herbs

Post Eclipse Portal, Mothers Day and Tension………..

Happy Magickal, Merry, Misty, Mischievous, Magnetic, Manifesting May Monday!

How are you delicious lovely? How was your eclipse experience?

I have heard from quite a few of you that it was rather intense and “thank goodness the frigging thing is done with!”

Hate to be the Debbie Downer here but eclipse energy goes on for a few months, so if you notice endings, things rapidly changing, remember to breathe, trust and flow, yes?

Often we desperately cling to things by our fingernails because they are “known”, they are part of our tight, wee little comfort zone, they feel safe, even if they aren’t. After all, who wants to bump up against the electric fence of their comfort zone and make a change?

That can be scary!

There are lions and tigers and bears oh my!

Let alone the mind chatter of “What will people think? I can’t. I’m too old, too young, too short, too tall”…………… and the list goes on and on.

But what if you dropped into a place of Trust, Faith and pushed that electric fence wider and played with the mantra;

“Let everything that needs to go, go. Let everything that needs to come, come.”

You will be amazed at the results (and the lack of anxiety and worry).

On top of the eclipse energy that is wafting in the breeze we have the energy of May and I will let Lena share her wisdom and explain it to you.

The theme for May is: “TENSION”.

“Tension this month is the condition of pressure or a relentless force causing anxiety, strain, crisis, release, and change. We are stretched tight, some of us more than others, as we attempt to hold on to the past and control the future. The emotional center of the year is highlighted as we clear out old stagnation and get things flowing in a more positive direction. Fear of change and fear of the unknown is what keeps us grasping tightly to our defences, old habits and outdated beliefs.

It is hard to relax in a state of tension. Sleep cycles can be disturbed and we may be hypervigilant about what may or may not be just around the corner. Anxiety unconnected to any real situation may be a constant companion to some that are prone to it. There is physical tension in the body, pointing to necessary adjustments in self-care; emotional tension, often erupting in drama as old repressed feelings find their way up and out; and mental tension, especially related to the need to know and the fear of the unknown.

All of this may sound extremely challenging, however there can be a very positive outcome to the month but it requires certain disciplines and the willingness to deal with feelings and emotions without blame or judgement.“

Mmmm, do you see how this folds in like a victoria sponge cake into the post-eclipse energy and the mantra?

On Sunday in North America we celebrate Mother’s Day and for me personally, it’s irrelevant if you have birthed children or not. As we have all at some point in time nurtured, mentored, supported a child – whether they were ours or not.

I also realise that Mother’s Day can be challenging for some as there are so many energies that float around that day, there’s:- love, frustration, loss, grief, disconnect, yearning, joy, expectations, connection, being invisible – and so very many more.

It reminded me of years ago when I was in a lovely Kundalini yoga class and my most amazing mentor invited us to bring in our Mother, to feel that energy of safety, unconditional love and peace.

Well, I have to say that was not what happened for me by any stretch, instead it brought up loss, abandonment, grief and some very dark emotions which had me sobbing the whole way through class! (Gotta love how energy moves).

Afterwards I went up and shared with her my experience and she could really hear how that didn’t feel safe inviting that person in. So instead she invited me to bring in someone who represented that mothering energy instead – so the next time I happily brought in my Great Aunt, another Aunt and a lovely older female friend.

Which in turn created a totally different experience!

So remember:-

“Let everything that needs to go, go. Let everything that needs to come, come. “

On that note, let’s crack on with the reading.

Okay, when I went to my delicious guides and asked who wanted to come and play.

These lovely guides came in loud and proud! If they are new to you, please let me introduce you.

“As above, so below. As within, so without. Today, many of us seek to reclaim the sense of connectedness that existed universally in ancient cultures, when human fate was wholly entwined with nature.

The world was seen as a symbiotic entity in which all living organisms interacted and supported each other, from the innermost cellular level to the outermost cosmological level. An essential bridge is being rebuilt between humans and nature, allowing us to access the realm of the transcendent and the land of the luminous.

Herbalism is the medicine of belonging, a gateway through which we keep alive a very sacred aspect to our source. “

With all that being shared, let’s drop in shall we? Take a delicious breath and invite in the energy of endings, as when there is an ending there is a new beginning. What needs to just gently drop away (no drama), so that something new can grow?

Then when you are ready, pick the card or cards that resonate for you.

Did you remember to pick?

Let’s go have a wee peak, shall we?

REISHI

Retreat

Called lingzhi in Chinese, Reishi represents immortality and is considered the “herb of spiritual potency,” meaning success, well-being, divine power, and longevity.

