Self-care is a Necessary + Revolutionary Act

 

darling,
you are much to whole
to be loved in halves
- pavana -
 

I'm invested in a lot of things, dear readers, including good tea, the downfall of the patriarchy and the rising up of a more kind and just world, lurcher pups having enough couch space to sleep on, chai that inspires politically dissident discussions, and unicorns. One of the biggest most important things that I am invested in is making sure that you (yes, you) don't burn out in a crunchy ball of flame or drown in your sorrows or lose all sense of groundedness in order to (circle one or all) make change, live your dream, raise your family, be a "good" person.

What we need right now is longevity and communities who have created sustainable and long-term ways of thriving. We need to understand that self-care is a revolutionary act (of course it is because it is associated with softness and womyn and the anti-puritanical which are all dangerous to the powers-that-be). It is especially revolutionary to those who have been denied the space to do so - poor folks, folks of color, disabled folks, queer folks, immigrants, survivors (and current experiencers) of abuse, and more. Because to perform an act of self-care is to say that you are worth being cared for.

Self-care is an act of love. It is choosing to love yourself and renew that love of yourself. Self-care can be done in many ways and there is no right way. Your self-care will be different from my self-care. And, self-care isn't meant to enforce the hyper-individualism that some cultures promote (ahem, USA) because self-care doesn't happen in a bubble (unless it's in a bubble bath, but the point remains) and, in fact, is all the more powerful and easy when your need self-care is honored by others (and for us to do the same in turn).

California Mugwort (Artemisia californica)

So then, if I go on and on about self-care, I must have a pretty amazing and consistent self-care practice. Ugh, if only. I do practice self-care far more regularly than I used to, but damn if I struggle to allow myself to take a day off of work a week (please, please do not aspire to this, my entrepreneurial readers). And yet. I do meditate each morning and practice my devotional arts. I drink water. I allow myself to laugh freely (sadly, this was not always a given in my life). I am getting better at letting myself cry freely. I take really amazing herbal baths. And while self-care wasn't even on my radar a decade ago, it is something that I now consider to be essential to my wellbeing and ability to create change in the world.

Look, if self-care feels like an altogether too touchy-feely endeavor (but, I don't want to cry freely), than let me be real pragmatic about it. Without self-care folks burnout, drop out, and are unable to pursue that which they most desire. We're not going to change the world in a year or two - we need folks who are able to be around for the long haul. And to do that we need to practice and uphold self-care as a sacred right, not a privilege. 

Where are you when it comes to self-care?

A devotee? A skeptic? A newbie or seeker? Take a moment to answer the following questions:

• How do I practice self-care daily?
• How do I practice self-care weekly?
• How do I practice self-care monthly?
• How do I practice self-care annually?

It's useful to approach self-care on a spectrum as opposed to having to do it all at once (which can be burdensome and discouraging). A daily self-care practice might be giving yourself a short foot massage as you roll out of bed. A weekly self-care practice could consist of a coffee date with your favorite book. Monthly self-care practices might be a massage, visit to your local Goddess temple or sacred site, or a completely tech-free weekend. Annual self-care practices might consist of a solo retreat, a vacation or staycation,  or taking a class or course that is purely for pleasure not business. If you don't have answers for any of these questions - Congrats! - you get to create some. I hope you do, too, because paying attention to the way we care for ourselves is one of the ways we learn how to care for others. And if you're unable to choose to do self-care for you right now, do self-care for yourself on behalf of your ancestors who deserve healing kindness (because, remember, healing isn't linear). Then, when you're ready, do self-care for you and you only. You'll quickly realize what a dissident and radical and profoundly healing act of magick self-care is.

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Friends! I'll be teaching a quick class on tarot + self-care magick at Love Yo' Self! The event is being hosted by the very magickal botanical bruja known as Lola Venado of Branch + Bone. She's invited a number of amazing folks to offer their insight on magick and medicine for self-care during these tumultuous times. Space is limited - so get your tickets today! and the event is being held in my shared office space. And it's across the street from an ice cream place (with vegan options!), so overall we're looking at a pretty sweet evening. Heck yeah!

