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Warm Love Day Wishes from an Enchanted Winter Forest
Winter Wonderland wishes of magick and warmth for a Happy Love Day from our hearts to yours 💙 May you discover the source of love beginning with you and may every day be an invitation to open your heart more, share kindness, be compassionate, look through eyes of wonder and find the gifts and joy where no one else does, and blossom even though the frost has set in. ❄
Enjoy this stroll through the enchanted forest here we’ve been enjoying. These are from yesterday’s snow shoeing adventure about a mile and a half further up from our regular snow shoe area, where we found another interesting twin marker like I shared before (Sasquatch?) amidst the magick. I love the green bursts of life peeking through the flocking.
Love, wonder, and giggles to all!
Then What to Their Wondering Eyes Should Appear
This magickal Yuletide rendition of one of the most famous Christmas poems has become a favorite of mine. When it was originally shared with me in 2018 by a sweet friend, I did post it here on my blog. Today, I share it again with all of my friends, new and old, to ignite an extra bit of enchantment to stir in your heart as we edge to the end of 2020. The poem speaks to the spirit of the season and reminds us of its true nature and reason. It’s thought to be written by C.C. Williford.
Since Christmas Eve holds a most wondrous place in my heart and happens to be Joy’s birthday – my rabbit companion now a star in the bright sky – I felt to share it today, accompanied by a visual delight of our seasonal lights and simple, nature-inspired decorations here in our cozy mountain home on the forest. I’m also adding photos of the office and creative space I share with Astrid – however these lights are what enchant our room year-round. Hehe! Astrid and I love having wonder as our daily partner.
Wonder is a dear friend who has been with me through thick and thin. I never ever take for granted an encounter or experience no matter how often it happens. Every time the snow falls is the first time. Every time a squirrel runs by is a tender moment. Every time I see a tree, plant, landscape, way the light hits is always a sacred encounter. Every time I come across another being is a remembrance igniting a new depth of love. May wonder wander through life with you, enchanting each moment with possibility.
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE YULETIDE
Twas the night before Yuletide and all through the glen
Not a creature was stirring, not a fox, not a hen.
A mantle of snow shone brightly that night
As it lay on the ground, reflecting moonlight.
The faeries were nestled all snug in their trees,
Unmindful of flurries and a chilly north breeze.
The elves and the gnomes were down in their burrows,
Sleeping like babes in their soft earthen furrows.
When low! The earth moved with a thunderous quake,
Causing chairs to fall over and dishes to break.
The Little Folk scrambled to get on their feet
Then raced to the river where they usually meet.
“What happened?” they wondered, they questioned, they probed,
As they shivered in night clothes, some bare-armed, some robed.
“What caused the earth’s shudder? What caused her to shiver?”
They all spoke at once as they stood by the river.
Then what to their wondering eyes should appear
But a shining gold light in the shape of a sphere.
It blinked and it twinkled, it winked like an eye,
Then it flew straight up and was lost in the sky.
Before they could murmur, before they could bustle,
There emerged from the crowd, with a swish and a rustle,
A stately old crone with her hand on a cane,
Resplendent in green with a flowing white mane.
As she passed by them the old crone’s perfume,
Smelling of meadows and flowers abloom,
Made each of the fey folk think of the spring
When the earth wakes from slumber and the birds start to sing.
“My name is Gaia,” the old crone proclaimed
in a voice that at once was both wild and tamed,
“I’ve come to remind you, for you seem to forget,
that Yule is the time of re-birth, and yet…”
“I see no hearth fires, hear no music, no bells,
The air isn’t filled with rich fragrant smells
Of baking and roasting, and simmering stews,
Of cider that’s mulled or other hot brews.”
“There aren’t any children at play in the snow,
Or houses lit up by candles’ glow.
Have you forgotten, my children, the fun
Of celebrating the rebirth of the sun?”
She looked at the fey folk, her eyes going round,
As they shuffled their feet and stared at the ground.
Then she smiled the smile that brings light to the day,
“Come, my children,” she said, “Let’s play.”
They gathered the mistletoe, gathered the holly,
Threw off the drab and drew on the jolly.
They lit a big bonfire, and they danced and they sang.
They brought out the bells and clapped when they rang.
They strung lights on the trees, and bows, oh so merry,
In colors of cranberry, bayberry, cherry.
They built giant snowmen and adorned them with hats,
Then surrounded them with snow birds, and snow cats and bats.
Then just before dawn, at the end of their fest,
Before they went homeward to seek out their rest,
The fey folk they gathered ‘round their favorite oak tree
And welcomed the sun ‘neath the tree’s finery.
They were just reaching home when it suddenly came,
The gold light returned like an arrow-shot flame.
It lit on the tree top where they could see from afar
The golden-like sphere turned into a star.
The old crone just smiled at the beautiful sight,
“Happy Yuletide, my children,” she whispered. “Good night.”
