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Ask Astrid Fridays ~ The Rabbit’s Corner: Taking a Paws
So much of what Astrid and I have been experiencing the past couple of weeks is an increased level of presence and pause – not altogether slamming on the breaks and stopping, but a deliberate slowing and gentle motion forward, clearing for clarity, while also being ultra open. Astrid would say it’s more of a “paws” – kind of like when she stops to clean her face with her two front paws, as you often see rabbits and other small creatures do where they sit on their back legs and lick their paws and rub their face, eyes, head, and run their ears through their sweet furry hands.
She’s still in motion, grooming, clearing, and giving herself almost like an aura cleanse, but she hasn’t altogether stopped moving even though she’s anchored to the ground on her big hind thumpers. And once she feels complete with one round of grooming in motion, I notice how she will sit very intentionally with nose moving rapidly and all of this information flowing through her and beaming out of her eyes. She may then move on to the next round of grooming.
She’s in process and it’s almost like a meditation if you watch a rabbit do this. It’s very soothing and this fluid motion is incredibly adorable as well.
So, in a way I’m “pawsing” along with her, continuing to move forward, but only in cue to the energy vibrations I feel pulsing through. Each step keeps leading me to the next and rather than stop the movement, I just hit the paws button and do more clearing, clarifying, and allowing, which has been incredibly interesting to see how ideas are gushing in with new possibility that wasn’t on my radar.
I’ve found this “zone” much like Astrid’s meditational grooming, where I feel like I continue to ride the energy currents with matching my vibration, and don’t have to create these separate compartments to everything where I start this, stop that, need to completely hault or walk away, or feel forced to make a choice. I just keep myself in a rhythm of openness without attachment and this creates the feeling of riding a current.
I bring it throughout everything and is kind of like how I’ve explained my life to be more like a walking meditation.
Decisions and steps are also becoming a more fluid journey as well.
It’s almost like being a leaf on a stream.
Sometimes I might float faster. Other times things slow down. Sometimes I might ride over some wild mini rapids through rocks or go from a wide part of the stream to a very narrow funnel head, until I’m popped out the other end.
I may even get caught in a breeze or mini whirlpool that gently circles me about in what seems like one place.
But never do I completely stop unless I decide to anchor at shore along the journey and try my feet out on land for a bit to explore a destination of choice, until I decide to get back on my leaf and continue along the stream of life.
All the while I continue moving.
So there is a new kind of pause I’m feeling and it involves more of a “yes, and….” response.
Meaning, “yes that could work and so could this,” or “yes that feels possible and wow there’s this too.” So I explore each thing and stay open, which suddenly brings in a new wave to flow on. Each builds upon the other, but there’s an invitation to creativity and imagination for opening another level of possibility that could offer more expansiveness and take me down a new part of the stream that has more potential destinations along the shore of life.
It’s not that I won’t arrive at a choice, but I’m providing a wider playing field for potential and not seeing something as a dead end or a clear “no way.” I’m also not having to stop and stick my oar into the bottom of the stream to try to latch on to something desperately.
It’s curiosity meets presence and vibrationally keeping aligned with the stream.
I don’t know if it makes sense what I’m trying to put an experience of into words, but there you go.
Water is amorphous and so I am becoming more so I guess.
So, Astrid and I have been on “paws” while we fluidly groom life right now. We’re taking in each morsel and flowing along the frequency until it morphs into something else.
This right now has felt more important than trying to get off at a destination of choice, although some energy currents have led us eventually to choices, as they are mini journeys within the whole.
Others, have much more expansive effects and reach, so these ones we do the “paws” on to clear and cleanse, while inviting in a greater part of our imagination.
It’s a much more enjoyable ride now because of remaining open without need to control and stop the process.
And it truly wasn’t until today’s share, that I’ve reflected on trying to explain a process that has now become my natural.
It’s like that with everything truly.
At first things could seem like retraining yourself or looking at all of the parts, but then they become the natural you.
Lately I’m seeing that there really isn’t work involved and things fall into that natural rhythm simply by remaining open to what is wanting through.
There’s a lot of wisdom in the “paws.”
Astrid’s nose twitches in agreement.
Ask Astrid Fridays ~ The Rabbit’s Corner: Being Seen & Seeing Expansively
I’ve noticed a shift in a lot of people who have been more inclined to remain behind the scenes and perhaps struggled with being more public and sharing their gifts, now stepping out in bigger ways. There seems to be a shift of welcoming more vulnerability and more connection and I’m sure it is happening both as others continue to light the way for us in this regard AND as the collective shifts into being more ready, or more in need, to receive those of us who may have felt more like the minority or outcasts.
It’s not that everyone will do this in some huge or flashy way, but even if it’s just opening to connecting more with local community, finding yourself opening to a small circle of friends or sharing more with your family than you have before, or sharing your work through different channels you may not have ventured into in the past, there does seem to be a move toward allowing yourself more space in the world, feeling more safe or courageous, and ultimately creating more connection through opening to being seen.
And as this momentum of “being seen” more unfolds, it seems to be going hand-in-hand with seeing more expansively – meaning perspective shifts are taking place and more options are presenting themselves, which boils down to a feeling of being open to entertaining greater possibilities and feeling more safe to take up space.
Astrid wanted me to share how even she is stepping “out” more, as she just yesterday debuted alongside me in a short video I posted via social media as invitation to our New Moon Gratitude Challenge Giveaway.
She’s not shy in sharing messages, but she isn’t always too keen on videos. Photos have been alright, but anytime I try to capture her on video she either just stares me down, moves away, or stops altogether whatever it is she was doing that caught my attention to capture on video in the first place.
She is ready to be seen more and accompany me as a team. So I’m allowing her that safe space to venture in as she feels and by doing it together, it seems to be a way for us both to open to more and share in a new way to others.
It is also her way of letting me know that she is going to be upping her game. And I know that means I better get ready, because if she’s expanding that means I’ll be rising to the occasion to continue matching vibrations for the work evolving for us with these shifts.
I’m not sure if everyone will be able to access the video, but here’s a link just in case.