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You are worth all of your healing - so make time for it.

Like the self-care as revolution message? Click here to download a free wallpaper for your computer and to remind yourself of the power of self-care.

You know what else you're worth? The collapse of the overculture. Just sayin'. And if you're a sigil magick sort of healer, I recently posted a sigil of mine to help conjure the collapse of the overculture and bring about a more just and kind world. I also wrote about my 2017 motto: Witch Up! Hex Back!

The post was so popular that I'll be sharing more on creating your own sigils on the blog very soon. In the meantime, take care of yourself and let us together continue to take care of the most vulnerable in our communities.

First Steps : The New Moon in Aquarius

As Above, So Below

All we need to know
is written in the stars,
guiding and healing energies
inscribed on the face of the firmament
in crystalline calligraphy.
Studying the illuminated manuscript of sky,
tasting the cold immensity of distance,
we muse, measure, and meditate,
dream, reflect and imagine,
wondering if the lyrical light of stars
tells our story, brings out heart's desires.
Longing to know,
we lift our faces to the night sky,
listen for star song,
seek moon blessings,
pray for their gifts
of light and prophesy.

- Sherri Rose-Walker -

Welcome to the first post for the New Moon Healers Project!

The first New Moon of the year takes to the sky in the sign of Aquarius. Aquarius has the energetic signature of a storm cloud - building up with electric current it strikes suddenly and is soon spent, but its impact lingers. The lingering impact of Aquarius is attributed to the fixed nature of the sign (as opposed to cardinal or mutable the two other energetic modes of the zodiac). What the New Moon in Aquarius offers us is the ability to take that first, impactful step in the direction of our choosing. When we are unwell or suffering from dis-ease it can often feel like things are happening to us or are out of our control. We were given a cold by a sick co-worker. Or we don’t have time to sleep because there is too much work. If we take any time to rest we’ll miss out.

The New Moon in Aquarius asks us to access our ideal. What do you ideally want to be feeling? How would you ideally be taking care of yourself? If you a lightening bolt wish that would suddenly release challenges for you that you feel are holding you back, what would change?

image via breno machado

Just as we can feel the strike of inspiration during a New Moon in Aquarius, so too can we feel the build-up of tense energy. Now is an excellent time to do a body scan and notice where you are holding tension. Doing so will help you prepare for the New Moon in Aquarius ritual offered below. To perform a body scan simply rest quietly with your eyes closed. A key component of this exercise to regularly let out deep relaxing breaths and inbreathing again into your belly. Bring your attention your toes and notice if you are holding tension there. Move your attention slowly up from your toes to your ankles, then calves, knees, thighs, and so on, asking yourself if there is tension present in any of those areas. Continue to scan your body until you reach the top of your head.

If any of the places scanned held points of tension, you can do a number of things. First, is to focus on that area and ask yourself, “What is the name of the tension I am holding here?” and address the issues as they arise. Another option is to return to the spots of tension and offer healing energy without necessarily going into the details of what the tension is - this is a good option if you know that the tension stems from a source of trauma that you do not have the space to address right now but are still seeking relief. The third option is to return to the places of tension and visualize a cauldron before you or a hole dug in the earth lined with sacred stones. Visualize your tension leaving your body and settling into the magickal cauldron or earthen equivalent. Follow-up by filling those spaces of tension within your body with healing energy.

You can perform a body scan at any time and its an incredibly useful tool to help you check in with yourself quickly and effectively. There is no need for us to walk around like storm clouds of tense energy - we can offer ourselves softness instead.

What follows is what you’ll find for every post of the New Moon Healers Project - a sacred poem (which started our post), a ritual that is simple and minimalist in nature, an introduction to plant allies of the current New Moon, and oracle questions to help you open the way to healing. You’re encouraged to share your insights in the comments below or via a post on instagram (be sure to tag it with #NewMoonHealersProject so we can all follow along). That way we can continue to fill our collective well of wisdom. Blessed be to that!