A Winter Solstice Visual Spell to Activate the Light Within
Today’s Winter Solstice (for the Northern Hemisphere – Summer Solstice for the Southern Hemisphere) is imbued with rich possibility, accentuated by the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn forming a rare Christmas Star. These two planets will be the closest they’ve been in 800 years. Innovative Aquarian energy has anchored as well, and so there is a fresh reset for humanity at hand.
Winter Solstice celebrates a return to light and provides a regenerative portal to honor the remembrance of this light that you are, for making those leaps in consciousness by moving within to shine your own light even when no one else around you is, and to “see the light” even when things get dark and you’re unsure of what to do, where to go, or even how to think or feel.
Through inward focus you can receive insightful guidance on the months and year ahead. Perhaps you might envision the light and inner fire of your heart and soul expanding and filling your entire body and emanating out and joining with the light of our Great Central Sun, allowing yourself to take up more space and be who you really are.
We need each of you standing in essence, more than ever.
This quietude and dreamtime mirrors the germinating seeds lying under Earth’s winter-kissed skin. Nature awaits renewal in the stillness of brisk air and clear stars. While much seems asleep, everything is percolating.
Today I offer you this visual spell I was guided to create as a way to help activate the light within. I stepped into essence and the child I was born on Earth to be, recapturing the dance and song I used to share as a little girl to all who visited us. There was a time I would tell stories through my dance and the music moving through my spirit – it was an energetic dance shared heart to heart.
The root of my name, Tania, comes from Titania – The Faery Queen. I was born a Winter February baby and with Jupiter and Venus in Aquarius, the energetic landscape upon us feels right at home.
From the essence of which I was named and that I be, I drop into my heart and spread love and harmony throughout the land.
It is my hope we remember and embody the nature of kindness and compassion, come to live with each other, every living being, and Earth’s realms in true cocreative partnership, and open our hearts to the creative magick within each of us to manifest new realities for the highest good of all concerned.
Along with the visual spell, here is a Winter Solstice Spell from Ben and Christina of Wytch Wood (my favorite Vermont Magick Maple Creators):
Winter Solstice Spell
Winter is here, and as I light my space,
Bring forth only love and peace in my place.
Accept my Yuletide offerings to help my wishes come true,
May there be wisdom in all I do.
Abundance flows generously, to me and through me,
I place blessings and love to all beings on land and sea.
Earth Spirit, this is the year’s last cycle learning,
And I welcome the next season turning.
My candles are burning free,
as the sun returns, so it shall be.
Blessed Be and So it is.
Rare Halloween/Samhain Full Blue Moon Magick
A Blue Moon is the second Full Moon in one month and October 2020 illuminates just that for us, with bookending Moons at start and end. This Full Moon is in Taurus and being a Blue Moon will add an extra magickal boost and thinning of veils all falling on Halloween/Samhain.
And to add to that extra magickal boost, Astrid sat herself below center of my painting titled Once in a Blue Moon (as seen below), wearing her Moon and Star dusted Cosmic witchy/wizard hat, to anchor her own message and infuse some rabbit alchemy to the mix.
Since Full Moons showcase a rabbit in the Moon, her point is well taken – I always listen when she “speaks”.
So much is culminating as year end draws near and the energetics continue to rise in ways that point to the continued importance of self care, preparation, inner work, anchoring, and maintaining your own equilibrium.
If you can be open and ready for the unexpected, stay focused on what really matters and is of most value to you, tune into, listen, and support your body’s messages, feel and channel through the sensual aspects of life that make you human and are the gifts of spirit in body, and embrace the changes that have ability to put closure to things, you will find yourself in a much more strengthened and empowered place to navigate the waters of the journey ahead.
Since Earthy Taurus is the focal point of illumination, body and Earth speak loudly now and that might mean extra time in the great outdoors Mother Nature gifts us with, or anything nature-connected so that ultimately you’ll be immersing in some mystical communions with the nature of you.
It’s a great time for mischievous magick, intention-seeding, or your own version of mystical, love-filled spell-casting in Nature’s womb of creation, illuminated by the Full Blue Moon.
This last week we’ve been doing just that, as we created space for another Earthy immersion – this time in the Arizona sunshine and waters of Lake Havasu City to celebrate with our dear soul family we haven’t seen in a long time. I’m grateful that opportunity came to take some safe, distanced outdoor-focused excursions recently. Last time it was the ocean and faery forests of the Pacific Coast, and this time it was the red rocks, desert sands, and warm waters of the Colorado River and Lake Havasu – different, but equally nurturing, enriching, and cleansing.
And with the building of the Full Moon energies in the night sky, coupled with Arizona sunsets, the Earth and Cosmos merging has been felt strongly in the body and soul.
This was amplified by the ability to connect with my sweet nephew and godson, Nova, (whom you’ve read about in a previous blog) who helped me tune in with my dearly departed rabbit son, Cosmo.
Nova is just as sweet and perfect as I knew he was – such a tiny faery bunny who loves snuggles (he’s about 2 pounds lighter and several inches smaller than Astrid). Tuning in with him this last week was timely because Cosmo has been on my mind being that Halloween was the day he transitioned, four years ago. The Universe knows what we need and Cosmo always finds a way to communicate and send me love. This week, through the adorable Nova.