Said to have been discovered in 396 BC in the Changbai Mountains of China by Taoist monks, it is one of the oldest mushrooms used in medicine. It has long been called an anti-aging mushroom and powerful Shen tonic, a category of medicines that “nourish the spirit.”

Reishi powerfully influences our main spiritual centres: the endocrine, nervous, and hormonal systems. Hormones powerfully impact our perception, mood, sleep-wake cycles, ability to bond with others, and awareness of reality. They activate the nervous system, which is also directly related to igniting mystical experiences.

Reishi is ruled by Jupiter, the “guru of planets,” the one that dictates how we derive wisdom and access to the mysteries of life.

Reishi is inviting you to Pause. It’s time for renewal.

If you feel overwhelmed or mentally overloaded, it’s time to retreat. Take the time to recuperate and recharge, and personal growth will follow. Overstimulation and indecision lead to a sense of weakness, imprisonment, and a feeling that you are evading death.

Like Bear, hibernate or rest before you take on the next project or challenge.

Many Native American tribes have called this space of inner contemplation the Dream Lodge, a place to witness death and see beyond the confines of physical reality by visiting the dreamtime.

Create the space to be in silence and calm the internal chatter. Take time for reflection and nurturing yourself (and we all have that time).

MITRAGYNIA

Shape Shifting

The Indigenous peoples of Southeast Asia have valued the power of this rainforest tree for thousands of years and have used it as a poultice to treat wounds, as well as treatment for a variety of symptoms, including stress, pain, fatigue and fever.

Like Coca leaves in the South American highlands, fresh leaves from the Mitragynia tree are chewed for energy and stamina throughout the day.

Mitragynia was revered among monks in Asia, as it assisted them during long periods of meditation by providing focused attention and positive energy.

Mitragynia embodies elements of both Saturn and Neptune, as it profoundly relieves and decompresses the musculoskeletal system, while granting a freeing and euphoric feeling to the body-mind.

Used in the right amounts, it can greatly assist those with addiction (Neptune).

The balanced side of Mitragynia represents the ability to shapeshift and adapt across realities.

Like the Dragonfly, Mitragynia grants us the power to break through the illusionary facade we often accept as reality, providing us the freedom from pain in order to break through limiting illusions.

Dragonflies, like Mitragynia, help us initiate subconscious healing from the trauma experienced from endless cycles of pain and suffering.

Dragonfly medicine invites us to seek out the parts of our habits that have gone unchanged, unnoticed, and stagnant.

Ask yourself, have I tended to the changes I’ve been wanting to make?

Don’t get lost in the labyrinths of self-doubt.

Break free from illusive belief systems that hold back your transformation.

ANGEL’S TRUMPET

Death

Angel’s Trumpets have an intoxicating scent and flowers that resemble angelic horns aimed downward, symbolising the call of the angels to humanity.

Plants in the Brugmansia genus and relatives like Daturas have a rich history of use among shamans and magic practitioners, even though they are poisonous.

Some South American Indigenous groups, like the Kamsa, Jivaro, and Ingano, initiate their children at a young age into the path of curanderismo – becoming a healer – by ingesting Angel’s Trumpet during a flower ceremony.

Jivaro boys who walk the shamanic path are given the medicine at the age of six to acquire an external-vision-producing soul that lets them communicate with ancestors called arutam wakani.

Angel’s Trumpet is ruled by Pluto and Mars.

Angel’s Trumpet signals a time of catharsis or death.

A deep emotional breakdown is due or near. You may feel lost in your own emotional despair, depression, shame, or unworthiness, but now the angels of discernment and darkness are here to support you.

Coming eye to eye with the darkest feelings within yourself catalyses the greatest awakening. Deeply pause, let go of control, and witness the broken pieces within yourself with loving awareness.

The medicine of the Bat symbolises the need for a ritualistic death of relations, situations, or aspects of life.

Bat, like Angel’s Trumpet, signals catharsis and rebirth, signalling literal or metaphysical death of old patterns and worn out habits.

Understand that you can reconstruct at any time, create something new, deeper, richer and more in alignment, regardless of how shattered you feel.

Wowzer! Oh my giddy aunt, the messages tie in with the eclipse energy and the monthly energy (and you seriously can’t make this shit up!)

Wishing you a stupendous week and inviting the mantra into your life with trust and faith and feel the dross drop away like drops of rain off a Gortex rain jacket. Big hugs and squeezes!

When you take a Full Moon Eclipse, an Energy Shift and the 11:11 Portal what happens? Transformation Honey.

Jenny Heston · 11:11 am ·

Happy Majestic, Magnificent, Magickal, Marvellous, Moony Monday!