So that’s a wonderful new development for her and for both of us together.
It all seems to speak to a movement of greater visibility within and without. People are seeing and experiencing themselves more clearly, finding more courage, and things are rising to the surface.
As this happens, our vision is shifting and we’re also more capable of welcoming and inviting in new options that we weren’t so keen on before or weren’t vibrationally a match for before.
This leads to being willing to try new things – just like Astrid is opening to being in videos with me. Even her having her weekly blog is part of this greater visibility, as she steps into a new role herself.
And each time we allow something more into our experience, greater possibilities are available. We realize we aren’t confined to just one or two ways to do something, but that there are many ways we might express the same desires and gifts we have.
Choices are more prevalent and of course that means making decisions can be more challenging. Yet, since the choices are simply varying ways you can express a similar essence and energy, then truly there isn’t a wrong choice – just choice.
When we are more willing to see ourselves and be seen, to extend ourselves in new ways, we find greater courage to make choices without feeling they limit us.
Choices take us to the next step.
They are a bridge.
And from there we can make another choice.
Astrid encourages me to share about my recent experience, so here it is.
Lately I’ve felt more inward, for various reasons having to do with life changes taking place – I may do a separate blog on that upcoming – but after having a much more public presence with my work in the past in terms of teaching and so forth, I have pulled out of that for some time now.
I still have a public presence online for sharing my new creations and anything Astrid and I feel might be helpful or inspiring, and for nurturing special connections, but I have felt drawn to be more by myself, otherwise, and especially so in the physical – preferring to stay home or do things separately, rather than attend lots of gatherings and so forth.
Wednesday night, however, I stepped out (just as Astrid did yesterday) and decided to go to a meditation group with Dave. It’s one he meets with regularly each week. I’ve not been nudged to go because I have my own “walking meditation of life,” because of feeling I needed my own space, and also having a lot of things I wanted to use the time differently for.
This evening would be different, as one of the people was inviting everyone for dinner after and it was the end of the month’s theme before a new one would be coming – I didn’t know that until I went.
I decided to re-immerse myself in a group setting, which is reminiscent to my teaching days, to see how it would feel.
It’s a wonderful group, great people, good vibes, and peace filled.
What was interesting is that normally they have about 5-7 people usually, but of course the day I decide to go they have the most – 13. No coincidence.
It involves a meditation, either in silence or guided for about a half hour, and then an open discussion around the month’s theme – mindfulness was May’s.
Other than introducing myself and why I was there, which was a round-circle intro at start, I didn’t say a peep.
But I was very present and listened and felt into how I felt being there.
At the end of the conversation one of the facilitators asked if anyone had ideas for the next month’s theme. Five or six ideas were thrown out and when everyone was done brainstorming I suddenly was nudged to speak.
It was surprising to me that I did, since I just don’t speak just to speak and mostly stay in observing mode unless I’m teaching, which puts me in a different position. But the feeling was so strong that I just honored it.
In a nut shell my theme ended up being self-love. I detailed why, taking into account everything I’d heard from everyone that evening, the questions people were exploring, answers searched for, and even the themes they came up.
Self-love, to me, was the umbrella for all of them and I explained why.
I was the last to speak and they took a poll after and they ended up unanimously choosing my topic.
I had no idea that my thought would have that impact.
Later that evening at dinner, a few people thanked me for the topic, as they felt challenged by it and knew it was important because of that. Another thanked me for the reminder, as it felt exactly what they needed with things they’ve been working on and had forgotten. Another reiterated that it was an answer to the example he’d given about how to permanently clear a glass of water that’s dirty – symbolism used during the evening’s discussion.
I was grateful I had gone that night and listened to the nudge to allow myself to be seen again more, but in a different capacity.
It reiterated to me what I find to be my strengths in groups, which one of them is my ability to hold a present and neutral energy.
And I found it interesting that the theme everyone felt was exactly what they needed, whether it felt comfortable or not, was also the one this year’s Challenge ended up being about – of which I had just hours before posted on my blog.
In self-love and nurturing, finding those depths within to appreciate and bring to light, we do indeed shine our lights more, open to being seen, and invite more expansive ways of seeing what is possible.
So, both Astrid and I had a “stepping out” this week. We stretched beyond what was currently our comfort zone, which merged both an inward growth that had an outward reach.
We embraced our gifts and made space for them to grow and see where they might lead next.
And that leads us both wanting to leave you with the reminder of our New Moon Gratitude Giveaway Challenge.
Originally we said to let us know by end of today, May 31st, if you felt called to join us, but we’re extending that to the end of this Sunday, June 2nd.
We already have a lovely group of people officially joining and a couple who are joining, but on their own, yet want to do it during the same time so that they combine their efforts and energy collectively.
I know it’s challenging to look at yourself and perhaps challenging to think how you could possibly come up with 10 things a day to be grateful for and why about yourself. It’s okay if some might pop up more than once throughout the 8 days, as perhaps that theme is speaking a lot and it’s an important thing getting your attention. It’s also wonderful if you actually have unique things each day. It challenges you to shift your perspective and find the things you’d easily be able to “out there,” but now do so “in here.”
You are a creative being and that makes you limitless in how to be curious and look at yourself.
They don’t have to be profound things.
They simply need to be about you.
You are beautiful and worthy of this.
I believe fully if you embrace something like this – even if not officially by joining us – that you will feel and experience a shift and may find greater clarity to directions you’re contemplating, perhaps less doubt, more joy, a positive outlook, feel even more compassionate, and even see things shift outside of you or become clearer because of the new way you’re relating with yourself. It may just make you feel much better about you and that makes your experiences with others much better.
If you do want to join us, please let me know either in the comments or message me directly through my CONTACT PAGE.
Wishing you all a beautiful weekend as you anchor into the New Moon energy.
Ask Astrid Fridays ~ The Rabbit’s Corner: Nurturing, Love & Recognizing the Connection
Astrid has been both extra loving outward AND open to and willing to ask for extra love for herself these days. And while she has been demonstrating this, I’ve noticed myself turning even more attention to self-nurturing than I already do and hearing from others who are finding circumstances and cycles making it essential that they, too, turn the love light back on to themselves as well.