And to add to that energy, it was such a gift to see this sweet Burrowing Owl on one of our evening walks.
I haven’t seen one in years. The timing felt particularly potent. Although not the clearest photo, I’m surprised she even showed up given the evening lighting casting dark shadows in her burrow. But I love the way she did because it adds to her mystical energy and deep mystery.
Owl is one of my key spirit animal figures for my path, which I had reiterated by a favorite reader in Sedona, Arizona upon twice visiting him, but especially particular species of owl. Their feathers show up prolifically these days. They carry the power of sight, intuition, and hidden wisdom that reveals the true reality which is hard to be seen by others.
I love this interesting information about Burrowing Owl from http://www.pauldfrost.co.uk/burrowowl.html that mirrors the time of year right now before Halloween/Samhain (time of thinnest veils) and the upcoming Full Blue Moon.
Mythology & Folklore :
The American Indian Hopi tribe called the Burrowing Owl Ko’ko, meaning ‘Watcher of the Dark’. They believed it to be associated with Masauu, their god of the dead, the guardian of fires & protector of all things underground, including germinating seeds, making it a very sacred bird. As the owl lives underground, it was believed to be able to communicate with the dead.
The American Indian Gosiute tribe (from Utah and Nevada) believed the Burrowing Owl to be a protective spirit for brave warriors. Owl feathers were worn by the warriors & rattles were covered in owl skins, to frighten off their enemies.
And the owl energy continued, as the very next day after an evening with Burrowing Owl, it was all about Great Horned Owl. With two, rare physical encounters with owls back-to-back I’d say something’s afoot.
“Every real story is a never ending story.” ~The Neverending Story
Our nine and a half mile expedition of the senses was a literal Neverending Story journey with all the major characters showing up in rock formations, including the magickal gates that guard The Southern Oracle – The Great Riddle Gate with two Sphinxes (in this case we had two sentinel rock portal gates that included one naturally carved into the Luck Dragon, Falcor, himself), a perfect Morla rock – the giant turtle known as The Ancient One, Rockbiters and Big-Headed Rock Creatures. It was incredible. There were also snippets of Lord of the Rings and the journey to take the golden One Ring to Mordor and a bit of The Secret of Nimh when Mrs. Brisby meets The Great Owl in his bone-laced lair. Wow!
The latter literally manifested a Great Horned Owl that greeted us upon entering the slot canyons. We saw her emerge from her big nest perched between the narrow slots and take to flight down the corridor, coming to rest up on a ledge of the rock walls ahead, as seen here ever-so faintly.
The rest of the time we walked down the slot canyon to the desert beyond, on our way to a secluded beach on the lake, we kept finding a variety of small to medium sized feathers amidst all the bristle brush at the bottom edges of the rock walls.
We also discovered a lot of small bones and skeletal parts of the little animals she fed on – both on the ground and contained within owl regurgitation.
We wondered if she’d be there again on the way back, and indeed she was.
She greeted us once again with a fly-over (enabling a photo capture this time), and more feathers, including a large one I found during a funny episode of me shimmying up the rocks we had to climb down into the slot canyon.
While literally suspended at the top, flat on my stomach with arms and legs flailing out as if I was swimming, since I was having trouble getting up, this put me in the perfect position to see a large feather at eye-level to where I was laying. I stopped everything between two people pulling and pushing at each end to say, “Hey! Look at that perfect large feather behind Dave!” We all laughed. Nothing stops my hawk eye from seeing magickal discoveries, nor gets between me and them. I always seem to provide comic relief for everyone and this one was caught on video.
The slot canyon felt like the Great Horned Owl’s lair Mrs. Brisby bravely enters on her journey to the Rats of Nimh, and the whole energy and finds of the day without a soul but the four of us, plus all of the things we kept discovering (ancient petroglyphs in the gorge walls of the Colorado River, Osprey twice flying above us as trains passed over while we went under the bridge on jet skis, a monarch butterfly gliding by us on the river – butterflies are said to be ancestors returning, and more) and having revealed during the rest of every adventure-filled day this week, made for the perfect lead-up to Halloween and the Full Moon.
And so, during this liminal time of year when boundaries are at their thinnest to the Otherworlds, it feels like the Universe conspired with my/our intentions in supporting the energies and experiences of greatest benefit, and revealed the way showers for the journey ahead.
Alongside several nature treasures, I even found this sweet, little, brown faery bunny at a store to bring back for Astrid (with detachable wings) – the perfect find for my magick rabbit
If we want to create some meaningful experiences for this doorway, we have the support of many beyond the veils – the Fae, ancients, ancestors, deceased, and even right under our feet – Mother Earth, around us – animal and Elemental messengers, or in the stars – the Cosmos and our multi-dimensional selves and star families.
And speaking of all of these mystical and potent energies, Astrid and I thought we’d share some of the magick we’re conjuring up at the Forest Portal mixed with Faery rabbit enchantment and wonderfully witchy wishes from our hearts to yours.
