Click to Receive – Here is a free Magical Checkin with Brigid.

For more ideas on timely activities to revive your spirit check out Magic for Mommies (for the Mama-version of Brigid activities) or visit the Build Altars Brigid page for altar ideas and more. Blessed be!

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Today Sunday, January 22nd, 2012, we celebrate the New Moon in Aquarius. Aquarius is ruled by both Uranus and Saturn, the experimental and the responsible. To quote Carolyn Casey, this “reveals the truth that stability is dependent on progressive change.” Think grounded expansion. How good does it feel to have a container for wild self-expression? This freethinking New Moon in Aquarius offers us the opportunity for innovation and CHANGE. Begin experimenting with your thoughts. If there ever was a time to shift out of old thinking this is it.

• What’s an idea you’d like to JUMP ON this year? Write a list.
• Practice the Motto: Change is Good.
• What experiment are you willing to try again?
• Add one new thing to your life (and let go of something that’s not working)

TIP + New Approach Altar – Create an altar that inspires a new approach to an old issue. What area are you having difficulty in? Finances, relationship, a friendship, making time for yourself, decision making? Choose an object to represent this area. Create an altar that includes bright and dark blues for Uranus and Saturn, and lots of candle light. Then place your symbolic object in the middle on your altar. Take a further step by creating Golden Pathways out of yarn, ribbon, paper, fabric etc…leading towards your object from all directions. Write down what you would like help with, for the good of all and harm of none. Place this note on your altar. Imagine that help and divine assistance is flowing in and soon you will receive more information, insight, help, or a sign that might lead you to your next step.

The Chinese New Year of the Water Dragon begins January 23rd, 2012
The Dragon is the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success and happiness. Water calms the Dragon’s fire. Water Dragons are able to see things from other points of view. They don’t have the need to always be right. Their decisions, if well-researched, are usually better since they allow other’s to become involved. Check out Suzanne White. Also, you can check out my blog post 2012 – What’s the Big Deal

UPCOMING ALTAR
Brigid, Imbolc, Candlemass,and Groundhog Day February 2nd
Each year on February 2 people all over the world celebrate Imbolc, Candlemass (GroundHog day) Festival of the lactating ewes, and the Celtic Triple Moon Goddess Brigid “the light-bringer.” It will have been six weeks since the winter solstice and the re-turning of the light. The Earth is beginning to wake from her winter slumber as the sun grows stronger. Seeds are starting to crack and send up shoots of individuation. The Crone Goddess begins her mystical transformation into a young girl again. All of this reminds us of the ever turning cycle of life and the promise of renewal. Read More

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Year of the Water Dragon looks like it is going to offer us a great ride. I’ve only recently become interested in the “excitement” surrounding 2012. In fact, it started with a strange dream I had on New Year’s day about extraterrestrials. I’ll spare you the details, but what I will say about it is this – the last time I dreamed of aliens, I was beginning my journey into energy work by studying intuitive development with Mary Swanson. At that time I was an artist and worked for myself as a web designer. I had NO IDEA that I would someday be working as an intuitive consultant and teacher – that idea was far beyond my imagining; And yet, I was drawn to study intuitive development… for my own curiosity.

No one knows the future. Like our death, it is a mystery for every one. The important thing to note is the steps you are taking today will lead you into your future. With that awareness, what do you feel drawn to? What are you curious about? Acknowledging your desire and following your intuition (even though you have no idea where it will lead) will begin to produce a future better than you can imagine… but you have to take a risk. You have to be yourself.

This year is about riding the waves of change. For many, you’ve already been through big challenges over the last few years…. and you are still kicking. Time to trust yourself by leaning into your gifts and talents.* If you think you are weird, you are on your path. If you are reading this blog post, you are already well on your way. You have what it takes. As Angeles Arrien would say, you are “right on schedule.” Release any fear surrounding 2012 and get ready to hang 10 on the Water Dragon. We are being offered one hell of a ride.

Enjoy
+ heather

From Mayan Elder Carlos Barrios via Activist Post

What the Mayan Elders are Saying about 2012
excerpt “The world will not end. It will be transformed.” And he continues… “Humanity will continue, but in a different way. Material structures will change. From this we will have the opportunity to be more human. We are living in the most important era of the Mayan calendars and prophecies. All the prophecies of the world, all the traditions are converging now. There is no time for games. The spiritual ideal of this era is action.”