How was your Samhain, All Saints Day and All Souls day? I will say here in this neck of the woods it was deep, rich and welcoming!

We have lots to explore this week as there is big energy kicking around (in case you hadn’t noticed). With moving into November the energy has shifted, Tuesday we have a Blood Moon Eclipse in Taurus. Now I don’t know about you, but this energy is big and the word a lot of people are using is “Fated.” (North Node energy activation and all that).

And we have the 11.11 portal energy on Friday.

So snuggle up with a cuppa and let’s go dance between the warp and weft of these energies, so that we come out creating instead of tanking – yes?

As you know, we are now in November and the energy has shifted yet again (as it does monthly) and we are working with the energy of A NEW FERTILITY. But what does this mean for you?

As Lena explains; The first part of November, until the full moon on the 8th, remains an intense time between the 2 eclipses where anything can happen and the energy is tumultuous, unpredictable, somewhat accident prone, and can lean towards irritation, anger and restlessness.

Remember that this is a time that supports transformational change and should be used wisely so don’t dwell on shortcomings and negativity. Use this time as an important reset for yourself that may include some letting go of negative habitual behaviour, addictions and situations that are toxic.

Once we survive the next eclipse we have an opportunity to reboot our landscape and take a look at what we wish to initiate moving forward.

The theme of “a new fertility” is giving us the opportunity to re-evaluate how we think, what we believe and to move into a new way of being productive, sustainable and abundant.

We are moving out of a very masculine, active, aggressive time and into a more feminine expression of support which includes a necessary attention to what is fertility and how we are bringing it into our lives.

To have the most fertile ground requires fertilising it. Our fertiliser is the compost of our past patterns, experiences, lessons, trauma, grief, successes, disappointments, karmic relationships, challenges, opportunities taken, opportunities missed and anything else we have experienced in our past.

Turning the past into good fertile compost requires letting go of your attachment to it.

Re-read that again!

It’s a time of big release of old dross and also releasing the attachment to it.

In other words you can’t say you have released it and still talk about it daily!

On Tuesday, November 8th – Well, here we go. (Are you ready?)

A dramatic full moon lunar eclipse in Taurus will appear (which also happens to be Election Day in the United States). Again, what does this mean for you?

This is a transformative and some have called it a “fated” eclipse. It holds similar energy-ish to the one we had in May and it closes the eclipse portal that we have been experiencing.

Now if you remember, eclipses really uncover stuff. I mean bring it to the surface like a boil!

An eclipse is a time where the dealings of our worldly life (money, relationships, work, family) can get a little wonky.

On the other hand, the mystical part of life becomes incredibly enhanced!

If you remember, Full Moons are a great time to let go and release energy that is no longer serving you which opens you up to new energy coming in which can support in healing, opportunities, advances, upleveling consciousness, partnerships/relationships, wisdom, financial, and/or abundance.

With this transformative Blood Moon Eclipse there is an uplevelling on all levels of our consciousness and our spiritual journey. Which requires releasing the dross (are you seeing where I’m going with this?)

I have purposely used the word Transformative for this Blood Moon Eclipse, because if you are willing to do the work, release the dross, old baggage and welcome in new fertile energy; life will shift. However, be clear on what you desire.

“Transformation can always be challenging and often requires the painful work of peeling back layers, shedding skin, and birthing into the new. Each of these steps carries its struggles and magic, but under a Blood Moon Eclipse, the intensity level can be turned up.”

So how to navigate this? Take some time to journal and release. Ask for strength, power and support for letting go of any drama that is not serving you well, acknowledge the karmic lessons you have learned and set an intention to embrace a new fertility where new ideas, insights and inspiration have a chance to take root and flourish.

This Friday (November 11th) is Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day. It marks the day World War One ended at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918! 104 years ago!!!

Now I appreciate you may have been fortunate never to have experienced war, or had to fight in a war. However, many people are not that fortunate and so I do feel it is very important, especially with what is happening in the Ukraine, to acknowledge and sit with it.

To Remember.

The Poppy to me is a symbol of Remembering those who bravely went to fight for our freedoms and well being. It is also a symbol of Hope, hope for our troops that are still deployed all over the world and Hope for a time of Peace. As someone who was in the Military reserves and a reserve police officer, and also having friends who were or still are in the military, let alone a father who was and a grandfather, I feel very strongly about the respect and honour that is due to those sacrifices and those that are still away from home.

Personally, I think it is important to focus on those types of events, the ones that inspire Hope and Peace, and don’t get me wrong, there are all sorts of wars still being waged all over the world. But drop back into that space of Armistice, Hope and Peace – it is sooooo possible on every level in this world (at least that is my belief).