With a blend of Earthy and Cosmic ingredients, we’re always brewing up some fun and love to bridge the gap between the shadowy depths of the heart.
The photos you see laced throughout this post capture the alchemy we create together and love spreading out into the world as cocreators.
You got a glimpse of Astrid’s new cosmic witchy/wizardy hat back on October 1st’s Harvest Full Moon, but we saved the extra enchantment for October 31st’s Full Blue Moon.
And I just had to reshare this fun from 2019’s Halloween post, which came from my BinkyBunny.com newsletter I subscribe to.
It felt particularly fitting with this year’s photos of Astrid and me. I think you can see why. 🙂
BROOMSTICK BUNNY
- “Traditionally, rabbits are the most prominent animal that is associated with witchcraft, but cats have since taken their place.
- Rabbits are associated with lunar energy, luck, hidden knowledge, divination, love, creativity, success, sensitivity, agility, swiftness, spontaneity, abundance, rebirth, renewal, transformation, and fertility.
- In some folklore, it is said that witches would transform into rabbits as a disguise due to their elusive and swift characteristics.
- Rabbits are still considered to be a common familiar for witches.
- Rabbits are symbols that represent various goddesses, such as Artemis, Hecate & Cerridwen,…
- One of the classic 48 constellations as named by Ptolemy is Lepus, the hare.
- Rabbits are associated with spring, the vernal equinox, and the sabbat Ostara due to the fact that cold weather is fading and flowers are beginning to bloom.
- While rabbits are associated with luck, it’s not inherently good or bad luck – it can be either depending on the circumstances….
- [Some] superstitions state that rabbits can dispel negativity, cleanse, and break spells….”
Credits: art – regardingcomic.com/Penny Collins;
article – witchtips.tumblr.com & lunaesteria
Today’s Halloween, Samhain, and Celtic New Year is a portal to access and create realities to mirror your true multi-dimensional self.
May the key become conscious for accessing more of this each day.
And may all possibilities be open to you.
In love and creative magick,
Tania and Astrid
The One Thing I Know
The one thing I know is that if ever I’ve felt alone, Nature assured me I had more friends than I could count.
Every bit of magick I believed in and experienced, She whispered reiteration of to me.
Every question I couldn’t understand, She unraveled the simple mystery of before me.
Every Cosmic connection I referenced that met with rolled eyes elsewhere, She clarified with no need to defend.
If lost, Nature reflects the Harmony that always Is.
Workshop Changes & Updates
It’s been a beautiful weekend here, enjoying the wildflowers in full bloom while immersing in nature and new hiking adventures, sharing a Full Moon drum circle and vegan potluck, getting out to events, as well as putting together love package gifts from my heart to the 17 recipients of the Gratitude Giveaway – we also had more registrations come in and some changes to the upcoming workshops I wanted to update you with.
But first, I know I said I was hoping to get out all of the gifts by end of last week, but I underestimated the time it would take to package up 17 gifts, I ran out of packing tape, and I underestimated the time needed to bake and prep for our Friday Meetup event for our Tahoe Herbivores group, which was the drum circle and vegan potluck. Alongside quite a full weekend of back-to-back events, rest, and needed nature time, I wasn’t able to complete the packaging up until last evening. With that said, I’m happy to share that this morning I will be off to the post office to send off your goodies, so you should all be receiving them this week sometime, except if you live out of the country, which may take a bit longer – Faery fingers crossed! I hope you enjoy this items that are special to my heart and that they bring you the perfect energy and inspiration.
That brings me to the changes and updates on the upcoming last workshops I’m teaching.
First off is the September 22, 2018 workshop co-taught with Laura Bruno on Fall Equinox. We are now just over 2/3 full with this event we’ve limited to just 12 participants to keep things intimate for this very unique workshop and experience that will include an Equinox ritual and blessing/activation led by and transmitted through us.
We have an incredible group of souls joining that are all traveling in from out of the area. It is sure to be a potent gathering and will be customized to the group.
There are 2 spots left, so if you’d like to be a part of this, here’s where you can register to reserve your place:
I then have a change to update you with on the Reiki 3 Master Teacher workshop. Originally, this workshop was set up for August 25th, but due to that date not working for the first student that registered, and my ability to change (which actually works out better for me too), we have moved it to the weekend before. It will now be held on Saturday, August 18th.
I’m putting the registration here to make it easier for anyone to sign up without weeding through blogs and the Reiki 1 & 2 info.
I can accommodate 6 people for this and currently there are 4 spots remaining for anyone wanting to review this workshop or take it anew.
Please keep in mind that the pre-registration discount for this ends in just 2 days on July 4th – UPDATE: this has ended.
Final registration is needed by August 11th.
We enjoyed the last Reiki workshop in June all outdoors on the forest here, so perhaps we might do the same for Reiki 3! Either way, we’ll get some outdoor time.
Reiki 3 Master Teacher Workshop: Saturday, August 18, 2018 from 9 am – 6 pm
This workshop will be taught in Stateline, NV at Lake Tahoe at a private residence called the Forest Portal – details and address will be provided to registrants before the time of workshop.