From Heather Roan Robbin’s Astro-Overview 2012 in the We’Moon Datebook

excerpt “This year is a turning point. It is not an end, as some predict; we cannot get out of our evolutionary homework that quickly. Time spirals; it’s the beginning of a new cycle, a new circle as the axis of the earth points towards the center of the galaxy. We saw a great deconstruction of old structures from 2008 – 2011 as Saturn opposed Uranus and squared Pluto. In 2012 Uranus – now in pro-active Aries – squares Pluto, electrifying the ground and seeding new forms, speeding up history now through 2015.” And I loved this suggestion for 2012 …”keep our shape soft and our plans mobile…”

From astrologer Rio Olesky‘s invitation to his talk “Perspectives for 2012”

excerpt “2012 is here! Oh no! Hide the money, the jewels and the first-born! Disaster and calamity are at hand! Or, are they? Maybe we’ve already experienced relentless challenges that have prepared us for the adventure of this year. Perhaps this year will merely test what we have been learning over the past several years. Perhaps this year will actually offer us opportunities to make use of the transits to create a new reality for ourselves, individually and collectively. Perhaps these transits can help us enter new states of consciousness that can provide the clarity and inspiration to make major strides in our growth and evolution.” Read his January column

From Astrologer Jan Spiller

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2012 by Jan Spiller
The theme of revolution against outworn systems that no longer meet personal needs will continue throughout 2012.

On a social level, this means more rebellion against governments that are not addressing the needs of the people. On a personal level, it will mean rebelling against unfair limitations and constraints of people or situations that you have given your authority to.

For example, if you are attending events that are socially appropriate but draining of your individual sprit, you may cease to attend such functions. Or if you do attend, you may feel challenged to be yourself more authentically.

This will be a year of material and financial improvements compared to the activity and trends of 2011. On a world level, corporations and governments will begin opening opportunities for the personal wealth of the people to increase. Money will begin flowing more easily.

Issues requiring faith and optimism about a better tomorrow will arise. In your personal life, if you rely strictly on your logic in guiding your financial moves, you will lose. If instead you listen to your intuition, knowing that there is a better plan for tomorrow still ahead, you will make the right moves that take best advantage of current opportunities to advance your position.

Until September, your most powerful stance in every area of your life is to link with the power of prayer and trust in positive outcomes. Pure FAITH in a higher intelligence looking out for you and available to help you is your key to success.
Be willing to be more spontaneous- add an attitude of adventure to your life. Whatever situation you find yourself in, its just another adventure in the chronicle of your entire life story. By being more spontaneous, a feeling of freedom and unexpected opportunities for positive outcomes will come your way. Rely on your intuition to guide you.

Develop the habit of being more direct in your communication rather than censoring yourself before speaking, trust yourself. That being said, a non-emotional delivery of what you have to say will be more effective than an emotionally-charged one. Allot some time to spend alone and in nature to get back in touch with the strength of what is real and natural in life.

Beginning in September it will be important to switch your focus and to attune yourself to a deeper level of understanding the people in your world. What are their motives, and their needs in situations at hand? How can you support their needs getting met in a way that results in your benefit as well?

After September it’s time to choose change over the status quo. By aligning yourself with people who have more power than you do, you enter onto a faster track to having a happy and fulfilling life.

Image: Water Dragonby Jacek Pilarski - image via Digital Artist

* gifts and talents is a phrase used by Angeles Arrien (click link to read her monthly reflection)

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Doreen Virtue writes about Freyja this way: “Goddess of fertility, celebration and passion, Freyja rides her chariot pulled by mighty cats (Leo) across the rainbow bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. Unafraid of her sexual power, Freyja teaches us to appreciate our attractiveness and enjoy ourselves.”

Freya Day Sparkle Ritual
Let go of any remaining Holiday sludge and clean yourself up today! Maybe you get your nails done, make an appointment for a massage, shave your legs or pluck your brows, brake out the sexy undies, shine up your jewelry, buy a new mascara, throw out old beauty supplies or whisper sweet nothings to yourself in the mirror!  For all the boys our there, take care of the weird hairs (eyebrows) and throw out the ripped jeans, old underwear and stained tshirts (pits) – get it done! Let’s get moving everyone… go for a run, pump some weights, and toss the clothes that no longer fit for public consumption. It’s time to sparkle yourself up.