Thus on Remembrance day we have the potent energy of 11:11. Great Jen, what does that mean for me (you may be asking)?

Close your eyes and remember the last time that you set an intention. Did you feel doubtful that your wish would come true, or did you have faith that the universe was listening, ready to help you bring your vision to life?

11/11 is one of the most powerful days of the year for manifestation – a day when we’re reminded that our guides are always with us, supporting us on the path to our deepest dreams. There’s a reason why we’re told to make a wish whenever we see 11:11 on the clock. 11 is a master number, and its frequency speeds up manifestation, opening up channels through which angelic beings can send their wisdom and support.

“The number 11 grants us access to the 5th dimension, where the constraints of time and space do not exist. On 11/11, we experience 5D energy in the form of synchronicity, alignment, and acceleration. You might experience that “right place, right time” feeling – the reassurance that you’re on the right path, and everything you’re seeking is seeking you in return.”

A lot happening yes, amazing yes, transformative yes. But are you willing?

Okay, let’s crack on with the reading.

When I went to the cards and asked my guides who they wanted to work with they picked these glorious guides.

Now if these are new to you, please let me introduce them.

These glorious guides give you needed glimpses into your everyday life and help you see where changes can be made to enhance your life here on Earth. There is so much more to our world than we often perceive.

There exist many dimensions and numerous beings that reside in these realms. All of these elemental beings are interconnected with us. We do not live independent of one another but are interdependent. These wonderful beings are here to help.

They not only take care of the Earth, but they work hard to take care of us. We are familiar with many of these beings, such as angels, faeries, and elves. There are many more we are not conscious of, but they, nevertheless, contribute to the workings of our planet. Remember as you go through your day, to ask for help from the elemental world whenever you need it. The need is never too small to call on their help. It is through helping us that they advance in their spiritual development. We are their work. We in turn can spiritually evolve through allowing them to help us. To all these amazing beings we say Thank You.

Interestingly enough the crystals that came to share are all glorious beach stones and the herbs were most adamant. So we have Sage and Rosemary. Grounding and Flow is what they are saying.

Okay darling one, take a breath. A glorious slow, sensual breath in through the nose and out through the mouth. Feel your jaw relax (which helps your pelvic floor and diaphragm to relax) and as you breathe see in your mind’s eye a glorious Red Poppy.

It dances in the breeze and its paper like petals glow with the richness of its colour. As you start into the centre of it, allow yourself to be drawn in, ask your higher self, wise self – what karmic patterns do you need to release, what do you want to create space for that makes you feel hopeful and peaceful.

Then when you are ready, pick the card or cards that invite you.

Did you remember to pick?

Let’s go have a look, shall we?

IVY

Finances

Faeries have no need to worry about finances. They just trust they will be provided for, and so they are.

Trust has a lot to do with the finances of humans also.

Asking and then trusting that things will work out for you opens a pathway for your good to come to you.

This is a time when financial issues are at a head in your life. There are opportunities opening up for you. Keep your eyes open and be willing to check out any offers that come your way. The Universe knows what you need and will provide if you stay grounded in faith.

Look carefully at how you use the money that is given to you. Do you use it wisely? Are you saving some each month? Paying bills on time?

If you find yourself resenting bill paying then change your attitude and face it with joy. Thank Spirit that you are able to pay your bills. Send each payment out with a blessing attached, that “…every person who comes in contact with this money be blessed.” Finances will surely take a turn for the better.’

Have trust and believe!

A wee mantra for you:

Mother, Father God…I ask for your divine intervention on my behalf.

I ask for the perfect solution.

I ask for the perfect timing for the manifestation of the solution.

I am willing to accept your guidance and your wisdom…

And I expect the miracles,

Which are a demonstration of your love.

So be it.

Keep your eyes out for a coin today.

PEDESTAL

Choice

Look at this card. This angelic being is bound round and round, yet her bindings are not secured.

She can choose to unbind herself at any moment.

Situations are not always as dire as they seem. You must look deeper at things going on in your life. Are you seeing all the different sides of a situation? Perhaps you are feeling restricted when it is your choice to simply decide to be free.

We often bind ourselves with limited belief systems and outdated thinking patterns. What habits can you change in order to release yourself from your limited thinking? Many situations are not black or white or good or bad. It’s up to you to sit and see both sides.

Ask for clarity and to see all facets before making up your mind. Find your pedestal where you can see your truth and release all that does not fit your chosen reality.

Choose wisely what you want in your life. All of the choices we make create a vibration that affects all other life in the Universe. If one chooses wisely, it will be what is also best for others. You have much more control of your life and circumstances than you realise.