The above photo shows her giving to, and receiving from her calming and powerful master amethyst rabbit friend. She spends a lot of time tuning in with, giving velvety tongue kisses to, and laying next to her crystals, to include the three giant quartz you see to her right – the golden and pinky lilac quartz from Tahoe and the smaller one in front from Montana – found right after Joy transitioned, on one of the most magickal Faery hikes ever not far from her place of departure.
Nurturing is a vital element of well-being, growth, productivity, and ability to thrive. There is much our hearts long to do and give out, but we simply can’t only be flowing energy in one direction. We know this concept, but do we put it into action?
If we don’t slow down, many times we find ourselves forced to.
If we get stuck in our heads, our hearts will cry out.
If we’re tired, but keep pushing, our bodies give out.
If something needs our attention, it’s sure to get it.
If we overextend our energy, the boundaries we haven’t exercised become strict teachers drawing the lines for us.
If we simply need a pause or extra softening to ensure well-being, our emotions may feel extra sensitive so that we nurture more tenderness to ourselves.
While Astrid and I have been re-evaluating and redirecting ourselves, I’ve noticed that both the changes that are formulating and my own body’s rhythms are needing extra attention that involves even more self-care and self-love.
As I get closer to 50, hormones are shifting, more solidity in myself is forming, and more questions come up as to the life I/we want to create for the time remaining.
This creates more reflection and sensitivity that desires a lot of love be directed within and Astrid is mirroring this with the evolution of her growth as well. This brings the two of us in even stronger bond together, as we navigate this new cycle we’re stepping into.
A new level of awareness and embodied response seems to be in motion.
I find myself implementing more self-care routines, listening to my body’s needs, and creating greater clarity of alignment.
Sleep has always been important to me on many levels, but lately I find myself so enamored with that time of day when I lay my head on my pillow. Although the day is full of enriching things, I so look forward to that time of restoration and dream work at night. It feels like it’s own elixir and healing supplement.
As I have been writing this, Astrid has been to my left suspended in a state of meditation – quite literally. I’ve never seen her do this before, but she was in a position where her head was bowed down in a curve fully toward her heart, like the neck of a graceful swan, and has held it there for minutes on end, with eyes in a tranced deep state and her not budging.
Her shape also creates the effect of one half of a heart.
Synchronously, I was feeling how she and I seem to have been expressly made for each other as a reflection and other half, while I then noticed her in this suspended position.
She always knows what I’m thinking – or rather, she simultaneously sends me the message that becomes my own thought.
We are definitely two halves of a shared heart.
And that seems to be her message to me.
We are mirroring the needs and awareness our hearts speak.
And all of the love and special nurturing and understanding I extend to her, ultimately is about touching my own heart that she reflects.
I believe her message is simple.
We may think we are only feeling strongly compelled to give to and nurture others and what touches our hearts out there, but even if we don’t ever want to look further into what anything means, ultimately the connection we share to everything is glowing brightly from our heart within.
Perhaps that’s why so many healers, therapists, counselors, teachers, creatives, visionaries, activists, etc. are compelled by helping others or a cause.
Some call it the wounded healer, but it’s simply a desire to love ourselves as the reflection we love out there.
And when we love out there, to realize how much we love what’s in here.
It’s walking through life with full open heart, flowing in and out.
It shifts how we respond to life simply carrying the awareness of connection.
Ask Astrid Fridays ~ The Rabbit’s Corner: What Are You Waiting For? Just Let Go
Both Astrid and I have been feeling this Scorpio Full Moon in the days leading up to it quite strongly. I wasn’t paying attention specifically to it, but Astrid just like all rabbits, was hugely attuned to the Moon and the Cosmic frequencies pulsing through Earth. She gave me her wise and endearing look when I had that a-ha moment of connecting dots to recent experiences with the energies abound. She knows I don’t need confirmations of things, but that it does put reason to the rhyme of cycles that take place seemingly out of the blue.
There is definitely a collective release taking place and a ton is shifting on the subtle inner landscapes, which I feel is what is happening to so many people I’ve heard from where there’s a mix of intensity surging through alongside breakthroughs. It’s also what’s playing out on the world-wide level.
I recently explained it like this to a dear friend after my post about releasing the In Lak’ech series of Five paintings:
After posting that yesterday, I found myself done for the day. It was kind of a collapse or surrender. I am feeling the collective release it involves, which I feel is taking place right now across the globe, as we enter greater depths of these shadow parts finally. They are awakening to the conscious level more, or at least starting to surface or break away… this reminds me of cleaning a caked-on greasy pan in sink water. The more you scrub, the dirtier and murkier the water gets, and it might take a while to scratch away at it, but small particles release and eventually surface before everything is wiped away. It feel like the collective is at these stages of scrubbing and releasing stuff into the consciousness pool and now we’re all figuring out what to do with them and what kind of clarity we would like to see come from it. And individually, we’re doing this too for the collective…Although I know we are constantly cracking these codes to free us of conditioned enslavement, the impact on these subtle levels is so tricky. We may see it, or not, but then to actually do something with it is a whole other thing.
We are left with a dilemma, when once we tap into more of our true power, as to what we want to create from here on forth.
Astrid and I have both been going through a huge purging on the outer landscape, to reflect what we’re shifting on the inner landscape.
I shared about it on my Instagram and that’s what the photo above is about, which felt so fitting for Astrid’s post message today about letting go.
This was the caption I used for it:
After a year and a half of enjoying her royal throne, with only small redecorating touches recently, she decided to follow in mom’s footsteps and completely go wild with change. She’s been watching me with wide eyes, as first I did tiny changes (and so she mirrored that) and then I undid both our shared office space and my bedroom closet, throwing things on the floor and bed big time (and so she did the same), as I completely revamped everything with the biggest Spring purge and reorganizing I’ve done to date. Immediately in response, Astrid decided to go crazy on her chair and not only broke through the pretty adornments I’d added for her from her last redecorating choice, but took out the foam insides into bunches of pieces! I couldn’t do anything but laugh when I saw her laying like this so proud with evidence of her work all around her, as if to say to me, “look at the work I’ve done too so I can embrace the new!” So, I’ve since redecorated her center rug without chair, which she’s feeling out and enjoying so far. I did find another chair, in case she decides she wants one again, that I think may work very well for her without need for “redecorating” but am holding off to see how she likes the new set up first and will go from there. Gotta love her! We’re so much alike!