Enjoy the day, TGIF!

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Healing Potentiality by Royal Art Lodge

For happiness, start with Animals with Sharpies here.

Image: Royal Art Lodge

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• Recommit to being a good Mother to yourself
• Soften your defenses – forgive someone, forgive yourself
• Light a candle in front of a picture of your family and/or your extended family and friends.
• Practice Emotional Authenticity
• Check out what astrologer Molly Hall has to say about this Full Moon
• Spontaneous Family Dance Party (Ours always happen in the kitchen. The one pictured below was inspired by the new Chili Peppers I’m with You)

Uncle BadAss shares the new Chili Peppers album - love it!

Dance Party in the Kitchen

TIP + Smiling Belly Intention – it’s wintertime here, a time for dreaming and composting. One of the synonyms for Resolution in the dictionary is Courage, cor meaning heart. What would it feel like for you if your intention came from your Heart? What friendly theme has been popping up for you? For me, my new year’s intention is Friendship with self. As a mom, it is really easy to get down on myself with negative self-talk for “not accomplishing” what I want during any given day. And I am not even talking about accomplishment in the area of my work/passion/creativity. I am talking about not finishing the laundry, responding to emails, returning calls or the 10 million other things that don’t happen… on top of the things I wished didn’t happen (blowouts aka shit storms, meltdowns, too much coffee and chocolate, not enough sleep, etc.) If I was a friend to myself, I would put down the whip, pat myself on the back and say “you’ve done enough today, no one expects you to be superwoman” and take a deep, cleansing breath more often. Why are we in such a hurry to finish everything before we let ourselves relax and enjoy what is… right now? What if you created an intention that makes your belly smile, feels easy & fun, and gives you the sense of coming home?

Goodbye 2011

Relax and release.

Have Heart,
+ heather

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Happy Holy Days!

On Saturday, December 24th, the New Moon meets the Sun in Capricorn. Time to get real, right down to your bones! The hard-working, grounded, practical Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn (authority, form, structure) and like it’s counter-balance Cancer, has a tendency to draw itself inward – perfect for winter! Take advantage of the inward-pull to connect with you own valuable inner resources. The greatest one being, your own unique grounding! Time to come down to earth, put 2 feet on the ground, and re-assess your foundation so you can reset and re-center yourself for the new year.

• good time to set financial goals that create independence & self-sufficiency
• get a job, shift your current job or create your own job.
• put into place structures/practices that support your transformation in the areas of your interest
• don’t take yourself (or others) so seriously
• Write new moon wishes
• Read more about this new moon & solar eclipse

TIP + Hello Ground Control – As the new year approaches and we are drawn inward with the Winter Season, I start to notice certain themes that are arising. Last year, it was rest. This year I am playing with the idea of befriending myself. As a mother of little ones, there are so many areas of life that fall to the wayside – projects get interrupted constantly, people throw up all over their bedding, we are too late or too early, I burn cookies, ornaments break and more often than not I will find someone standing on a counter with a mouth full of chocolate chips. Let’s face it, life is messy. It would be easy to extend compassion to a friend in the same situation but unfortunately, I will throw myself under the bus without a second thought. Not too friendly.

Now, looking at your own life: which area of life needs more grounding/support? Answer the question: How can I best support myself this area? Using the energy of the Capricorn new moon (self-discipline, keeping commitments, and taking responsibility) make commitments that support your grounding to attract the experiences you most desire. You can do it!

Today is my daughter Addie Rose’s 4th birthday. It goes by so fast & so slow.

Counting my blessing,
+ heather

After the celebration, you can start thinking about your Happy New Year’s Altar & Resolutions.

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I love the Solstices, both Summer & Winter. They have become such resonant markers for me to celebrate and let go of a season past as I open up to and honor the new opportunities offered by ever-turning of the wheel of life. The Winter Solstice offers us a opportunity to stop, observe, take note, breath, offer thanks, let go and turn our attention toward the next cycle or phase we are stepping into. As we turn to face the Winter Season and welcome the rebirth of the Sun and the lengthening days, we send prayers and ask for help, protection, strength, clear intuition, healthy boundaries, resource and blessings… in what is to come during the dreamtime of winter.