A wee mantra for you:

I am a being with the gift of choice.

I am open to truth.

I choose to bring into my life, all the good that exists for me.

I choose freedom.

My life abounds with positive options.

I choose wisely with my best interest in mind.

So be it!

Choose the other one today!

BOOK FAIRY

Intellect

This is about reading, writing, study and all intellectual pursuits in general. It’s also about the stories of your life. If someone were to write about your life and the stories of it, what would they say?

For those who love to read, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time for relaxing with a good book. For those who do not care to read, consider what you are missing out on and consider reading more.

It may be time to delve deeper into an area of study and learning that interests you. Perhaps furthering your education, with much reading to do.

There is one caution, if your nose is always in a book to the exclusion of people and other activities, you may want to make sure that you are not trying to hide from life. It’s fun to live in another dimension for a bit, but be sure to come back to your own plane of existence.

It may be time to consider exploring something new and furthering your education.

A wee mantra for you:

Princesses, goblins, and romantic things,

Treasures and pirates and magical rings.

Wings that are wispy and bells that ring clear;

Banishing dragons…the crowd roars a cheer!

Such are our stories and so they are told,

Both of the meek and also the bold!

Life is a story, about which I write.

I’ll make it a good one filled with bright light!

So be it!

Seek knowledge today!

Wowzer, glorious guides for this transformative and intense week. Wishing you a stupendous week filled with ease, laughter and reflection as well as unpacking the dross trunk! There won’t be a reading next week as this is a long weekend and I will be taking time to play, Remember and reflect. Big hugs and squeezes.

New Moon in Virgo – Ritual for Health and Abundance.

Jenny Heston · 3:55 pm ·

NEW MOON IN VIRGO

August 27th we welcome the New Moon in Virgo, so think about the energy that comes to mind for you when I mention Virgo.

Virgo is an earth sign historically represented by the goddess of wheat and agriculture, an association that speaks to Virgo’s deep-rooted presence in the material world. And the fact that we are in harvest season.

If you look around you can see, kids are getting ready to go back to school, teens back to University and many rec centres, gyms and art schools are offering Fall courses, and now is certainly the time to sign up. So there’s an energy of ending (of summer) and new beginnings of Fall.

Then if we look at Nature, here on the West Coast where I live, I can already see the leaves are starting to change. The geese are flying overhead in their V’s honking like mad things and landing on any flat patch of grass they can find.

Some of the flowers are dying back, and the tomatoes are ripening under the late August sun and my herbs have exploded and are standing at about 5 feet tall!

It’s harvest time. A time of preparation. A time to sink your feet into the earth and thank Mumma Gaia for her gifts and bounty. A time to choose what you want to experience, feel and think.

So what are those things? How do you want to feel and what do you want to draw to you?

With the New Moon in Virgo, it’s time to heal, weed, edit, and discern. The vibe is thoughtful, sensitive, health-oriented, compassionate and particular; we need to keep our eyes not on what we want to throw away, but what we want to keep and nurture.

The image for the sign of Virgo recalls the people who once used their powers of discernment literally to sort the wheat from the chaff – back in the days of people – skilled agriculture. So use the energies of this moon to think about where in your life you need to make changes. Pay particular attention to your daily routines.

Virgo New Moon Ritual for Health and Abundance

You’re going to need your lovely moon book and pen,

a white candle,

crystals of choice,

a posy of fresh garden herbs (if you have them),

or a wee container of some dried ones from the kitchen,

a hot cup of water,

cleansing tool of choice (smudge, incense, essential oil),

and whatever music makes you feel good!

Find a peaceful spot where you will not be disturbed.

Then set the space and make it sacred to you.

Light your candle, place the crystals you chose so they can bathe in the candle light, and play the music that makes you feel the emotions you’ll experience when your manifestation comes to fruition. (This could be any type of music).

As you sit with your candle flickering away, allowing the energy of this lovely harvest new moon to fill the space around you. Take your cleansing tool and clear your space, yourself and your tools and to invite the glorious Moon Goddess in to support you.

Then take a moment to feel gratitude for all that’s good in your life. Think about the people, places and situations that make you happiest. Write down 5 – 10 of them that make you happy and/or for which you’ve been grateful in the past month.

Send big love and gratitude to those people or places, and remember to include yourself.

In this state of gratitude gather your herbs and gently press them between your fingers. Allow their divine smell and healing oils to explode on your finger tips and infuse them with the gratitude you are feeling.

Then pop them into the cup of hot water with thanks. (You’re brewing up a gorgeous New Moon gratitude tea! Nom!)

