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Worts & Cunning Apothecary | Intersectional Herbalism + Magickal Arts

Tarot as Your Best Friend : A Simple Guide

February 25, 2017  /  Alexis J. Cunningfolk

I recently taught a mini class on self-care with the tarot.

I shared one of my favorite techniques for accessing a powerful and personal sacred space at any time and any where through the tarot. The class started off my early spring teaching season (I’m teaching again in person - yay! - be sure to reserve your spot) but it also got me thinking on other easy self-care tarot techniques that I could share with all of you, my amazing far-flung internet family. Because, apparently, I’m just writing about self-care these days (even my tarotscopes are checking in with me about it). Actually, a lot of folks are writing and teaching and sharing about self-care these days and I love it. It is so much easier to take back the streets and topple empires when you’ve had some lunch ahead of time. I thought about how else tarot can be used as a tool of self care and, thus, the following spread was born.

The Best Friend Tarot Spread is the you-affirming, pep-talk, I-love-all-of-you, empowering, weirdness-adoring and sovereignty-recognizing sort of hug-in-a-spread we all need right now.

It’s also really easy to cast because, bless, I don’t always have the energy after a long day to pull out my cards and tell myself an in-depth story. Which brings me to another element of my self-care tarot magick - ease. Let’s make it easy for ourselves for no other reason than we deserve things to be easy sometimes.

The easy part of the spread comes from the fact that it uses a mad-libs or fill-in-the-blank style interpretation guide which allows the cards to deliver their message as your esoterically-inclined best friend. So let's begin!

Make yourself some tea, coffee, hot cocoa, iced lemonade or delicious drink of choice. Put on something comfortable and find a cozy spot to cast cards. Center yourself and shuffle your deck in the usual way. 

For the Best Friend Tarot Spread you’ll be casting three cards. Instead of the cards answering a particular question, they will be filling in the blank of the following sentence (aka best friend style pep talk):

You have the incredible gift of {card 1}.
Remember to {card 2},
so that you can {card 3}.

Now, you can choose the cards at random or you can turn the deck face-up and choose whichever three cards jump out at you (If choosing face up scares you a bit, you should go for it. Get your vulnerable on and sink into your power). I also suggest only using the Major Arcana for the spread if you’re experiencing some big life feels and need deep support. For those of you on my Magick Mail list, you’ll receive a keyword guide for the Major Arcana next month that you can use to help you complete the sentences.

If you have a friend that needs some cheering up, offering to do this spread for them can be a tender way of showing support. 

That’s it. Sweet, simple, and you-affirming. If you're looking for more tarot inspiration, head this way. Be sure to share the pep talks you received in the comments below and remember to be gentle with your heart - just like your best friend would.

 

We respect your privacy and will not share your information with anyone including your BFF.

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categories / tarot + divination
tags / tarot, divination, tarot spread, tarot reading, best friend tarot, self-care, self-care tarot, motherpeace tarot

My Favorite Tea for Easy Evenings + Self-Care

February 10, 2017  /  Alexis J. Cunningfolk

self care tea bliss herbal

January was rough.

It’s been a time of tense muscles, street noise, and fight-back racket against the inhumane and unjust demagogues who’ve taken over the White House. I’ve been finding myself run ragged not just from work but from the constant little siren that’s been going off in my head saying “This is not normal. This is not ok. You and your loved ones are in danger.” I know that a lot of folks in my community are feeling the same and, of course, those feelings are valid. But as my wise friend Maria says, “The world is on fire but you still need to eat lunch.” 

(Do yourself a favor and click on that link for a “go the f*ck to sleep” style poem on why you need to eat lunch even when things are rough. I’ll wait, don’t worry.)

Last week, I wrote about the necessity of self-care not just as an invitation to all of you to love on yourself, but a reminder to myself. Since then, I’ve been taking better stock of what it is I need to be doing to take care of myself so that I might continue to fight the good fight and care for my community for the long haul (because, praise Goddess, Witches will always outlive their oppressors if we protect our magick).

When I'm feeling out of sorts, my self-care reassessment includes the following:

Acknowledge you're probably running on some false narratives.

Case in point - if I take 30 minutes to stretch and meditate I will let down the entire radical movement attempting to overthrow the patriarchy. Guess what? That’s just not true.

image via vee o

image via vee o

Ask yourself if there is another option.

We need to release those false narratives but then we need to fill that space with a new story. If I take 30 minutes to stretch and meditate I will be revitalized and better able to do the work that I want to do (which in the long run means the patriarchy is still coming down).

Slow down.

General life advice, right? It is not just about slowing down physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. An example of switching over to slow would be moving from scrolling through your social media feed nonstop to sitting down and reading a book. Or instead of searching for the "right" crystal that'll make your fear go away, simply sitting and connecting with the crystal core of heart of the earth.

Drink water and eat good food.

Let’s continue to fight to protect our sacred water and keep hydrated. Let’s continue to fight to protect our right to healthy food by eating food which makes us feel good. Rather than a “don’t eat that” restriction, imagine how much clearer your investment in protecting water and food would feel like if you had a better relationship with both in your daily life.