Elecampane (Inula helenium)
New Moon in Aquarius Plant Ally

Elecampane is a Remedy Herb of Aquarius meaning that it helps to alleviate illnesses and distresses associated with the Water-Bearer and helping them to find their balance again. Aquarian imbalances tend towards the spasmodic and erratic which is why Elecampane, an anti-spasmodic herb, can be such a great remedy. Elecampane is particularly useful for spasmodic coughs and complaints of the lungs. As a sign that tends towards holding tension, Elecampane is a great releaser of tension. Magickally, Elecampane helps awaken psychic vision and our ability to perceive and connect with the Good Folk. Herbalist and astrologer, Elisabeth Brooke, recommends Elecampane for connecting with the transpersonal will. 

As Aquarius is a fixed air sign those under its influence can get caught up in the perception that their ideas are permanent and unchanging. Elecampane addresses this persistent clinging to untrue permanency. Very often, the condition of the Elecampane personality seems quite permanent. But it is not. Elecampane is a heartening plant. There is no infection of the spiritual system that it fears. 

As an energetic remedy, Elecampane helps us to connect with real community instead of letting our vision of idealized community block the way. With Elecampane, you’re not only connecting with the community of other people, but the community of the Good Folk and spiritual guides.

Click here to read the full Elecampane Plant Profile.

Flower + Gem Essences for the New Moon in Aquarius: Water Violet (Hottonia palustris), Illawarra Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius), Jasmine (Jasminum officinalis), Azurite, Tall Yellow Top (Senecio magnificus), Vine (Vitis vinifera), Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius), Vervain (Verbena officinalis), Comfrey (Symphytum spp.)

Essential Oils for Aquarius: Birch (Betula lenta), Cedar (Cedrus deodara), Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides), Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), Neroli (Citrus aurantium)

image via sarah dorweiler

First Step of Healing Ritual

Go to that space which is sacred to you. As nine is the sacred number of the Moon, begin your ritual by taking nine centering breaths. Turn to the four directions of east, south, west, and north and greet them in your way. Raise your hands up to the sky and greet the Moon. Place your hands upon the ground and greet the Earth. Hold your hands above your heart and greet yourself.

Now is the time to welcome in the power of the oracle. Use your divinatory tool of choice to ask the sacred question(s) or meditate or journal on the question.

When you have clarity around the first step you need to take in order to become your own healing, take a moment to form a simple sentence that describes your first step. Examples of simple and powerful sentences are:

• I will start my day with 5 minutes of meditation to center my spirit in my healing work.

• I will go to bed early enough in order to get a full night’s sleep that I require for healing.

• I will say “I love you” every time I see my reflection.

• I will begin to journal again because it helps me to know what I am feeling.

When you are ready speak your sentence aloud nine times in the following manner. Open your arms wide and feel your heart energy expand to fill the space. As you speak your sentence, slowly bring your arms together, thereby focusing your energy on your intention, and then clap your hands together at the end of the sentence. Do this nine times in a row. At the end of the ninth recitation say So mote it be! or a similar phrase of power to seal the spell.

View fullsize

World Spirit Tarot

Oracle

With a divinatory tool of your choosing ask the following question. You can also ponder it during meditation or through journalling.

What is the first step I need to take in order to realize my healing?

Additional queries to consider:

• What do you ideally want to be feeling?

• How would you ideally be taking care of yourself? 

Tarot Cards of Aquarius

Every card within the tarot deck has an astrological association. The following correspondences follow the system laid out by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. You can add these cards to your altar as part of your New Moon in Aquarius magick or use them in readings to help with determining celestial influence or timing (i.e. this will come to pass at when the Moon is in Aquarius).

• The Sign of Aquarius: The Star

• The Air Signs of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius: Ace of Swords

• Venus in Aquarius: Five of Swords

• Mercury in Aquarius: Six of Swords

• Moon in Aquarius: The Seven of Swords

And that, wise-ones and dreamers, is the start of our New Moon Healers Project.

Be sure to share your insights and experiences in the comments below or via instagram with the tag #NewMoonHealersProject. Learn more about the astroherbology of Aquarius by reading my in-depth profile on the sign. 

For those of you ready to learn how to work your magick and create your herbal remedies by the cycle of Moon and star, you're invited to join The Lunar Apothecary.

