one point, I had gently wrapped my hands around her paw as a way of helping her heal. And as a way of saying I’m sorry she was hurting. (More on this in a bit.)

The Message of Confirmation

I had actually forgotten about the meditation, until I received a private message from a fellow Substacker the other day.

She started to read one of my Notes, and within the first line, she intuitively received an image and was guided to share it with me.

The image she received was “a huge grey wolf”! (Yes, I am quoting her directly.)

So cool!

Part of her message also said:
“Wolf is the path finder and helps bring back balance to ecosystems. An apex predator with true purpose. Also some of the most dynamic and supportive family and community leaders and members… Wolf is working with you. Powerful af.”

I had tears in my eyes by the end! It brought me back to that meditation, and helped me confirm that I AM on the right path - although, it may seem like an uncertain path and many would think I am completely crazy for doing something so illogical, LOL.

But I trust in myself and in my Guides. And the most illogical things I’ve done in life have led me down the best paths.

I will certainly be working more with my Wolf Guide as I continue this part of my journey, and I’m sure I will be posting about my Wolf Guide again in the future.

The Symbolism of the Paw

After the private message brought me back to that meditation, I wanted to look more into what a raised or injured front right paw could mean.

According to a simple search, it could mean an array of things. One of the things that really stuck out to me, and felt appropriate for my situation was signifying anxiety and uncertainty.

I’ve struggled with deciding what to do for my business for a very long time. I’ve known my path was to leave veterinary medicine, I just didn’t know what that truly looked like for me, and it has caused me a lot of anxiety.

Why couldn’t I be like other people? Why can’t I just pick something and stick with it? This person knows what they want to do. That person is already building something alongside their job so they can leave and be on a more stable foundation.

But me?

I’ve circle the same idea numerous times (coaching/guiding) but it honestly never felt quite aligned. At least, not in the way others usually do coaching/guiding.

I’ve been craving flexibility, and I genuinely want something that supports that flexibility and autonomy. I also want my people (i.e. you, hi there!) to have a sense of their own flexibility and autonomy.

I still don’t have a clear vision of what this will all look like, but I decided to not let that stop me.

As a leap of faith, I left my job of almost 17 years less than 2 weeks ago, and I already know I am on the right path. Not only for this confirmatory message, but also because my body is so much more at ease with not trying to navigate work, check Slack messages, along with caring for a home and family, and trying to build a business at the same time.

I know it’s not the right path for everyone, but it’s the right path for me. And if I can inspire even just one other person to follow their own inner calling, that’s a win in my book.

On that note, thanks for being here.

‘Til next time,
Ally ❤

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!

Where has the beaten path taken you?

To a life you feel beaten by?

What about the path less traveled, or not traveled at all?

I know you can feel it. The call of that path.

You passed it somewhere back there.

Or maybe you sense it nearby, but it’s hidden by the overgrowth.

It’s a new path. One that you can create all on your own.

But who will show you the way?

The answer?

YOU.

I know it’s scary - the unknown and the uncertainty.

I promise it’ll be ok.

How do I know?

Because I’ve been there. Numerous times.

And one thing I’ve learned about taking the path less traveled…

You are never traveling alone.

You are always guided, even if the way is foggy or overgrown - or both.

You have your intuition and your Guides to accompany you.

I know many cannot always see them or hear them, but they are there.

They always have been.

Some are with you for your entire life, while others are with you during certain times.

They are always there to give you the signs and nudges you need when you need them.

So please don’t be scared of the unknown.

You already know that the “known” isn’t serving you like it has - or maybe it never really did.

Trust and believe in yourself. Trust and believe in your Guides (or whatever other word you wish to sub in).

Because, although the unknown is calling you, you won’t be venturing alone.

‘Til next time,
Ally ❤

P.S. Tomorrow, I will share a short story about one of my own particular Guides, and the confirmation I received that I am on the current right path for me 🤗

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!

The Book

I just finished The Astral Library by Kate Quinn. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but as I perusing the library and read the question on the back cover, I was in!

“Have you ever wished you could live inside a book?”
~The Astral Library, Kate Quinn

It was released earlier this year (2026) and is listed on Amazon as “Romantic Action and Adventure” though I’d consider it more of a Fantasy/Magical Adventure, with a speck of Romance mixed in.

The Story

…opens with Alix Watson, a hard-working, barely getting by mid-20’s young adult. Her struggles are very relatable to many, and everything is piling on in her life.