We are both enjoying the fresh openness created by these changes, which allows for the new to flow in more freely and easily. It’s also enabled us to draw in what is frequency-aligned because of our shifts, while also holding an open free space for the unknowns we can’t see yet to find their way to us.
Sometimes we don’t know what is to come or what something looks like that we want, but in letting go, we clear our energy fields so the clarity of that authentic-now inner voice can bring to us the perfect things we had no idea with our minds would be for our highest.
A clear heart draws in clarity.
We become the abundant beings that we are and the way to draw in something aligns all on its own because of taking that action of trust.
Every time we trust and release, abundant energies continue as they are meant to, by flowing in and out.
This Scorpio Moon highlights letting go, regenerating, deepening, intensifying, creating more intimacy with all of our parts, reclaiming our essence and inner wisdom, delving into the mystique and magick of the inner labyrinth, invoking greater courage, clarifying more understanding, making way for the new, and reviewing or perhaps even renewing any intentions you may have.
A flooding of emotions can definitely be part of this, as fears, deep unconscious and shadowy stuff releases into light.
I’ve noticed that since Astrid’s chair was removed, she’s spent a lot of time on the center of her round sparkly green, grass-looking rug under her favorite black iron butterfly sleigh where magickal things sit atop the three platforms that float above her.
It feels to be like an etheric rabbit tunnel of that deep mystery, magick, and Cosmic abyss she is harnessing for transmutation.
I get that she wanted some more open space right now as a clear slate she and I can create from.
Astrid shares, “As you write your new story, so am I. And yet, we are writing it together. One that tells of many journeys yet to share in ways creativity has yet to birth. We are engaging a Cosmic excavation accessed deep within our hearts and it connects us both to the heart of ourselves, and to one another – to include all consciousness. Most importantly it connects us to the heart of creation that is ours to weave anew. So what holds you back? Although time is an idea, there is no greater moment than now to begin. It doesn’t matter what has gone before. With every discomfort and stretch you dismantle the hold of roots awaiting the elixir of your love. What blossoms is of your making.”
I don’t know about any of you, but I for one have enough of anyone writing my story for me. And that includes the stuff I carry as both past fears, perceived limitations, and shared ancestral and collective conditioning.
Astrid is a protector of the sacred, embodied in a strong, courageous, and enduring rabbit body. She walks the worlds of both light and dark. She is both warrior and harmony keeper. She is a bridge of understanding and compassion because she has walked in each reality and can move in and out when necessary. She is action-oriented and also eternally patient.
She is a warrior of unconditional love in its highest form.
Today happens to be Cosmo’s birthday – my sweet rabbit son in the stars. He would have been 13.
He is an ambassador of love and compassion in pure essence.
Astrid is like the great guardian or protector of what he stands for both because she is the same AND because she has extra layers that enable her to merge into worlds he needn’t step into. He is the energy and she both is that energy as well as protects it with the ability to engage on levels that invoke the seed of potential to stir.
We all have different gifts and to embrace with clarity what they are is part of this letting-go energy through self-reflection that permeates.
If we are willing to see the hidden, which can be engaged with curiosity and a willingness to simply observe it without judgment, we can begin to bridge a new and more clear understanding of what stories have been our motivations in life.
We can see what has been working overtime in the background simply because we didn’t acknowledge it.
To have that willingness to see something creates a click within.
Just because we see it, doesn’t mean it can hurt us.
It only hurts us when we don’t want to see it, so it sabotages our lives because it can.
Astrid and I send our deepest love to you during these reflective and intense energies. You are not alone.
Ask Astrid Fridays ~ The Rabbit’s Corner: A Small Pause, but a Big Reminder
It’s been a whirlwind of events the last couple of days, so Astrid was kind enough to let us skip this week’s Ask Astrid Fridays and return next Friday. However, I did promise her that as soon as things settled a bit, we’d let everyone know that we hadn’t forgotten her special blog day, but simply will be processing everything into what she may feel important to impart next time. She was completely fine with that because it just gives her more time to feel into everything in the collective field and how it relates to things unfolding here with connective meaning.
In the meantime, she wanted me to remind everyone about gratitude and how important that is.
So, here are some snippets from our last year’s Gratitude Giveaway post as reminders:
We all know that the more gratitude you have and express, the more abundance in all areas of your life you will experience. Not to mention, the more enriched, vibrant, joyful, peaceful, and fulfilling your life will be in every way.
We receive far more than when we are aware of, which indicates we actually have way more to be grateful for than we even make a point of realizing.
Think about the air you have to breathe, the sunlight that gives life, the trees that provide oxygen, the animals that keep our ecosystems healthy, or things like eyesight, ability to taste, smell, hear, touch, and experience life in sensual ways not elsewhere possible.
Yet, even things like our bills – whether you struggle to pay them or not – are actually things to be grateful for in the service they provide like electricity to see by or run your air conditioning, gas to warm your house or cook with, water to bathe in and clean your clothes, and mortgages that keep a roof over our heads.
And not only does recognizing and acknowledging everything we have to be grateful for help us to enjoy and receive more in life – yes even the hidden gifts in something or someone that rubs us the wrong way because they are emotional trainers for us to strengthen our hearts to love more – but we also find it easier to give more. And this is important because the flow of giving AND receiving is also part of living an abundant life.
Even when you think there’s nothing to be grateful for, you’re wrong as there is always something and in recognizing and thanking those things with all of your heart you will align your frequency with an increase in things that will enrich your life.
Even when you think you have nothing to give, if you give anyway – including money in a relative amount to your life, but greater than you think you’re capable of – the more you’ll find things flowing in.
Abundance equates to love, gratitude, and living in the flow of both giving and receiving.