Blessed New Moon, healers.
May your healing be healing to us all.
May our healing be healing to you.
Blessed be.

The New Moon Healers Project

A healer does not heal you.
A healer
is someone who
holds space for you
while you awaken
your inner healer, 
so that you may heal yourself. 

- Maryam Hasnaa -

These words have been vibrating within me for a few weeks. The obvious reason why these words have stuck with me is that Hasnaa has communicated so clearly that which I feel to be incredibly true as an herbalist and magickal mentor. But there is some deeper resonance that they have awoken within me. These words are speaking to the greater cultural shift away from accepting the status quo - including the belief that healing comes to us from the outside instead of within. And if the protests this past weekend was a vision of what’s to come, 2017 is the start of a new level of agitating and organizing against a US government that is straight-up dystopian. We are all being called to step into our power as healers.

The Dirty Tarot by Dori Midnight

These words are also a reminder as to why I got into herbalism in the first place. Called by the plants, I became an herbalist not to heal others but to help other realize their own healing. My work with my community is not powerful because I say “Here, drink this tea” but because I get to hold space for folks to step into their power. People stepping back into themselves and who they truly are is the transformative experience I seek to encourage with those I collaborate with during healing sessions and sacred rituals.

The New Moon Healers Project is my invitation to you to take time each month to cultivate your own healing. For when we heal ourselves we heal our community. The New Moon Healers Project serves two primary purposes. The first is to create an easy way to connect our personal practice with community practice. Why? Because even when we might be answering the same questions or considering the same words, we’ll all have different answers and insights that enrich our collective wisdom. These collective projects also help to make space for those “aha!” moments when the words of another sets off a realization within ourselves. With collective wisdom, someone else’s words help to pull together our own thoughts and needs - much like Hasnaa’s poem has done to help direct my own need to create new community connections this year. 

The Dirty Tarot by Dori Midnight

The second purpose the New Moon Healers Project is to help each of us connect with a way of measuring the passage of time that is tied to something more earth-centered (perhaps galaxy-based?) than the calendar year. While days and weeks seem to whiz by and their encroachment sometimes feels anxiety-inducing, I have always looked forward to celebrating something special under the Moon. Measuring time from the seat of the sacred as opposed to the tension of deadlines or the expectations of others is itself its own form of healing.

Why the New Moon as opposed to the Full Moon or any other phase? There is a special kind of magick with each phase of the Moon. The New Moon signifies a time of new beginnings and the grand expanse of possibility. It is the bow to the arrow of our dreams. Our individual will focuses the trajectory of the arrow and I hope that the New Moon Healers Project helps you to focus on the healing that you most desire this year.

Or as a space rebel once said, "Stay on target. Stay on target!" 

How the New Moon Healers Project Works

Every month I’ll publish a post on the New Moon which will feature a poem, a plant profile, a minimalist magick ritual, and an oracle question. Since you know that I love my poetry, the poem will be inspired by the zodiac sign of the New Moon. In the same vein, the plant profile will correspond with the sign of the Moon, too. The minimalist magick ritual will be a simple, no or very few tools needed, ritual of lunar celebration. Finally, the oracle will be a question or questions for you to pull cards on or use any divination system of your choosing. If you are not a diviner, you can still participate by pondering the questions as part of a meditation.

The Dirty Tarot by Dori Midnight

Participating in the New Moon Healers Project is easy. On the day of the New Moon you are encouraged to read the poem and the plant profile and to share your thoughts about the oracle question. If you want to make it extra-special get a notebook that you’ll use exclusively for the New Moon Healers Project. Within your notebook you can record the New Moon poems, your dreams throughout the month, your work with the plant allies, and of course, your oracular insight. You can share your insights by commenting on the posts and even better, by using the hashtag #NewMoonHealersProject on instagram to connect with others (and letting me share some emoji feels in your comment section).

I’ve posted the New Moons of 2017 below as a quick guide for the upcoming project dates. A great way to help you stay connected to the New Moon Healers Project Moon-to-Moon is to set-up a notification in your calendar to pop-up and say “Hey, it’s time to get lunar!” You can also grab the badge below to display on your site or instagram feed to let folks that you're a healer of the New Moon persuasion.