She’s presented with an unexpected magical opportunity that she is ready to jump right on - or rather in. Her adventure takes on many different story lines where she meets an array of characters, similar to Alice falling down the rabbit hole, but better (IMO).

Even she wasn’t expecting the journey she inadvertently went on, but she was up for the challenge and quite prepared, being a bookworm herself.

Overall

I highly recommend this novel. It’s an easy, witty read with a TON of literature references - from the classics to the modern day binge-worthy series. Kate Quinn also mixes in other medium surprises throughout the story, and I was there for it. Once you read it, you’ll know what I mean by that 😃

To Read It Yourself

I found it at my local library. I love books, but don’t want to store them all, so I borrow as many as I can from the library.

If you cannot find it at your local library, or prefer to buy it yourself, you can find the hardcover version here or the Kindle version here (affiliate links). The paperback version is listed to be available February 2, 2027.

The Main Question

If you could choose any book to live in, which one would you choose? Mine is in comments!

Keep calm and read on,
Ally 📚

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!

This month’s collective spread is based off the 5 card monthly spread from Julie Batchos, so if you feel called to pull your own cards using this spread, you can find it here.

The Reading

Current Self (6 of Wands reversed): Feeling behind or blocking our own victory. I’ve personally been noticing this, so I’m sure I’m not the only one. We are human after all and we tend to be our own worst enemies.

Monthly Theme (6 of Pentacles reversed): Blockage or imbalance in reciprocity. Tying into blocking our own victory, we are blocking our own flow of giving and receiving. You may be on either or both sides of that swing, depending on the situations you are in.

Embrace (The Lovers): Relationships, harmony of energies. This does not have to represent an actual intimate relationship. It simply means embracing a relationship that allows harmony with your own energy.

Action (Strength): Inner strength. Remember that true strength does not need to be brute force. It can be the calm presence that is trusting of yourself, therefore, trusting of others.

Divine Guidance (The Fool): Starting a new journey/cycle and trusting that you are always supported.

In Closing

We are going through an interesting time for humans right now. We are really on the precipice of major changes and many of us are feeling the energy.

Embrace situations and relationships that support you and allow you to be YOU, even when you are having a moment of feeling down. The Universe wants you to know that you are always supported, so whatever you decide, trust yourself and your inner strength to guide you.

‘Til next time,
Ally ❤

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!

I have been working for someone else for about 20 years. 17 of those years have been at the same place. (I am just realizing that most of my working life has been at the same. damn. place. 😳)

I was 20 when I started at the veterinarians’ office with zero experience. I was hired as a veterinary assistant and loved it. There was so much to learn, and I was able to move around all day - in jeans! I didn’t have to dress up or buy special clothes.

Huge bonus - all the cute animals! Though it is certainly much more than playing with puppies and kittens all day, and some days just emotionally fucking suck.

A few months into working there, I decided I could do that job for the longer haul and wanted to pursue becoming a veterinary technician.

In New York State, you need to be licensed to be a veterinary technician, so I looked into online programs that were available so I could work full time while taking classes and not have debt when I graduated.

This was 2010, and online degrees were still in their baby stages, so I only had a few options. I chose the one that felt the best for me - honestly, it was the cheapest option at the time, but it all worked out well.

A few years later, I graduated, passed my VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam) and was officially a licensed technician in the state of New York. 🎉

Fast Forward Another Few Years…

In late 2016, I was at a direct sales party and the realization that anyone could literally be their own boss dawned on me. I don’t know why I previously thought owning your own business, regardless of the size, was only available to those that already owned businesses. As if they were born into it or something.

My eyes started to open and I realized I really wanted to work for myself in some way.

I went on to be a part of a couple of different direct sales companies between late 2016 and early 2021. Yeah, I know they get a bad wrap, but these two companies were a lot of fun, and the other women I met through them were wonderful!

Plus, being a part of something that you don’t genuinely own is actually a good way of dipping your toes into owning your own business when you don’t have a clue what you’re doing otherwise. I got lucky and found a couple of companies that cared about their people.

I made some extra money. Never anything that could really replace my income, but I knew women that had. And that was the inspiring part.

Lots of Rabbit Holes and Lessons Later

During my time with the direct sales companies, and over the last few years, I have learned a lot about how to have a business online. Along with a lot of things I do NOT want from having an online business. The biggest one - the constant hamster wheel of content.

Yes, definitely show up regularly. Yes, definitely put yourself out there. I just refuse to be everywhere, all the time, without any true life outside of my business. That’s not why I started down this path.