Gratitude is one of the most effective ways to bring more of what you want into your life in incredible ways you wouldn’t even think of. It opens you to the highest good through simple, heartfelt gratitude, as this aligns you with your matching frequency.
Be grateful, as every moment is a gift.
Ask Astrid Fridays ~ The Rabbit’s Corner: Authenticity for Enrichment
Yesterday’s share from Astrid got postponed until this morning, due to a full day on both of our parts. But now I see why it is coming today instead, as it’s the 11 year anniversary of my twin soul rabbit’s transition back to the stars. It is Nestor who guided me to all of my bunnies, and even my Russian tortoise Gaia, after her departure. And it is Nestor whom Astrid is deeply connected to and is most like in her magickal essence.
Both Astrid and Nestor have been huge reminders to me of my own essence, and to be truly authentic to who I am, as well as to explore what that means for myself.
Recently I’ve seen a lot of spiders around, including a huge one on Astrid’s castle and one on my keyboard to my computer as I was typing.
Astrid has a special connection to spiders and they seem to come around at synchronous times.
While they do bring messages of transformation, rebirth, magick, shadow, mystery, and creation, they also speak to how you are weaving your own destiny.
And this seems to be both Astrid’s and Nestor’s message this week – to look at your choices, decisions, thoughts, feelings, and actions as effective tools that can lead you to more mindful weaving in order to envision and create a life that serves or enslaves you.
Synchronously, this week on Instagram, a new magickal friend of mine was doing an animal totem Tarot card free reading where she shows you three cards upside down to choose from by intuitive draw, and then reveals their messages the next day – right side up.
My card was the spider, which in this deck also was associated with the High Priestess, but the message spoke to authenticity and exploring the truth of that for yourself.
It is about not allowing others to tell your story for you, being (and honoring) truly you inside and out, not letting yourself be trapped by other’s versions of you, and knowing that the greatest relationship you’ll know is with yourself.
Everything else will reflect that and be enriched by that.
They also say that receiving a sign involving spiders can indicate “the need for writing with the intention of weaving together gossamer strands that beautifully support the sharing of gifts” – interesting that one spider was on my keyboard.
The photos here share Astrid with one of the Amethyst pieces from the giant Amethyst Rabbit (that’s actually in the shape of a laying rabbit and looks like her when she does so) I used to have and returned back to me. It channels Nestor and today is a day of honoring her.
Astrid seems to be drawing my attention to what Nestor had always guided me toward, which is to walk in the essence of who I am.
I believe both of them are coming through right now to share this message also with all of you, as the collective truly needs each of you to walk in that same energy, which will help to raise the vibration for us all and create new experiences and possibilities.
This comes with knowing the parts within that whisper or loudly speak to you, and honoring them.
It also involves bringing forth your gifts into the light and sharing them with others.
And it means to relax and surrender to your heart, and release the confines of definitions and stories others would rather see you as, or that you’ve accepted, but always felt restricted by.
Yes, it involves courage, but you are being supported by so many others who are also embracing that challenge.
Even though this Amethyst is a piece of the whole, it is still connected to it and still brings forth a uniqueness that is needed and enriches all of the others – a piece of the web that creates the fabric of life.
Astrid sees who I really am – who you really are – and she encourages us to not let a day go by that could be lived in greater fullness.
Things may feel scary and uncomfortable, but even a fracture that feels painful can lead to greater flexibility to discover new ways of joy to be that had otherwise been hidden by the illusion of security.
Ask Astrid Fridays ~ The Rabbit’s Corner: Knowing Your Nodes for Evolutionary Balance
Astrid is right in alignment with today’s Full Moon in Libra, as she wears her own version of the “balancing scales” on her fur today, but literally IS the symbol for the nodes. AMAZING!!!! I was taken back at first noticing last night and was in awe of how yet again she reflects the perfect messages for us. She’s a walking embodiment of the collective energies, constantly mirroring what is most needed at this time.
Many years ago in my twenties, while researching astrological influences and dissecting my own chart, I came across the nodes. The material was very revealing at the time and I kept hold of notes over the years from those hours of research I did at the library, and continued at home in studies, with it. Then come some 10 years or so later, I discovered that for me, the South and North nodes were the most important key to revealing the path that would be most optimal on my evolutionary journey and returned to my work I’d started back then.
This continued to lead me to where I am now and most fully truly engaging this in the last 2-3 years.
The nodes speak to what you came here to learn, and the past challenges and gifts you brought with you for that journey of growth.
And here Astrid is reflecting this again, at a time period I continue to make more shifts, contemplate new ones, and forge ahead and anchor in a path that leads me onward.
Something the collective is also actively engaged in.
It is also being reflected right now during this Full Moon, when the spotlight is on revealing where imbalances are within the partnerships we have on all levels with things in our lives. A need for reviewing that masculine/feminine dance within our energies, as well as looking at the shadow and hidden parts of ourselves we may still not quite be fully aware of, have a handle on, or realize how important they are in what’s playing out around and in front of us.
You may find yourself facing the need to cut cords that no longer serve you at this time, power dynamics may be playing themselves out, and you may even be experiencing surprises or shocks to help you correct your course and feel more in alignment again.
What things are coming to an end of a cycle and asking for completion in your life?
I know currently a couple of major things are happening right now in my own that are ending some major cycles and that are really interesting to observe how they’re unfolding in uncanny and unquestionably connected full-cycle ways.
This Full Moon seems to be speaking to knowing thyself and putting forth your embodied truth before the desire to keep the peace and save face with others.
Where might you still be walking in someone else’s design of you, rather than creating from the heart of you?
Astrid wears this “node” and “balancing” sign directly at the back of her higher heart. There can be no more direct message for clarity and courage of living your truth and moving beyond the limitations that may be holding you back, while also integrating them in order to strengthen and reinvent the new.
The interesting thing is that you can’t see the symbol on her fur unless she stretches forward fully, like in this photo where I captured it while she bent down and over to eat her evening snacks.
It is otherwise hidden from its fullness.