When this is done, ask yourself:- What do you want to create more of in regards to health, wellness, abundance, organisation and feeling prepared? (Remember the Virgo energy in this time of harvest).

If you’re feeling a tad stumped as to clarity and direction, use the New Moon Journal Prompts to get your juices flowing.

Decide on 10 wishes/intentions that resonate for you.

Then write them down, doodle them, colour them – whatever works for you.

Then narrow it down to 3 intentions and write them as if they’ve already happened. Keep your thoughts and intentions positive for this New Moon ritual.

Then read them outloud to the Moon and really feel and visualise them as here and now. (This is important).

Then for each of your amazing intentions write an affirmation that rings true for you. For example:-

New Moon Ritual Affirmation For Positive Manifestation Intentions

I am aligned with the Moon and the Universe. The energy of this New Moon is providing me with abundance and helping to manifest my best Self. I attract and welcome new ideas and beliefs easily into my life.

Now include a personal phrase that’s specific to your intention. Remember to use positive words and avoid negativity. An example might be, “I am grateful to have all the money I need. Wealth is a natural part of my life.”

Collect your gorgeous cup of herbal tea that is filled with gratitude and breathe your intentions into the water.

Then as you sit reflecting on this wonderful experience, sip your New Moon brew which is infused with gratitude and intentions and really feel them all coming to fruition.

Thank the glorious Moon Goddess for coming and dancing with you, releasing all attachment to the outcome.

You might want to say “Om Namo Narayani” 3 times or “This or something better now comes to me, with grace and ease and in perfect ways.”

Then pop your music on and celebrate!

Remember – The potency of your ritual stems from its importance to you!

Summer Solstice. How to Embody and Celebrate it!

Jenny Heston · 1:01 am ·

What is Summer Solstice you ask and why the heck should I give it any attention?

Mighty fine questions, so let’s go for a little explore. Solstice comes from the Latin words sol, meaning Sun and sistere, meaning to come to a stop or stand still. On the day of the June Solstice, the Sun reaches its northernmost position, as seen from the Earth. At that moment, its zenith does not move north or south as during most other days of the year, but it stands still at the Tropic of Cancer. It then reverses its direction and starts moving south again. The opposite happens during the December solstice. Then, the Sun reaches its southernmost position in the sky – Tropic of Capricorn – stands still, and then reverses its direction towards the north.

On a purely factual basis Summer Solstice (for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere) marks the longest day of the year and the shortest night, it’s the start of the lazy hazy days of summer. Kids are normally on summer break, families scramble to go on a holiday or camp, and a lot of time is spent soaking up the sun whilst hanging at the beach, playing in the water or hosting a summer bar-b-que. Summer Solstice both ushers in the warmest season and also a gentle reminder that the days are going to get a bit shorter. Even though the days feel longer, more languid and relaxed there is an underlying freneticism of getting outside, celebrating the sun as much as possible, as it will soon be gone.

This year Summer Solstice occurs on Friday June 21st.

Okay, so we have the facts, but what does it all mean? Summer Solstice (also known as Litha) is all about abundance, growth, expansion. It’s the celebration of the Sun! Think about it, the farmer plants the seeds in the cool of the Spring in the wet ground and as the Summer Solstice approaches things have sprouted and are reaching up as if they are doing a glorious sun salutation. It’s a time to watch the ripening and fruiting of the plants around us and our ideas.

This is a delicious inner fire/power celebration that acknowledges the abundance that grows from tiny seeds.

At Stonehenge, (which was built over 5,000 years ago) the heelstone marks the midsummer sunrise as seen from the centre of the stone circle. In ancient times, the Summer Solstice was a fire-festival of great importance when the burning of balefires ritually strengthened the sun. It was often marked with torchlight processions, by flaming tar barrels or by wheels bound with straw, which were set alight and rolled down steep hillsides. The Norse especially loved lengthy processions and would gather together their animals, families and lighted torches and parade through the countryside to the celebration site.

The use of fire, as well as providing magical aid to the sun, were also used to drive out evil and to bring fertility and prosperity to men, crops and herds. Blazing gorse or furze was carried around cattle to prevent disease and misfortune; while people would dance around the balefires or leap through the flames as a purifying or strengthening rite. The Celts would light balefires all over their lands from sunset the night before Midsummer until sunset the next day. Around these flames the festivities would take place.

In Cornwall up to the mid 18th century the number and appearance of fires seen from any given point was used as a form of divination and used to read the future. So as we can see, this celebration has been around for years upon years and has an intensity and a deliciousness about it.