So, here I am writing to you about my life, my journey, and other various things I enjoy from life - books, Tarot/Oracle decks, and other metaphysical learnings. These writings don’t feel like work, or like a constant content wheel. They just feel like sharing and finding my people 🤗

The Moral of This Story

I KNOW I am not the only middle-ish aged woman that’s done with life and society as we know it and wants a change for herself. Hi there! I see you!

So, I am leaving corporate. Not the kind of corporate most people think of when you say that, but still corporate none the less.

And it’s not because the place I work for is toxic or terrible. It’s actually a very nice place to work. They understand that life happens and are very flexible.

That’s part of why it’s taken me so long to fully leave.

It was easy, it was what I knew for so many years, and they are genuinely a nice place to work. I just know that I have outgrown it, and I need to seriously pursue this other path I’ve been meandering down for so long.

And not for anyone else but for myself.

‘Til next time,
Ally ❤

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About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!

If you’ve been around this space for a bit, you may have noticed a slight shift in my voice. Let’s call it what it is - me being done fitting myself into someone else’s box.

I’ve never been much for following others, so why have I been looking everywhere else for a method of how to put myself out there? Or who I serve and so on?

I was thinking of it as learning, and some of it was. Then it got to a point where I was just done looking outside myself for answers.

Now, my voice is shining through even more. The direct and the blunt. The calm and the present. The presence that is not afraid of what it is you need to share because I can hold that space for you.

Sometimes, others do not know what to do with my presence. They may feel supported and seen, or they may feel intimidated because something was cracked open that they weren’t ready to look at.

Your permission slip (not that you needed one)

My personal reclamation can be your permission slip.

Your permission to be:

• bold

• assertive

• the badass YOU beneath the conditioning

Others will have opinions. Whether their opinions are positive or negative, it’s all a reflection of themselves. And frankly, other people’s opinions of us are none of our business.

We have positive opinions about people where we recognize and welcome ourselves within them. These are the parts of us that we learned were okay to express. Or we’ve done the inner work around it to see that there was never anything wrong with us to begin with.

We have negative opinions about people where we recognize but dismiss ourselves within them. They are shining something we learned to repress, for whatever reason, and it makes us uncomfortable. That’s our clue to do the inner work and reflect on why it’s making us uncomfortable, and where it’s rooted.

Go ahead and be the B.I.T.C.H.

The Badass In Total Control of HERSELF.

At the end of the day, the only control you have is over yourself.

So learn to see yourself as you truly are. Let yourself BE as you truly are.

When you suddenly feel triggered, take a moment to ask yourself why? Where did that stem from?

The more you recognize triggers, the more you can get to the root and shed the masks.

You’ve spent your life putting on masks to protect yourself or to make others happy.

Now spend the time to learn about yourself so you can take the masks off and be you.

Unapologetically YOU.

‘Til next time,
Ally ❤

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!

The 8 of Swords has been a big inspiration this week.

It revolves around feeling trapped. Trapped by our own limiting beliefs and a lack of vision.

Notice the crow’s eyes are covered with a ribbon. Her sight is blocked, but only her eyesight. She still has her intuition to guide her.

The longer she stays and pushes away her trust in herself, the more pain she is causing herself.

I know life can get hard, and can lead you to feel trapped.

I also know change is scary. It’s also inevitable, and the more we resist, the worse things seem.

The 8 of Swords is inviting you to look at your situation from a different angle and most importantly, trust yourself.

Deep down, you already know what’s best for you, and you’re keeping yourself caged because you aren’t sure how to trust yourself again.

Your mind creeps in with the “what if’s”, or the “who am I’s”.

To help shut your mind off, I have a simple exercise for that.

Get yourself in a space where you will not be interrupted for a few minutes, ideally standing where you have some space around you. Listen to the audio above for the short exercise. Then feel free to journal about your experience, record a voice note for yourself, or drop a comment below to reflect.

‘Til next time,
Ally ❤

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Ally! I’m in the messy middle of life right now. I like to think of it as the midlife reclamation, not midlife crisis. I’m a woman of many hats who is enthusiastic about inner work, nature, magic, and the heart behind Stripped Away. I share things I’m learning, books I’m reading, and cards I’m pulling, because the most honest thing I can offer right now is sharing my own messy journey.

💬 I’m glad you found your way here. Feel free to like, comment, or share this post so more readers can too!