Past students of mine are welcome to join for free review, given there are enough new registrants to meet the required attendee minimum for teaching this workshop. Please let me know of your interest, as I will have a limited amount of room for review students.
Class Description, Reiki III:
Reiki Level III Master Teacher Class involves learning 3 Reiki Master Symbols including Tibetan, Anthakarana and Usui Master Symbols, Violet Breath, Hui Yin exercise, healing attunement instruction, receiving a third attunement, learning advanced techniques, and more. You will also be given instruction on how to give attunements for all levels and how to teach them as well. You learn what it means to be a teacher, while helping to nurture more confidence, commitment and responsibility to your service.
Registration Price for Reiki 3 – $650 – Final Registration by August 11th
Quick update: the Dendritic Opal and the Magick Crystal Wand I had available are both on their way to their new guardian. I may have some other offerings pop up. You never know! If I have time at some point I may have a few wands I could possibly make, although right now am focused on my book and then want to finalize my staff that’s been calling me to finish. If you’re local, I do have a massage table I’m going to be selling this week. I already found a home for the other one.
Okay, I’m off to get those gifties out and errands! Then a full week of things here, as I begin phase 3 of my book journey, do some planting indoors and outdoors, catch up on bookkeeping with Dave, and get some nature time in before his surgery and recuperation begins to repair a ski injury from this Winter so he can get back to adventure time again.
Wishing everyone a beautiful week! If you want to see what I’ve been up to in nature and with other things, you can always visit me on my Instagram page where I share daily quick posts of nature beauty, fun, food, inspirations, and quick updates. taniamarieartist is my profile handle there 🙂
Reminders: Game-Changer Workshops & Dream Commitments
This is a busy week for me, as I’m preparing to teach my last Reiki 1 & 2 Workshop, am completing phase 1 of my book, and am immersed in things this Summer Solstice week including the Gratitude Giveaway and the early pre-pay discount for our Fall Equinox Workshop concluding in just 3 days – we will be over 1/2 full on Summer Solstice so if you’d like to reserve your spot and save $77, you can do so on or before June 21st. This is an intimate gathering so space is being limited to join us here in magickal Lake Tahoe for the first and last co-taught workshop Laura Bruno and I will be sharing and officially my last workshop in this format.
You can register here: Living a More Magickal Life
As mentioned the Reiki 1 & 2 Accelerated Workshop has closed for registration and will be happening this Saturday. The next Reiki opportunity is the Reiki 3 Master Teacher Workshop to be held on August 25th with pre-registration discount ending on July 4th.
You can register for it here: Reiki 3 Master Teacher Workshop
That’s a little update for those of you who have expressed interest in these, so you don’t miss out on the savings and joining, in general, as they are the last I’m offering.
I thought I would end by sharing my first magnificent iris that bloomed recently, as she symbolizes so much of what I’m hearing from others and experiencing myself right now.
Isn’t she a work of art? Every detail etched with intent and imagined from her heart.
She births of inspiration and sings of grace. I love the rainbow and light energy that show up in these photos around her.
She embodies the creative spark and vitality of Nature within. Her fragrance is Cosmic and illuminates for all willing to journey with her into the womb of essence.
So many people right now are following their dreams, committing to them, and taking the action that ultimately results in manifestation – myself included, which kicks off with my book I’ve been working on with full dedication.
I just heard from a dear friend today about her new business launching in full motion, and I was so excited to learn how I was a part of that. I also corresponded with another friend sharing with me his dream that he believes in despite what other’s think, and I encouraged him to keep that mindset and go for it.
Yes, it takes focus and dedication, but if you truly want something you will do what you can in any way to bring that into being.
I’ll leave you with this quote about if you feel a dream tugging at you and you don’t know the how:
“So if you have something that you know you should do, something you feel you should attempt, and you feel it down to your marrow, down to your soul, but you have not done it yet because you are waiting, waiting for things to fall in place, waiting for the stars to align before you move forward, then I challenge you to commit to it. I challenge you to take a step that makes it impossible for you not to try. I challenge you to throw your hat over the fence.” ~John Kitsteiner
June Updates ~ Workshops, Ears, Eyes & Celebrations
Just a quick share to update you on a few things. Today being June 1st brings us closer to a lot of dates to keep in mind for upcoming and last workshop offerings and also saw Astrid’s ears fully healed. I ended May with greater clarity on the path I’m journeying, as well as received a clarifying eye update – more on that shortly.
So, first things first….June 9th – just 8 days away now – is the last day to register for the upcoming Reiki 1 & 2 Accelerated Workshop on Saturday, June 23rd. If you want to review this workshop as a past student, please also let me know to make sure I can accommodate you.
If you’re thinking about continuing your training with the Reiki 3 Master Teacher Workshop, then the pre-registration discount date for that is July 4th, although you can register for it up until August 11th at full price for this August 25th Workshop. Again, if you are wanting to review this workshop, please also let me know, as space is limited.