The New Moons of 2017
Calculated for Pacific Standard Time

January 27 | New Moon in Aquarius
February 26 | New Moon in Pisces
March 27 | New Moon in Aries
April 26 | New Moon in Taurus
May 25 | New Moon in Gemini
June 23 | New Moon in Cancer
July 23 | New Moon in Leo
August 21 | Solar Eclipse in Leo
September 19 | New Moon in Virgo
October 19 | New Moon in Libra
November 18 | New Moon in Scorpio
December 17 | New Moon in Sagittarius
January 16, 2018 | New Moon in Capricorn

I look forward to the next lunar year of New Moon celebrations with each of you as we all re-member and learn anew our power as healers. For that is when we are most powerful and most dangerous - when we know without a doubt that we are capable of the most profound healing as individuals and as a community.

Blessed be our healing magick!

Naming the Moon to Empower Your Year

Wild Moon
Poem Remembering Moon
Healing Moon
Corn Moon
The Eye Opens Moon
Queer Joy Moon
Psychic Moon

The Moon has been given a thousand names over the generations for her circuit through the seasons and the celestial wheel of the year. Some of us belong to people who still remember the names of the Moon while others come from people whose knowledge has been forgotten, taken or set aside. But there is never not a point in which we are making myths about the Moon that in generations to come will seem ancient and revered. 

My invitation to you, is to name the Moons of the year as an act of empowerment. To name is to speak truth. To name is to share experience. To name is to disrupt the silence of ignorance.

And holy heck, wise ones, we need to disrupt ignorance in 2017. So why not through a bit of Moon magick? Engaging with lunar cycles in addition to or instead of the Roman calendar subverts the idea that time and experience is linear when, in fact, magick-makers and dreamers (like you) have long known that is it cyclical and labyrinthine. 

image by linda xu

Naming the Moon is a simple thing and can be based on any number of inspirational sources. Here is a short list to spark some ideas:

• Cultural reference to a people that you are descended from or were brought up within.

• Reference to the season of the place that you live, i.e. Northwest US Moon Names versus Southeast Scotland Moon Names.

• Names based off of a mother tongue that you are re-learning or re-claiming.

• Referring to stones, herbs, or animals based on the energy you sense with each moon, attributes you want to call to you each month or the seasonal year (such as the appearance of Dandelion in spring).

• Astrological reference, such as naming a Cancer Full Moon a Deep Feels Moon.

• Honoring ancestors, beloved and mighty, God/dess/es and/or spirits by naming Moons in their honor.

• Aligning the names of the Moons with your calling or profession. Such as a Blank Page Moon for writers or Steady Needle Moon for an Acupuncturist. 

For many years I have named the Moons, beginning with January’s Full Moon, as such in my personal practice: Quiet Moon, Candle Moon, Storm Moon, Budding Moon, Flower Moon, Bonfire Moon, Bee Moon, Honey Moon, Harvest Moon, Blood Moon, Bone Moon, and Cold Moon (and, of course, Blue Moon for the thirteenth Moon of the year).

image by benjamin child

But now I feel a restlessness to name anew.

In the time of drought and water protectors, perhaps January’s Full Moon is named Rains Returning Moon or River Dreaming Moon. And since I sometimes forget the power of my own heart to carry my most profound truths, perhaps I’ll rename my birth month Thunderous Heart from the true but simple Storm Moon. By renaming these Moons I begin to dream myself awake into the year ahead. I set intentions. I plan my magick and then I live it with each passing phase of Luna in the sky. 

In naming the Moon we speak to our own inner Moon - which we can learn about by studying our birth or natal chart. But whether or not you ever explore your birth chart, know that the Moon represents (and is) your inner truth. Our Sun sign represents our inherent vitality and drive to shine and be successful out in the world. Our Ascendent or Rising sign describes the tools and our unique personality which we use to be successful on our adventures. Yet, the Moon is not concerned with success or the tools by which we come by it - the Moon is concerned with story. The Moon represents your true story and your sense of spiritual home. In many ways, the Moon represents what is yours and no one else’s. It is your secret and sacred place that you are completely, remarkably, and wholly you. Within the Moon you are unhidden to yourself. 