So now we have facts, the meaning – how does one celebrate it? There is no right or wrong way by any stretch. However, here are a few simple ideas that aren’t overly complex.

Move your body. Welcome the sun on this longest day with a couple of sun salutations. This is a simple Yoga flow that requires you to be present and go as far as your body will allow you to go. If you are unclear as to what it looks like there are some great beginner versions on line and this will give you a glorious full body stretch (in a gentle way).

Make an altar. Pop some seashells, flowers, fruit and dried herbs on it and voila, you have created an altar. It doesn’t have to be big, or front and centre in your living room if that makes people around you uncomfie. Your altar could be those cool rocks you picked up over the last year all gorgeously stacked on your kitchen counter.

For more ideas, herbs, energy, rituals, guided visualisation and spells thus a deeper dive into Summer Solstice there is a glorious downloadable pdf for my most amazing community.

I call it your Summer Solstice B.O.S.S Enjoy!

Full Lunar Eclipse on a Blood Moon! Change & Transformation is in the Air.

Jenny Heston · 12:00 pm ·

Happy delicious and delightful Monday gorgeous one! How has your week been?

I don’t know about you but it has been hawt, hawt, hawt here and so I have been emulating a reverse sun dial and moving from patch of shade to patch of shade lol. This has proved challenging at times as a while ago I decided that I really needed a large workshop/shed and so Wednesday found me in the baking hot sun framing up the walls! (What’s that saying about mad dogs and English men going out in the noon day sun?) Needless to say I felt rather crispy after 9 hours of building in the heat, but very satisfied that the framed walls were up. Then on Sunday I spent another 7 hours starting to put up the sheathing and figuring out the roof pitch and rafter cut lines. So slowly but surely this space will get completed over the next 10 days and then I can start filling it with all the lovely things that need to be kept safe and dry.

Remember the other week we talked about “eclipse season” and how eclipses bring up the hidden and there is an energy of transformation and change? So the partial solar eclipse in Cancer that happened on July 12th really set in motion quite a few cosmic revelations about your life and there was most certainly a nudging towards something different. With that being said, we are coming up to the second eclipse already (time just seems to fly). This is a full lunar eclipse of the Blood Moon in Aquarius, it’s also the longest lunar eclipse of the 21st Century as it lasts 103 minutes. I could write soooooo much about this eclipse, but then the reading would be like a small novella, so if you are part of the community and receive emails from me I will send something out near the end of the week to help you work through this energy. What you do need to pay attention to is the Blood Moon shoves us towards change and with this full moon and eclipse there is a real resetting of emotions, a clearing away of the emotional baggage of the previous 6 months. So if you are feeling the increased emotional energy, a sensation of something big is going to happen, or just a tad fragmented, remember to breathe, take a moment and just let the feelings flow through you. Okay? A quick and easy tool to use at this time is keeping a piece of Indigo Gabbro (aka Mystic Merlinite) with you, either in your pocket, stuff it into your bra – whatever works for you.

When I was asking the cards who wanted to come and offer support and guidance this week it was no surprise to me that a gorgeous deck I acquired a few weeks ago stood up front and centre. This glorious deck is “The Oracle of the Shapeshifters”. Let me share with you a little of how this deck works. “This deck is filled with mystic familiars for times of transformation and change. Fear corrupts and these guides are for anyone experiencing a transformation and who may be fearful of that change. Change is one way of staying very much alive – it’s necessary and healthy. True deep change must take place for you to fulfill your soul contract. If you are blocked in terms of change and fear it, you will perhaps have a tougher time changing. You may turn from possibility to what you have convinced yourself is probable: You diminish your possible self, reduce who you are, and dilute your spirit. For some, this is more comfortable than facing the fear of evolving actively. But even when we have diminished ourselves, sought to remain invisible and hidden away, and said yes to everyone else, life will find us – and transform us.”

Thus, it is no surprise with what is happening that these delightful guides have come out to support and guide. The crystals that came to join in with this reading are:- Bloodstone, Lepidolite with Mica and Sodalite, the nasturtium flowers, mint and lemon balm were adamant they got to participate as well, and then they gladly hopped into a salad! Nom, nom, nom.

I have created a lovely visualisation, if you so desire, to help you with this energy of transformation and change. We go on a little backpack trip, don’t worry you don’t need sturdy footwear. If that doesn’t resonate for you then just take a few moments to really breathe into all the corners of your body and allow the tension to puddle around your feet and seep away. When you feel ready, pick the card of cards that resonate for you and let’s go see shall we?

Did you remember to pick?

Let’s go have a little look.