Info and registration available for both of these Workshops here: Reiki
If you do want to join and are traveling in, just keep in mind Summer is busy here, so accommodations are something to look into as soon as you can. I already heard from one of the students traveling in how this was limited even when she registered a month ago. For those of you who have registered, I’ll be in touch around the 9th with further info.
That brings us to the upcoming Summer Solstice, which not only marks the one year anniversary of Astrid and me being together – as she came home to me on this potent portal – but is also the early pre-registration discount date for the upcoming Fall Equinox Workshop. Final registration for this is September 15th, but you can prepay for only $222 by June 21st – that’s only 20 days away now.
This is sure to be magickal experience, as the incredible Laura Bruno and I come together for the first and last time to co-teach together – and marks my last teaching offering all around.
As Laura shared in her yesterday update:
We will tailor this intimate workshop to the day’s participants, sharing varied ways and channels that can assist you in experiencing and creating a more consistently magickal life, as you experience things in greater wholeness of possibilities. In turn, this reveals a more authentic and creative way of living in alignment and manifesting more, as a result. Topics may include the Faerie Realm, crystals, connecting with animals, nature and beyond, and more, which will be revealed as the day unfolds. We’ll conclude with sacred nature immersion, a special joint energy blessing by both Tania and me, and an Equinox ceremony.
I sense some interesting unfolding for this, as we dial and tune in. I can’t say for sure what my part is revealing, but I may be led to conclude my teaching with a surprise. Hmmm!
Anyway, you can register here: Living A More Magickal Life
We are 1/3 full with current registrations and one registration upcoming – which will leave 8 spots.
Summer Solstice, as mentioned, is also very dear to me and Astrid in bringing us together, but is also when my sweet Joy returned to the stars. Because of this special time period I decided to get Astrid something special to celebrate.
I found a sweet plush rabbit mat that I had monogrammed with a blue “A” for Astrid, or as her auntie Laura said – “A” for Adorable! She deserves velvety softness fit for a Queen. It arrived yesterday, just in time to kick off June in celebration.
I can’t wait to see what she thinks of her birthday gifts that will arrive in August in time for her 9/15 birthday!!
I do love Summer and Summer Solstice has become a favorite magickal portal to me.
Her new rabbit mat also celebrated Astrid’s healthy and tuned in rabbit ears, as this morning on June 1st, we also paid a visit to our favorite rabbit vet for a recheck after a week of giving her meds for her ears. You may remember my mentioning she had a build up of wax in both, her left creating a plug, and then redness and beginnings of infection. Well, she’s all good! No redness or infection, ear drums are healthy, and she only had a tiny bit of residual wax that she received a not-so-fun ear flush again for today. She’s home and happy to be so, but despite loving our sweet vet, we are both happy she doesn’t have to return until her next regular check up in July. Yay! So her plush mat becomes twofold in celebration!
And lastly, I mentioned clarity and my eyes…I have traversed some decisions and explorations this last month and did anchor in some more, feeling clear with heart desires. And synchronously, just two days ago I, like Astrid, had a recheck at the ophthalmologist. Recheck after 15+ years that is!
I had lasik done then and it was a huge success – I’m grateful for that as I know and have heard of many unsuccessful and even horror stories.
I haven’t seen an eye doctor since and recently I’ve felt so many eye shifts and interesting vision, which mirrors all the shifts in life experience and timelines, but at times it has been straining on my eyes and so I felt to check in just in case – as after all these are my eyes, which could change my life in the event of anything.
I’m happy to report, as with Astrid, that my eyes are healthy and that lasik really was quite a miracle for me. Many experience reverse shifts in their eyesight changes after surgery around 40-45. I’m only now starting to experience this at 45, but only in small increments. My surgery gave me 20/15 eye sight and has increased with hawk-like precision….so much so I’ve been living a very surreal life since surgery that has seemed like another person’s eyes and different realities to me, as to what was reality. I’ve never felt like these were my eyes and also felt like I had vision to see things differently and more than most, acting hawk-like in fact and not just in clarity.
Now, my eyes are starting to shift but only putting me at 20/20-20/25, without need to wear glasses nor would DMV make it mandatory. The doctor said I can fill my prescription (which would put me back at 20/15 vision) only by personal preference or if I want to give any eye strain some reprieve. At this point I haven’t filled it, as just going to him gave me reprieve actually and that little extra crispness doesn’t bother me at this time to have.
I found out both my near and far sight are shifting (I used to be near sighted before surgery and was told I would likely reverse to far sighted later in life). My left eye seems a little worse, which seems symbolic.
However, I also have a slight astigmatism starting – something new for my eyes – which makes each eye focus differently. This is actually what put to rest things for me, as it accounted for the eye strain in trying to figure out how to focus. Yet, since I learned of what was actually happening and why I was experiencing what I did, it clicked something in my brain and connected something too, so I’ve felt a softening and there’s this instant eye to brain connection now that has relieved strain.