She is demonstrating that you will need to have courage to “stretch” out of the comfort zones you’ve become accustomed to living in and this will put into activation the path of most alignment and light the path that you’ve felt was calling to you, but never quite could see.
Astrid encourages you to do the new and the challenging, rather than what has always felt easy.
You will need to stretch into the unknown.
Then, you will feel more purpose, passion, and pleasure in life when you jump off the tracks laid before you and build a new train that rides the timeline of your essence.
Ask Astrid Fridays ~ The Rabbit’s Corner: Sacred Bonds & the Rabbit-Human Connection
Today’s share is one that is very dear to both Astrid and I, as it speaks to the relationship we have and how meaningful the rabbit-human bonding is, in our opinion. The theme of her message came through last weekend for this and has been building over the course of the week. But in essence, speaks to the special connection that is made when you invest your heart and soul into being a guardian and best friend to a rabbit.
Astrid feels this is also an important message at this time because it is nearing Easter and we both know how many people will go out and purchase rabbits, especially baby rabbits, on a whim thinking they would be cute gifts for their children.
Helping people to understand rabbits more and what is truly involved within that sacred bond you embark upon cultivating, is one of our hopes to help impart.
We’ll be speaking together through what I share and then maybe Astrid will have a specific message she will want me to separate out for her.
Rabbits are very social animals, but they are nothing like dogs and cats. I know many people see them as cute and cuddly little ones, but most rabbits aren’t particularly interested in being held and snuggled the same way you might a dog or cat. That’s not to say that all rabbits are this way, as they each have their own personalities and some, like my sweet Cosmo, truly love being held close.
But this is usually the exception, rather than the rule because rabbits are ground-dwelling and feel safest when all four feet are connected to their Earth Mother.
That’s also not to say every dog or cat easily cuddles up either, as there are exceptions like with animals who have been through quite a challenging past or some kind of abuse and neglect.
I know that many people are looking for an animal they can hold or show constant affection to, feeling a need to have their furry companion available for a certain kind of closeness. Dogs and cats usually come first to mind for people thinking about getting an animal companion because of this.
That’s not to say, for instance, that all cats like to be snuggled and close, as they also have ideas that are independent to yours and may or may not desire the same when you want it.
Dogs may be more inclined to do so.
Not most rabbits.
That might be a turn-off for people desiring more from their animal companions.
For me, it is exactly what I love most about rabbits.
You see, rabbits are prey animals, unlike cats and dogs who are predators. It takes a deliberate investment of time, nurturing, patience, and ultra presence to gain the trust of your rabbit because they naturally have different instincts – which is, everything is a potential threat.
Like horses, rabbits are magnificent clear mirrors and can be amazing therapy animals to help reflect and teach you the deepest core parts of yourself.
Again, I’m not saying that dogs or cats don’t do this, as they do and many of them are therapy animals as well, but things will be much more subtle and take more patience, presence, and willingness to go a bit deeper when it comes to a prey animal.
Their instincts and senses are ultra-aware. They feel every little nuance at an all-time high and therefore they immediately know what is below the surface and at your core far before you will. They pick up the finest frequencies of vibrational misalignment and disharmony.
They have to, after all, because their survival depends on it.
And in doing so, they truly help reflect some hard things to see about ourselves and help us to understand where we are being inconsistent with what we are saying and doing, and what we are feeling.
So, when a rabbit decides to welcome you, give a little more each day to you, shows affection, lets you approach them and stroke or kiss them, snuggle them on the ground, grind their teeth in delight, lick you, play with you, flop themselves on their sides vulnerably into dreamland, come search you out, chins, nuzzles, nibbles at you, follows you or jumps up on the bed or couch with you, rests next to you, and maybe even lets you pick them up without a struggle – these are invaluable.
To me, to earn that kind of trust and love from a prey animal is ultra special and meaningful.
To know that Astrid, or any of my bunny loves, have felt safe and seen with me means everything to me.
It’s simply something deeper I can’t put into words, but chokes me up to create that kind of bond and relating that is operating on a super high level of sensitivity.
Plus, it constantly keeps me very present and aware moment-to-moment about how I’m acting, feeling, and noticing everything about my rabbit and what is normal or changing with their behavior.
This also, by the way, helps you to stay on top of their health, as they will hide things more than other animals and to be on your toes with what’s going on with them every moment can save their lives AND enrich both of yours.
Rabbits ask us to meet them at their level – literally – so going on the ground with them will help with the bonding.
They also ask us to meet them equally in energy – bringing our full selves to the table in pure honesty and integrity of heart. In this way they will respond just as clearly with acknowledgment and meeting you in much the same way.
Rabbits are very social animals and the relationship with you will be of utmost importance, alongside any other bonded rabbit they have as a partner. Connection is what will help your rabbit thrive and whether that means they have another or other rabbit friends, other furry animal companions, or bond with you, it is much needed to have that closeness.
Most rabbits do enjoy some level of affection, which can shift over time the more you invest in your relationship with them. It can be very pleasing to them to be snuggled or nuzzled on the ground, massaged, spoken to softly, caressed, or simply sitting or laying next to you.
They also love to play and thrive on fun – another way to bond with them.
I feel most of the time that my rabbit loves, including Astrid, think of me as another rabbit. That’s because I have learned to be more like them and interact with them, as they would with another rabbit and I always listen to their cues, knowing when they’ve had enough, if they want more, and what they like or don’t like.
Rabbits teach you to relax and slow down, get in touch with yourself, truly listen within, and live life with more gentleness.
They have all kinds of personalities, just like us, and aren’t there to please you the way you want or think you need, although once they welcome you as part of their “warren” you will be part of the family and appreciated and loved uniquely.
Over time, they can come to provide huge amounts of affection in the sweetest of ways and you learn that intimacy starts within the heart and can be extremely gratifying in more ways than you imagined because you have created a sacred bond.
“The sacred bond invites you to a secret dance that lies beyond the horizon of existence alone. It takes you into the alchemy of the heart that never ceases to be and always remembers its wholeness,” says Astrid.