To name the celestial Moon as they journey each night across the sky, is to name the internal Moon. In the naming you speak one small, but important, star glimmer of your story out loud. And the names become watchwords of power invoking the story of you with ever recitation. 

And on one magnificent night, you’ll turn to the sky and speak your words of power and the veil will part and the Moon will sing your name back to you. And you’ll realize that both sounds are pouring forth from the same source. May that night come swiftly, wise one.

If you’re wanting to go deeper with the practice through journal prompts, self-reflection, and a bit of plant magick, you can access my Naming the Moons, Naming Myself workbook via the Magick Mail Apothecary. You're always welcome to go all in and join The Lunar Apothecary. 

Whatever 2017 brings, may it be a year that you name yourself and speak the truth of the world within and around you.

By Way of Sorrow : Healing Magick for Times of Grieving

Earlier this year I put out an informal call for contributions to a free resource to support our myriad communities during times of grief. I received some contributions and requested others and all came together to create By Way of Sorrow: Healing Magick for Times of Grieving.

Within these 40+ pages are rituals to get grounded and protect your aura, to let your queer heart grieve, and discover the hidden tensions you carry with you. There are tarot stories and plant stories and a tarot spread for finding power in your grief. There are poems, affirmations, and a simple one-page critical care guide for yourself and those you love. All of these resources are situated within the context that we are a grieving people and that our grief is necessary and needed.

But why focusing on grieving? Why not resiliency? Or revolution? Or anger?

In response to the myriad crises, what I have seen again and again this year is one consistent message: cry today, but get up and fight tomorrow. 

Yet, such a message doesn’t sit right with me. I think we could do with more time to cry and grieve. Somehow, though, the idea of mourning is seen as counterproductive to the “real” work of fighting against that which oppresses us. In fact, we deserve time and space to grieve now more than ever. The lack of grief amongst different people for the same tragedies is what, in part, perpetuates fear of the other and belief (whether conscious or unconscious) that their life is of less value.

Grief shows investment in someone other than ourselves. It’s a sacred and unifying emotion. Grief also highlights what we are willing to fight for. To avoid our grief is an act of avoiding ourselves. Instead, I invite each of you into the magick of knowing your grief as powerful and a clarifier of vision. 

None of the resources within these pages are meant to fix you of your heartache. But they do offer ways for you to know your grief as a tool of change. These resources are not meant to make you "tougher" or more "resilient" to the violence of 2016 - they are meant to help you let the trauma pass through you so that you may know it but not let it rot your bones and spirit. The contributors to By Way of Sorrow offer their words in order to to hold space, hold hearts, and gift each of us the gentleness we all deserve.

So here is my message for 2016 and beyond: cry and take time to know your grief, for that too, is the work of repairing the world.

I want to thank all of the contributors whose full bios are listed in By Way of Sorrow, but whose names and websites I have linked below.

Bri the Hood Witch | www.thehoodwitch.com | @thehoodwitch | facebook

Asali Earthwork | www.asaliearthwork.com | @asaliearthwork | facebook

Siobhan Rene | www.siobhansmirror.com | @siobhansmirror | facebook

Ritual Kitchen | www.ritualkitchenfolk.com | @ritualkitchenfolk | facebook

Lottie Winchester | thesacredcocoon.wixsite.com/artwork | @sacred.cocoon | facebook

Maria Turner-Carney | www.seattlefeministtherapy.com | @feministtherapyforall | facebook

Alexis J. Cunningfolk | www.wortsandcunning.com | @wortsandcunning | facebook

If you are interested in contributing to future editions of By Way of Sorrow please get in touch.

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By Way of Sorrow is to be shared freely with those who would benefit from its contents. If you share online, please link to the contributors as a way of saying thanks (you can simply copy and paste the links above). I would also love to know what you find to be most powerful and relevant to your life from the what you have read within By Way of Sorrow. Share your thoughts in the comments below or get in touch. 

May By Way of Sorrow be a healing resource and wellspring of inspiration as we move from 2016 into the years ahead. 

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Additional Resources for Grief + Healing