I’ve always known I was bilateral, and now it appears my eyes are too, and in bringing brain and eyes together, it’s almost like this natural adjustment is happening and clicking together the parts of brain and the eyes in a way that makes sense and feels better!
Of course, I’ll continue to feel out if any strain or challenge develops, at which point I will fill a prescription as I do actually like glasses. 😉
So, there is greater sense of balance for both Astrid and myself…her with her ears and me with my eyes, and for now we both don’t need anything further, as we continue this magickal journey together with greater empowerment to navigate the way.
Flower Moons & Memorials
Today’s Full Flower Moon in Sagittarius speaks to abundance, blossoming, expanding, exploring the new, and being free. As Earth’s fertile soil springs forth in flowers and welcomes the planting of new seeds, so too can you plant new intentions in your garden of life that speak of your deepest dreams and heart’s joys. Responsible action aligned in heart, leads to renewal. The last two days here spoke to me of these fertile and shifting life cycles, as we ended a couple weeks of thunder and rainstorms with Summery weather, saw the reappearance of a dear friend, laid to peace a sweet soul, and I reached the half way mark of reworking my book, which looks to be in line for completion this month, as I felt.
The Sun’s rays are so vital to life and for me, to have sunshine is key for my own vibrancy. I’m much like a snake or lizard, who thrives off time in the Sun and feels more alive when it’s energy touches my skin. I guess I also “shed” skin just as much as they do too with all my changes. 😉 So I do make a point to relax and read a book while soaking in rays when I can, as well as being out getting natural exercise with Nature, as vitamin D does the body good and for me, a lot more than others is needed.
Today I plan to harvest my Garden Tower, get some Nature time, and write, but I’m feeling a greater sense of joy and peace from Sunday’s sighting of what I feel was momma bunny.
After thinking a lot about her and tuning in, wanting a sign if she was around and okay as I was feeling sad, we pulled up to the house that day and there on the front lawn was my answer. She hung out for a bit then took off under the trees.
I then saw baby in the side yard munching away on the grass and wild sage, and he scurried under the gate to join out front by the trees. I’ve only ever seen mom and baby here, so unless this is another elder family member, my instincts say it’s momma. We were far from her, but it felt like her especially given my asking for a sign. Yay! I thought you might want an update too. I’ll be keeping an eye out to get a closer look for confirmation, as I know her eyes and face well. Seems she is teaching baby the ways of being on his own more and entrusts Astrid and I to also watch over him while she’s away and if she may go away one day. We are one big happy bunny family!
And daily now are sightings of baby just frolicking in our yard. It is the perfect sanctuary for him and bunnies for sure, as it’s safe and there is so much for them to indulge on. This is definitely becoming a more and more magickal spot by the day.
Then yesterday was bitter and sweet, as Memorial Day saw me creating a memorial.
In the morning, as I was checking out my Garden Tower, I noticed a beautiful little bird laying on one of the pavers keeping the netting in place. Poor baby must have hit a window perhaps, but it was interesting to find this sweetie right there waiting for me and its symbolism speaks to many things.
I always seem to find animals, alive, injured, or moved on, feathers, bones, etc., or perhaps they find me. I feel I am here to create sacredness around their transitions, to bring peace, and be a bridge for them. And that’s what I did yesterday for this sweetheart.
I normally wouldn’t show a photo of this, but this dear one was so lovely and still so full of life, as I held him or her in my hand and nuzzled it’s sweet feathers and breast with my fingers. There’s something about its energy that moves me so much – perhaps to remind us of singing our song and living life fully EVERY single moment.
It seemed like it had happened not long before my discovery, and so I honored the little one and created a special spot to memorialize his or her life right next to one of my barrel pots of Foxgloves, Delphinums, and Salvias just outside my office door.
I want this to be a sacred place where all creatures great and small feel to be a sanctuary and honoring of their lives and a place they can feel to come and we can all share in the magick.
Yesterday was also like the first Summer day here and continues today, with temperatures in the low 70’s. Everything is blossoming, especially the trees and bushes here.
We spent most of our day outdoors, including celebrating with friends, relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the now and the joys life has to offer.
We shared a short hike out back and then enjoyed great food and conversation.
We enjoyed outdoor grilling of my Hawaiian veggie skewers, some Sweet Earth burgers, Field Roast apple and sage sausages, rice slaw with sesame siracha dressing, rainbow potato salad made by one of our friends, chips and guacamole, “cheeze” with crackers and spinach naan appetizers, fresh raspberry and rhubarb pie made by our other friends from their garden, and topped things off with S’mores…all vegan and full of love and yum.
Life isn’t worth living to me unless we are enjoying it to the fullest with gratitude and the freedom to “BE”.
Wishing everyone a blossoming week.
Forest Portal Magick ~ Astrid & the Animals
When Astrid first came home to us, nearly a year ago now on Summer Solstice, we were living in the treehouse up above the lake. She loved the views of the forest, lake, and having the Moon shine in on her from the wide open Cosmos, as well as seeing the squirrels and chipmunks climb up to our deck, with bear and deer visiting down below. However, now that we live on the forest and her viewing windows bring her face-to-face with the animals, she has truly shown herself to be quite the guardian of the little ones here, drawing in all creatures to our Wonderland realm on the Forest Portal.