Ask Astrid Fridays ~ The Rabbit’s Corner: Keeping Focused During Wild Times
So, Astrid and I have been very busy this week completing goals we had to clear the slate and while so, we’ve been hearing a lot from many friends about all of the rapid and wild changes happening in their lives. We can also feel this wave of very potent shifts sweeping across the collective and definitely rooting for us too. This is why we weren’t able to post Astrid’s message on her given day yesterday – Friday – and instead could only start it then and finish it today, Saturday.
I promised her we’d get one out since we missed last week with my being away on recharge vacation and I keep my promises, as we know a Faery’s word is bond.
She’s happy we didn’t skip this week, as she and I both feel how much energy is swirling out there and that many of you might feel challenged while you try to embrace all these fast changes and unknowns flying your way.
You’re not alone, as we’re all going through this together in our own ways and they all feel to be part of the upgrades we’re integrating.
There’s likely a lot that you feel in tangible ways coming out at you and also in energetic ways under the surface and yet none of this is something to be alarmed about, as it is indication things are in process and moving forward. We can either allow it to distract us or we can use them as a way to hone in on our skills and stay the course.
I can’t even begin to share how many stories we’ve heard about sudden things happening in people’s lives, but also how well many are just going with it and trusting without the thing they’re moving into being necessarily an ultimate end result, but definitely a wonderful step into a new way of thriving from the heart and from greater trust and joy.
There have also been, of course, the challenges with health, illnesses, surgeries, and even loss of loved ones in the physical we’ve heard about, and yet even those stories have a lining of sweetness alongside the bitter. All of it taking people to the next level from which they are able to expand deeper into sharing even more from their hearts in far-reaching ways and physically integrate a more nurturing body to house and support the upcoming changes.
Astrid wants to share a little story about her recent upgrades, as way of demonstrating something.
Recently, Astrid decided to chew some holes in her magickal green throne. While this might at quick glance seem destructive or even upsetting to some, she had a plan.
Chewing is a way of processing and integrating new energy.
Creating holes is a way of releasing energy and creating new doorways. A way to have tension relaxed, and move away something that may have been veiling or concealing a more supportive perspective with greater clarity.
Making holes in what “seemed” to be perfect invites creativity and imagination to envision and create something else – something different, and perhaps even more beautiful or incredible than what you thought you had or had come to be comfortable with.
Astrid knew I would understand and she also knew I had some beautiful things in my creative toolbox that would be the perfect “new” energy, beauty, and upgrade she desired, but also wanted to demonstrate.
And so her plain green throne became embellished with gorgeous blue rose and vines and white stars to match the one under her name – a merging of Earth and Cosmos.
“Nothing is ever ruined, hopeless, or over. Things simply take on a new form…transform…transmute. Every seeming ending is at the same time a beginning. You’ve heard it all before, but it seems we must reiterate at important junctions of evolution. Every hole that feels empty is ready to be filled. You have the ability to create again and again and again,” she says, “and are encouraged to do so…to keep weaving, as the spider does. Each web anew, but never laments over one that might have collapsed. She is moved to weave something different and perhaps even more beautiful than the last. And sometimes you can nurture that change by leaning into it, or even inducing it with courageous or spontaneous actions that seem currently to have no meaning or logic.”
I pause feeling the depth of what she is saying and how wise this dear soul in rabbit body is. I am further humbled she is by my side and grateful I can share her wisdom with others.
She was communing again with spider at start of this week without fear and received her wisdom further. Astrid is quite at home with spider. She knows that all creatures and things have purpose and wisdom, even if they seem scary or different. When you embrace that part within you, there is peace.
I’ve been seeing this all play out in my own life – no surprise since we’re so connected. A lot of things I’ve felt like a hanging chaotic or anxiety-filled veil just outside the peace while a lot of redecorating of my office (no surprise Astrid wanted to do this too), and clearing and staying very focused on completing goals despite all of the changes out “there” happening around me. I know they are indicative of change in “here” taking place and what I’m working toward. This year has and feels to continue to be one of both beginning and firmly completing a first step, which involves work that anchors in the new to be able to travel the changes I sense 2020 has in store. All connected with the collective landscape of transformation and upgrades into something more…something different.
Staying the course, while listening to the energies around for tweaks and adjustments is necessary, but remaining focused and not getting distracted is equally important.
Astrid is such a great partner for me for that with her Virgo self. She truly keeps me on check and nips me into keeping on track and accomplishing things in a timely manner.
She does love creativity and flow, but says it needs to be in balance with responsible action, dedication, and focus.
So how do we keep focused, you ask? When things are flying all around us, collapsing, and clearing out whether we like it or not?
“You anchor into the volatile, as reason to stay the course. Even chaos has reason, purpose, and focus. If you know change is who you are as a creative being by essence, then linger there and channel creativity to come up with new vehicles to ride the currents with, but to stay the course of the current. You may have a project or dream you’re working toward, but you don’t have to be distracted by everything that shows up – fun or otherwise. You might think chaos is trying to uproot you, but perhaps chaos invites you to a new kind of dance that sees all the light streaming through the cracks and doesn’t get lost in the dark. Those cracks bring you deeper within your inner navigation and help you strengthen the focus and flow. When you listen within the darkness, there is much more to hear than silence. Your focus is needed now at a time when everything seems unknown. Stay the unseen course, that is navigated by the heart. The particles of chaos will simply pass you by and not attach, by remaining on your stream of frequency in motion. Take moments to listen and you can distinguish frequencies to ride. You can stay the course without attachment. It’s simply a matter of inner autopilot following the clarity that vibrates at the same rate of your embodied vision,” Astrid ends.
Here are two other favorites by M83 to journey with what Astrid just shared and see if you can distinguish the frequencies swirling around you and hear the vibration of the stream you are on course to create.
Ask Astrid ~ The Rabbit’s Corner: Walk in Confidence & Crystals that Care
Today Astrid wants to speak to the voice of doubt within everyone – that little voice that finds ways to hurt you, says you’re a failure and never will amount to anything, the voice that never feels good enough, and the voice that cuts you down even when you make a step forward.
“Enough is enough,” she says. “There is only one you and you would not be here if there wasn’t something special you have to share.”