Right now, I feel celebratory and ready to let go. Fall was very full for me. I gave birth to my second daughter, Ida (pic: nugget sitting on the right), and am taking some time away from my intuitive consulting practice to be with her. She is a delight and completely cherished – a very happy, chill and inquisitive baby (unless she is not.) She is also heavenly, juicy and large. And it is a ridiculous amount of work. * I mean, come on… unlike many of the folks in your life, she is not just acting like a baby so you will take care of her… she IS a baby. You HAVE TO take care of her. And that’s what life is all about for me right now – being there for my baby. So,  as I reflect on the theme that has been showing up for me during my mental wanderings (ie. during nursing sessions, long walks and obsessing over naps) is the idea of Friendship with Self. As Pema Chodran put it in one of her talks, I am interested in cultivating unconditional friendliness. That would make a huge difference in my life as it is right now – extending friendship to myself. More gentleness, less pushing, not taking on too much, more celebrating.

What are the themes that are appearing for YOU this time of year?

* understatement of the year

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My Altar of Guadalupes

Today, Monday, December 12th, I along with folks all around the world celebrate the Goddess in the form of the Virgin of Guadalupe. As I mentioned in my most recent moon tip, 10 million people will visit the Basilica in Mexico to honor her today. For many, she represents love, compassion, motherly care of children, the universal promise of help and protection to all people, miracles, cures & interventions. For me personally, she has inspired compassion, healing, dedication, magic and art… lots of art. There are as many ways to connect to the Goddess as there are faces - she comes in all shapes and sizes. How do YOU connect with the Divine Feminine, both within yourself and in the world around you? What form does the Goddess take in your life? Take a moment to close your eyes today and ask yourself the question – if the Divine Feminine could take any form, what form does she take today? A waterfall, an ocean tide, the moon, a child, a mother, a hug, a mercy, a prayer answered, a swirling light, an unexpected miracle? See how she appears to you in the present tense – allow yourself to RECEIVE her image. Don’t be afraid to talk to her. She is all about creativity and receptivity. Hand over the thing that is stressing you out, breaking your heart, keeping you stuck in the past/future… simply imagine putting it in her hands. Whether it’s your holiday shopping list or a loved one in the hospital, let it go, pass the ball, take a break, take a breath. Imagine that whatever you are “holding” is not really ALL of your responsibility. There is help available from the invisible forces and the thing that is weighing you down is feather-light in the capable hands of the Divine. Then say thank you. Let it be easy… just for today.

Blowing kisses of compassion,
+ heather

Read more about The Virgin of Guadalupe from guest blogger Emily K. Grieves, The Pilgrims’ Destination.

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Today, Saturday, December 10th, we enjoy a total lunar eclipse with the Full Cold Midwinter Moon. This fat & full Gemini moon loves to party…and gabb! Gemini is the sign of the twins, quick and lively, and is ruled by the planet Mercury (communication) so this moon is known for speaking it’s mind. Because full moons are celebratory events with lots of energy available – this full moon encourages rituals, wishes and altars involving communication, writing, and travel. Let your evening be fun & lively, while at the same time being MINDFUL and generous in your communication and listening.

• Be social, visit your friends, have the neighbors over for drinks! (Don’t stay home alone!)
• Hang wishes on slips of colored paper on your tree or bough for Solstice
• Get crafty with a group of friends! Let loose with the art supplies and have some fun.
• Be conscious about what you want to celebrate this year, and align your actions with that

TIP + Winter Altar - The Winter Solstice this year is on December 21st. This holiday, also known as Yule, is the longest night of the year and is a time to celebrate the rebirth of the sun & the Winter King. It is a time for quietude and firelight, when we naturally want to enter our cave and sink into the season of dreaming. Get started on your winter altar. This year, my family is celebrating the Winter King as “Old Santa” on our Winter Mantel.

The planet Mercury is still retrograde until December 13/14th, so you may want to take a chill-pill on anything requiring forward movement until the wind settles down a little. Just a thought…

Love,
+ heather

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