I have seen every variety of bird come visit, including Robin, Steller’s Jay, Chickadee, Woodpeckers, and more. Some of which I’ve been able to capture photos of when Astrid is lying on her bed and they are just outside the door or on the tree in front of our room. Here you can see her with a black and white Woodpecker sitting on the tree trunk and a Robin sitting on the tree stump.
Also tons of squirrels and chipmunks love checking in on her. But it wasn’t until several weeks ago that that I finally saw our resident Mountain Cottontail bunnies. I knew they were here, as I’d seen their footprints in the snow during Winter, but now they have become a daily visit we get to enjoy in the physical.
I learned that we have a momma bunny and one baby bunny.
This is momma.
She is quite the wise one, reminding me of Nestor and Astrid, but with that nurturing of Joy and her little one reminds me of Cosmo…he’s just a bouncy little bundle of love and purity.
This is baby.
It was sad to me to know it was only the two of them, as that means her other babies did not make it. She watches over him with great care and has taught him to hide in the bushes outside my office, which I also believe houses their home.
I have recently only seen him, however, which makes me sad. I am hoping she is still around, but I haven’t seen her since right before I planted the Foxgloves, Delphiniums, and Salvias. I did manage to get one photo of Astrid and the momma at around that same time, which you can see here.
If you look right between the tree stump and the tree trunk you can see momma sitting. I am wondering now if perhaps she was asking Astrid to watch over her baby, knowing she may not be around much longer. The last time I saw momma I noticed her looking a bit scruffy around one eye, so she definitely was getting into things more.
And now it has been a regular sighting of baby bunny, playing, eating, and connecting with me and Astrid. There is chance we are now his surrogate family, so I am extra mindful of him and sending him lots of love and protection.
He is very trusting of me and will let me go outside and talk to him, as he sits and listens. And like the other animals of the forest, he is very curious about Astrid.
Yesterday was an incredible day that had my heart pounding with love and all a-flutter, as if butterflies were swelling inside.
It started with what was at that time, the absolute cutest thing that involved a big squirrel that ran over to the deck off my office and crept to the left of the sliding glass door, then got up on hind legs, leaned against the glass with hands and fingers open, and peered in looking for Astrid. It was right after she’d left her spot. It was too adorable!
The rest of the day, the usual sightings of animals continued and then baby bunny started making his appearance.
I’ve caught him some mornings eating the grass alongside a Robin, and jumping and running back and forth with joy, as if inviting Robin to play with him. And this day he was again eating the grass, exploring out front, by going under the gate (we have lots for him to eat there too including wild strawberry plants), and coming back to safety in our side yard. He then sat atop the tree trunk pedestals next to the flowers and continued his exploring.
He likes to eye my very lush garden tower and has given it the bunny approval.
I know he’d love at it, but it is critter proof now and likely for the best, as I wouldn’t want him relying on it, since he needs to learn the ways of the wild.
And then, in the late afternoon/early evening I turned from my book I was working on at my desk and caught baby right up against the sliding door glass while Astrid lay on her bed – both a foot a part and only separated by the glass and screen door.
I only caught this one photo of them together, where you can see the top of the bunny and his ears, as not long after Astrid got up, which allowed me to connect with little one.
You can see how he peered inside looking for Astrid and not afraid that I was now only a foot or less away behind the glass. I couldn’t get enough of him moving about, chewing on the welcome mat, and stretching out his little body with legs and butt extended, as he continued to hang out and peer inside.
I am in love!
It’s incredible to see how much the little animals are drawn to Astrid and our Wonderland realm. They are very curious and quite aware of the Rabbit Queen who resides here and is spreading her wisdom and love. Astrid communicates so much with all of them and it seems interesting that her ear healing has come up when things have amped up the most the last week or two. Listening within and communicating from the heart is something available regardless of physical challenges. And Astrid has alerted me with this of my need to continue to do so about what my heart is telling me.
Perhaps even, the animals are all coming to assist her.
There is so much magick happening here daily at the Forest Portal and it’s only increasing. I found it interesting that the day baby bunny connected most was after my having a dream of a rabbit the night before. And no coincidence that the first time I saw him and momma was on Cosmo’s birthday.
In the dream there was a blueish gray bunny, similar to Nestor, but a male, whose name was Blueberry and we were thinking about adopting him. In that dream I also found a very large feather that appeared to be from an Eagle’s wing. Hmmm!
Then baby comes knocking at the door, sitting atop our “Welcome” mat while I’m writing and Astrid is connecting. Interestingly, I shared these photos on Instagram yesterday and the second I published them, the clock turned 5:55 pm – my magickal sign connected to my twin soul rabbit, Nestor.
For now it seems the bunny we’re adopting is him and I’m happy to see that our portal has felt to be a welcoming invitation to join our family. Who knows what is yet to come!
Tania Marie 