Self-Care
Astrology Forecast 13 – 19 May 2024
The Moon entering Leo this morning starts the week with vitality, creativity and a desire to shine. We will feel imbued with confidence and assertiveness.
Embrace this energy today by expressing yourself authentically, leading with positivity and enjoying the spotlight in a balanced and constructive way.
Be aware, however, of the added emotional intensity that a Leo Moon opposition to Pluto in Aquarius can bring, as we are likely to experience emotions more strongly, with a tendency towards power struggles or confrontation, especially in personal or group dynamics.
Pluto represents issues of power and control. With this aspect, there may be a struggle between the assertion of personal power (Leo) and the desire for collective change or transformation (Aquarius).
Be aware of power dynamics. Approach situations at work or in your business today with awareness and mindfulness, acknowledging the potential for intense emotions and power dynamics, but also seeking constructive growth and change.
Mercury’s entry into Taurus on Wednesday will inspire us to be more logical, methodical and grounded in our thinking and actions. We will tend to focus more on tangible, realistic ideas and solutions.
Communication also becomes more deliberate and steady during Mercury in Taurus, so we may want to speak and express ourselves more slowly and deliberately, using clear and concise language. Paying more attention to details in our conversations, tasks and plans will increase productivity and accuracy in our daily activities.
Always Feel Free To Own Your True Feelings
Has anyone ever told you that you are too happy? Or has anyone ever told you that you smile too much? My guess is probably never.
So, why is it that whenever we experience negative emotions, be it grief, despair, or depression, we are often told that there is a time limit to such feelings and that we need to get over it. In today’s society, it is essentially also taboo to express feelings of loneliness, sadness, fear, or simply being unhappy.
My brother died at the tender age of 12 and left such a void in our lives that my entire family grieved his loss for decades. Fortunately, we were raised to accept this as a perfectly normal and natural process for us. We all understood that we would work through our feelings of grief and loss in our own way and at our own pace. We did not grieve according to a schedule or set of societal rules.
I find that a useful way to think about feelings and how to process them is to think of our emotions as being processed by our heart and mind like food is processed by our body. Just like food, we need to break down, digest, and assimilate the lessons and insights in our emotions to serve as growth “nutrients” for the soul.
Astrology Forecast May 6 – 12, 2024
The week begins with a Taurus Moon transit this afternoon, culminating in a Taurus New Moon tomorrow.
During a Taurus New Moon we feel a stronger connection to the physical world, a desire for stability and security in our lives, and increased attention to money, resources and material goods.
The next few days are therefore a good time to assess our financial situation and consider our values in relation to wealth and possessions.
It is also a powerful time for setting intentions and planting seeds for new beginnings. Given Taurus’s focus on stability and perseverance, intentions set during this time may relate to building lasting foundations or cultivating patience and perseverance in the pursuit of our goals.
We will also find it easier to maintain emotional stability and resilience in the face of challenges ans will be drawn to experiences that stimulate our senses – such as enjoying good food, indulging in luxury or spending time in nature.
Overall, the Taurus New Moon encourages us to slow down, connect with our physical bodies and the world around us, and focus on building a secure and fulfilling life based on our true values.
On Thursday and Friday you may feel more inclined to socialise, connect with others and express yourself verbally, thanks to the Gemini Moon. It will be a good time for networking, attending social events or just catching up with friends and loved ones.
The Meditative Art Of Sumi-e Painting
As a spiritual advisor and artist, I’ve always been drawn to the ways in which art and spirituality intersect to offer pathways to deeper self-awareness and tranquility.
One such path that has had a profound impact on my life is Sumi-e painting, also known as suibokuga or ‘ink wash painting.’ It is a traditional Japanese painting technique that uses black ink, typically in varying concentrations, to create brushstroke-based works of art.
Sumi-e is characterized by its minimalism, simplicity, and emphasis on capturing the essence or spirit of the subject rather than its literal representation.
Paintings often feature subjects such as landscapes, flowers, birds and other natural elements. Artists use various brush techniques to create different textures, tones, and depths using only black ink on absorbent paper or silk.
The art form has deep roots in Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes spontaneity, simplicity, and harmony with nature. Practitioners often meditate before painting to cultivate a clear and focused mind, which they believe enhances their ability to express the essence of the subject.
Sumi-e painting has had a significant influence on various art forms, including calligraphy and other East Asian brush painting styles. It continues to be practiced and appreciated for its timeless elegance and ability to evoke profound emotions with seemingly simple brush strokes.
Tarot Forecast May 2024: Judgement
The card for this month is Judgement, which encourages us to rid ourselves of what no longer serves us and to address karmic issues for personal and spiritual growth.
We may especially find ourselves facing the consequences of past actions or decisions this month.
Judgement emphasises the importance of accountability and responsibility, urging us to learn from our experiences and strive for karmic balance. By taking responsibility for our choices, we can break free from negative patterns and create a better future.
This will therefore be a month of reckoning and evaluation. Judgement invites us to reflect on our actions, choices and life path, and challenges us to take responsibility and face any unresolved issues with honesty and courage.
It will be a time of resolution and redemption, allowing us to find closure and make amends for past conflicts or mistakes.
By facing our challenges with integrity and compassion, we can experience inner peace and acceptance, paving the way for healing and growth. It also offers an opportunity for profound transformation and awakening, giving us a fresh start and the chance to embrace new beginnings with optimism and enthusiasm.
The Vibrational Alchemy Of Crystal-Infused Water
I love using crystal water as part of my spiritual practice. Crystal-infused water is an alchemical elixir for harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit.
Using the vibrational properties of crystals, this practice involves infusing water with the subtle energies emitted by carefully selected crystals and gemstones. Drinking crystal water is a powerful healing tool and wonderful for maintaining holistic balance and inner harmony.
I like to drink crystal water only once a week. I do not want to interfere with the body’s energetics every day. This is also a great way to get more water into your body and hydrate.
The use of crystals for healing and spiritual purposes dates back thousands of years, originating in the ancient civilizations, such as Egypt, Greece and China. These cultures believed in the energetic properties of crystals and used them for various purposes, including healing, protection, and spiritual connection.
While there is limited historical documentation that specifically mentions crystal-infused water in ancient traditions, it is evident that the ancients held a deep reverence for both crystals and water in their spiritual, healing, and ceremonial practices. Over time, as the awareness of the metaphysical properties of crystals evolved in modern times, the practice of immersing crystals in water for drinking emerged.
Astrology Forecast April 29 – May 5, 2024
Our sensuality blossoms and relationship stablity becomes a priority today as Venus moves into Taurus, where it will remain for the next month (25 days).
Venus in Taurus is considered one of its most comfortable and powerful positions astrologically, because Venus, the planet of love, beauty and harmony, finds a luxurious home in the sign of Taurus, which is ruled by Venus herself.
Until May 23, this transit will evoke a strong connection to physical comforts such as good food, beautiful surroundings, luxurious fabrics, and pleasant scents. We will enjoy the finer things in life and have a heightened sense of beauty and harmony in our surroundings.
Venus in Taurus also inspires a strong appreciation of the natural world, so we will enjoy spending more time outdoors, gardening or engaging in activities that bring us closer to the earth.
More importantly, Taurus is a stable and grounded sign, and when Venus is placed here, it brings stability and reliability to romantic relationships, which bodes well for long-term commitments in the coming weeks. Many of us will be willing to invest more time and effort into building a solid foundation for our relationships.