This made me think of the documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” we watched a couple of nights ago on Spring Equinox about Mister Rogers – you know, Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers Neighborhood. I had no idea his birthday was March 20, 1928 and here we were being drawn to watch this documentary on the eve of what would have been his birthday 91 years ago.
That felt like a rebirthing in itself, as there’s so much of how Fred Rogers is that mirrors myself. And as I walk forward on a new path, I know that feeling confident about exactly who I am at heart is what will carry me forward into unknown territory once again.
Perhaps Astrid felt how much I loved this documentary and tuned in deeper to the underlying messages around it, knowing how important they are to the heart of everyone.
I did turn to Dave several times in the movie saying “oh my gosh, he’s so like me and the things I do daily from the moment I wake up!” and he giggled back in agreement.
So often I’ve felt that people think I’m naive or too “pollyanna” about life and that my simplistic and innocent ways of viewing things, the magick and wonder I see, and the love I feel that underlies everything is just silliness and I can feel (even if they don’t say it) that they wished I’d “grow up”.
Many have wished I’d immerse myself more into the drama playing out in the world or be more like them as activists and taking stands on things like politics and such.
And it’s not that I don’t understand what is going on, but I see it all through different eyes and heart, have my own way of working with that, my own way of embodied activism, and my own way of desiring to find that bridge between all people, species, and life.
I’ve always loved Mister Rogers and remember watching it when my brother and I were growing up.
Last night I made so many connections and in hearing his story more, it deepened my belief in the way I approach life and that there’s a very valuable and much needed place for that level of sweetness, simplicity, innocence, and love, as a bridge.
Not that I haven’t always felt that, but it was a very loud message that solidified things and connects with Astrid’s message that I know she is sharing from the heart and wanting each and every one of us to really, REALLY understand and take to heart.
Many of you have probably watched the clip where Fred Rogers addresses the U.S. Senate using emotional intelligence, speaking from his child-like heart and in just six minutes convinces the Senator from Rhode Island not to cut $20 million for PBS.
If you haven’t seen this here it is:
You’d think you’d have to be some kind of genius, attorney, or whatever definition of someone you think has the power to persuade and talk a good talk, but in fact it was someone with innocence and love, who spoke a language everyone could feel, that won $20 million dollars.
“Being you from the heart is the most powerful thing you can do,” says Astrid. “Don’t ever be less than who you are. Don’t ever let anyone or those voices in your head persuade you otherwise. There is something special inside of you and when you express it vulnerably, you create a clearer and better world for everyone.”
That reminds me of the song, You are Special by Fred Rogers, 1968. Here are the simple lyrics:
You are my friend
You are special
You are my friend
You’re special to me.
You are the only one like you.
Like you, my friend, I like you.
In the daytime
In the nighttime
Any time that you feel’s the right time
For a friendship with me, you see
F-R-I-E-N-D special
You are my friend
You’re special to me.
There’s only one in this wonderful world
You are special.
Practice having more confidence and belief in yourself more everyday.
Take steps to push pass discomforts one at a time and feeling okay with it.
Stick to doing something new even when the voices emerge, and learn to trust yourself more with each time, creating a new habit.
Experiment and learn that with each attempt you are stronger and more capable than you imagine – more resilient of discomfort and are better for it.
Learn that even if something doesn’t work out as you hoped, that you can be okay with that and the feeling of going past what you thought were your limits during the process, is the success.
Astrid always knows what’s needed and where to direct me.
I hope you find a little pearl of wisdom that speaks to you in today’s share.
Astrid is encouraging me to speak a bit more about things I’m working on, including my new book.
I don’t talk much about it, but with my focus returned to it, I feel her encouragement.
I think she brings this up for this post, because she knows that the story I’ve written is very much who I am at the heart of me and it comes from a place of innocence I’m putting out in a much bigger way.
Another reason is that one part of the story ties into the offerings below.
I’ve shared that the main characters are rabbits and one of the pivotal elements in the story centers around a very special crystal and what might unfold if it were to get into the wrong hands.
I wasn’t going to post these until Easter, however, Astrid and the bunnies prompted me that people may want to bring the energies home to enjoy now and actually have to work with and ignite energies with the dawning of Spring. Plus, they know they will need the right alignment to match energies with their new guardian and friend.
They are crystals that care – here to support you into your highest truth, support the collective through your gifts, and align energies to reflect the heart of you.
So, these incredible offerings will be looking for their sacred partners later today in our Magick Rabbit Etsy Shop. UPDATE – now posted and ready for adoption.
They will include the following three items that have some of my own personal collection, amazing crystals included – these are just quick sneak peaks of the entire basket as a whole, as the listings will have close-ups of each beauty included in the baskets.
Two Ultimate Magick Rabbit Easter Baskets:
Cosmic Basket – includes rabbit basket, faerytale spiral moss, mushroom, Celestite open egg with rainbows, large Sunstone egg, medium Moonstone egg, and Alice in Wonderland natural vegetable soap in Vanilla Frosting scent. Two small silver stands included in case you want to display your Sunstone and Moonstone eggs separately.
Enchanted Forest Basket – includes rabbit basket, faerytale spiral moss, mushroom, large Ametrine (Amethyst and Citrine) Spirit/Faery Quartz plate, sparkly Amethyst cluster, Goldstone Butterfly, sweet little handmade rabbit decked out for Spring, and Alice in Wonderland natural vegetable soap in Tea for Two scent (sweet blend of freshly baked butter cookies sweetened with a dollup of tart, ripe blackberry jam)
UPDATE SOLD : And The Rabbit Faery’s Wing/Ear – one of the large pieces of the giant Amethyst Geode Rabbit that made its way back home to me. We discovered that this one was only to be worked with for a short while and that part of that was to include Astrid being able to activate energies with her and reprogram her to be ready to find her sacred partner.
We love you!!
Just a quick note: We’ll be away on a surprise last minute vacation starting Sunday and back next Saturday, so there won’t be any posts next week. I’ll be back the week after with more from Astrid and any inspirations and messages we have to share.
Tania Marie 