Self-care and healing and attention
to the body and the spiritual dimension
- all of this is now a part of
radical social justice struggles.
- Angela Davis -

My rejection of false narratives, reaffirmation of more kind ones, slowing down, and commitment to drink water and eat good food all led me to thinking, “Wait, why haven’t I been drinking that tea I love so much?”

That tea which I love so much is Bliss Blend. While I’ll drink it day or night, it is one of my favorite teas for bringing in a feeling of ease in the evenings. Bliss Blend was one of the very first teas I sold in my shop (and by shop I mean on the cold autumn streets of Portland, ME during the last of the farmer’s market season as well as online) and I’ve been using it in my personal and professional practice ever since. Since I often work in the evenings, I like a tea that is relaxing but won’t make me overly drowsy. While Bliss Blend is useful as a pre-bedtime tea, it’s not meant to be a super-sleepy sort of brew. I originally created it on the fly when a friend came over and started to have an anxiety attack, so if your stress manifests as anxiety, Bliss Blend might be a great brew for you.

Bliss Blend features three herbs (two of which are on my indispensable herbs list) and a mellow flavor. We'll take a quick look at each herb individually and then I’ll share with you my Bliss Blend recipe. I've also made suggestions for how to replace an herb with another if you don't have the following three on hand.

image via natalie collins

image via natalie collins

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) is a fantastic nervine. Actually, all three herbs in my Bliss Blend are nervines of different varieties. Lavender has a lovely softening energy (it might be a good herbal mascot for the radical softness movement actually) and acts like a gentle massage to the nervous system. It’s really useful for headaches brought on by nervous tension and has the added bonus of protecting the body from infection (which we’re more prone to be impacted by if we’re stressed out). If you’re looking for a Lavender alternative I would recommend a cooling nervine.

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is another nervine but of the definitively relaxing variety (one of its common names is Blisswort so you know it’s good stuff!). Skullcap helps relieve feelings of being overwhelmed and quiet the nonstop anxious chatter that can go on in our heads. The herb actually produces more endorphins in the body because its a rich source of scutellarin. Skullcap is one of my favorite herbs to help relieve muscular tension (hello, tight shoulders!) and, as the name, implies, helps with those tension headaches. If you’re looking for a Skullcap alternative I would recommend a relaxing nervine.

My final herb is Sacred Basil (Ocimum sanctum or tenuiflorum) and its another nervine, but of a more warming and stimulating variety. I run cold, so when I have two cooling herbs like Lavender and Skullcap in a blend, I like to warm it up a bit with a herb like Sacred Basil so that I do not overly cool my system. Now, don’t get concerned seeing that I have an herb labeled as stimulating as part of my brew. First of all, Sacred Basil is mildly stimulating, and second, it’s an adaptogenic herb which has the amazing ability to energize or relax body systems as needed. If you’re looking for a Sacred Basil replacement seek a warming and gently stimulating nervine.

image via john-mark kuznietsov

image via john-mark kuznietsov

Bliss Blend

  • 2 parts Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)
  • 2 parts Sacred Basil (Ocimum sanctum or tenuiflorum)
  • 1 part Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Brew 1 teaspoon of herb per 8 ounces of water and steep for 5 - 15 minutes. For a medicinal strength brew, use 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces of water and steep for 30 minutes to overnight. I like adding in just a touch of honey, but it is equally delicious without any sweetness added. Now, if drinking herbs are not your cup of tea (ha! funny!) you can always make Bliss Blend into a healing foot bath.

So now you know what I’m drinking tonight. If you haven’t already, check out my post on why self-care is a necessary and revolutionary act. Then unplug, make yourself some tea, untangle some tension, and practice softness and ease.

 

We respect your privacy and will not share your information with anyone no matter how ease-y they are.

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categories / recipes + tutorials, revolution
tags / recipes, bliss, bliss blend tea, skullcap, lavender, sacred basil, self-care

Self-care is a Necessary + Revolutionary Act

January 31, 2017  /  Alexis J. Cunningfolk

 

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)

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.


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!


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.

Signature Summer 2017.png
 

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categories / revolution, path of the herbalist
tags / self-care, pavana, lola venado, herbal baths, healing arts, herbalism, herbology

First Steps : The New Moon in Aquarius

January 27, 2017  /  Alexis J. Cunningfolk

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

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

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.

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.

 

We respect your privacy and will not share your information with anyone even if their Moon is in Aquarius.

Thank you for signing up for Magick Mail! The digital owls have been dispatched. Once you have confirmed your subscription to the list you will gain access to our member's only apothecary!

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categories / astroherbology, magickal arts
tags / new moon healers project, #newmoonhealersproject, new moon, aquarius, astroherbology, astroherbalism, astrology, medical astrology, elecampane, as above, so below, tarot, astrology of tarot

The New Moon Healers Project

January 25, 2017  /  Alexis J. Cunningfolk

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

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 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

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!

 

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categories / magickal arts, astroherbology
tags / moon, new moon healers project, #newmoonhealersproject, astroherbology, astrological body, astrology, medical, astroherbalism, medical astrology, herbalism, tarot herbalism, new moon
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