YOU ARE UNLIKE ANYONE ELSE

As caterpillars undergo metamorphosis, they turn to a sort of mush inside their cocoons. So too in your life everything seems to have lost direction and feels quite meaningless, but you will regroup, reform, and transform. A new world speaks of the necessary process you must undergo in order to create an important change. Developing new true friendships, repairing a damaged relationship, working on your skills in an area that does not come easy to you, making difficult choices about your integrity – all are addressed by the beings in this card, as they too have undergone the challenge of change. You will notice that on the card there are beings who are hybrid – the butterfly frogs – who are at once not quite one thing or another. This is how your changes can seem to others sometimes.

“Which are you?” they may ask. “This or that?” Many in life will want you to fit nicely into a category so they can easily label you and not undergo the difficult task of truly knowing who you are. You do not have to choose between things. Humans are often contradictory. Simply be true to you. Be a frog with wings! Be all of who are and experiment. Let others be puzzled. You have the courage to defy boxes, labels, and other easy ways of avoiding truly knowing people and the world.

There is no one like you. You have gone through a very difficult time, but you have passed the test and been reborn. You have done well to keep going, and now you can begin to see how worthwhile all the changes and sacrifices were. A new time begins now. You have successfully reinvented yourself by doing what is not always easy. There will be more enjoyment and fulfillment and less to worry about. You worried, didn’t you, about whether this time of goodness and hope would come? Well have no doubt. It is here!

WOLF MOON

A beautiful girl is seated beneath a perfect full moon, unable to sleep. She wraps her arms about the wolf, her companion. If you look closely, you’ll see she has a tattoo of a wolf’s footprint. She is one of the clan; she is different in form, though she is one of their own. The wolf is being held by the small girl – they are not the same, but they are kin, and one is changing, which requires courage and commitment, and flourishes best when protected. The girl may be about to turn, change form, or she may be holding one who is about to change. You are always in this process of transformation, and when you have a guardian, you will be supported through your shifts into many selves.

The lunar aspect of this card is protective; the moon’s fullness suggests a high tide of power, and this is traditionally the time of great change and metamorphosis. This is a time when the tender can cradle the fierce – and in which your true, wild self and instinctual knowledge can be heard and acted upon.

A clan brother or sister is watching over you while you change, so rest easy knowing how fiercely loved and loyally protected you are. While you change, you will be held and watched over by a guardian who will not let you down. You are in the moment of transformation. Your fears – that others will not understand who you really are when you show yourself and that you will be left vulnerable – are unfounded. Your greatest fear is that you may hurt others while you are changing so deeply. The coming full moon is significant for you: You are changing, and your true family will support you through this shift. This is a time for courage. When you approach this change with a brave heart, all will be well.

A TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

A time to say goodbye will help you to let go, even though it hurts a lot. This is now out of your hands; you have to say goodbye at this time. Be active in this ending when this card comes to you. Be brave; think about how you can best take care of yourself at this time, and show the other person how much you care. Don’t ignore or shun them. Rather, let this person know what they have meant to you, wish them well on the next stage of their life journey, and let….them…go! There may be great sadness id doing so, but you will grow so much because you have chosen the better way to deal with this sad situation. This other person has learned how to detach and stay detached. He asks that you do not ask for him to return, to stay, or to cling. Be strong because you need to be dignified, and believe that something better is coming. Because that is the truth. Something better is coming. So open your arms, and let him be free, as he has learned to be.

You may be reluctant to see an ending – you may wish to extend the time you have with someone, or you may even feel like you are being cheated out of something you deserve. But the truth is that things must die in order to be reborn in another form at a later time. This is the chosen time to go, and from the ashes, something new will arise, and it will be even better than you can imagine. Rebirth cannot take place without a death – and it is now time to end something, to let something both externally and internally die. It may be a long-held belief, a place that seemed to hold security, a friendship that has grown unhealthy, someone you’ve been going out with who no longer wishes to see you, or a beloved family member who may not be in this world much longer. Whatever it is, let it – let them – go! Something else will return to you. And you cannot be reborn unless you first know how to die. This is your chance to learn something very profound, deep, and important. Do not miss it by resisting what must take place.

Holy Hannah! As a friend of mine says “You can’t make this shit up!” The cards are positively perfect for this upcoming Lunar Eclipse, are you paying attention? So delicious one, remember to breathe, laugh a lot and be kind to yourself and others. Allow the fears, the thoughts and any confusion to just flow through you like a stream, don’t try and dam it up and tuck it away – that won’t serve you. Have a fabulous week and if you are part of this lovely community I will be sending you something later this week about the Lunar Eclipse. Huge hugs and squeezes! See you next week!