Jasmine Hemsley is the British former model turned foodie, who found fame as half of healthy eating sister act Hemsley Hemsley. But her new book, East By West, is a solo venture—a modern take on the ancient practice of Ayurveda … PLUS she shares what makes her a Material Girl in a Mystical World.
THE NUMINOUS: So Ayurveda. Why is it having such a moment? Is it a backlash to the “clean” eating movement? JASMINE HEMSLEY: I think it’s because when we talk about “wellbeing,” is not just about the physical anymore—what we look like. We want to FEEL great too, so it’s also become about mental and spiritual health. For example, yoga is so mainstream now, and Ayurveda is the framework for this practice. It also isn’t a fad diet. It’s a philosophy that’s been tried and tested over 5000 years. It’s a way of eating that’s comforting, and that can also feed a whole family.
TN: Having been exposed to lots of different diets as a model, what’s the one thing you’d like to teach the world about food + healthy eating? JH: That it’s time to take a beat to really enjoy our food. So often we talk passionately about food, but do we really savor it? How about treating each meal with respect, like a ritual, and taking the time to ask: do I actually like this? Does it make me satisfied? Do I really need more? These kinds of observations can help us begin to figure out what we need in life, let alone on our plates.
TN: For a newbie, Ayurveda can look so complex—how would you sum up the philosophy in a sentence or two? JH: Ayurveda is about finding your balance, and going with the ebb and flow of life. It’s as simple as, if you’re feeling hot eat something cooling, and when you’re feeling cold eat something warming. But what’s really magic about Ayurveda is the herbs, which are nature’s medicine cabinet. For example fennel and ginger are great for indigestion, turmeric is anti-flammatory. By sprinkling your food with these herbs and spices you’re fortifying yourself against whatever the day will bring.
TN: So many popular food philosophies have a kind of “one-size-fits-all” approach. Which is not our experience of life! What is the best thing about embracing our inconsistencies and ever changing physical and emotional states? JH: I see mind-body awareness as a framework for understanding our whole selves—for example, coffee makes me go a bit erratic and crazy, so I know it doesn’t suit me. I can drink it on holiday when I’m a bit more chilled, but when I’m in London, buzzing already, it sends me into overdrive. What you’d say in Ayurveda is having too much “vata.” It was this awareness that coffee was making me anxious that helped me find ways to bring more calm into my life. It’s about feeling empowered to make choices that are right for us as unique individuals—with hot beverages, and with life!
TN: You’ve already got a name as being part of Hemsley Hemsley with your sister, Mel. Why did you want to do a solo project? JH: It’s been seven years with Mel, and we’re still a team and we’ve still got lots of projects going on—but this is my passion project and an expression of all the things that excite and inspire me individually. I have a Filipino mum and a British Dad, so I’m East by West by upbringing. And my travels through India and the influence of the natural wisdom in the way of eating there has always completely fascinated me.
TN: What’s your fave recipe in the book and why? JH: That’s a hard one! I love tasty, easy comfort food that makes you feel all cozy inside—and there’s something so warming about the Rasta Dal. The recipe was taught to my meditation teacher by a Rastafarian, and also shows that Ayurveda isn’t just curry, or “Indian food,” it’s part a bigger philosophy. It’s got coconut milk, it’s got French mustard … I don’t know anyone who hasn’t tried this and begged for the recipe! But I have to get a sweet in here too, as I have a sweet tooth—and my buckwheat banana bread is my ultimate crowd pleaser, toasted with butter. It hits all the spots.
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:: MATERIAL GIRL ::
My label Mother of Pearl dresses and anything vintage!
My shoes Barefoot where possible … otherwise I’m loving Veja sneakers, anything with a block heel for going out, and in this weather some snug Sorel walking boots.
My jewels My engagement ring from my long term partner Nick—a chrysoberyl (lime green crystal) in a gold setting. And my vintage turquoise eternity ring which he actually gave to me first!
Engagement ring + lentil dahl. Photo: Nick Hopper.
My pampering Massage all the way! Particularly with oils, deep tissue, and any Ayurvedic massage.
My home All I need is a comfy (and big!) bed and my three dogs and I’m home.
My food …is everything! Tasty comfort food, loads of flavour, global inspiration—with a touch of Ayurvedic magic.
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:: MYSTICAL WORLD ::
My awakening I try to beat the sun and rise at sunrise for maximum energy. I begin with a morning meditation and sun salutations for at least five minutes (which activates 95% of the body!), some tongue scraping, oil pulling and a hot herbal tea, followed by a nourishing hot porridge or stewed apples. Then I wrap up and get walked by my dogs!
Money demons catching up with you? Rich Witch Lara-Rose Duong shares 5 ways to exorcise them for good, and start creating the abundance you crave …
Money demons holding you back from stepping into full abundance? The Day of the Dead is a potent time for purging the past and aligning yourself with the prosperous life you’re working so hard for.
It’s time to kick those demons to the curb so you can strut into the future like a real Rich Witch …
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Money Demon #1: Paying your debt before paying yourself Where your money goes, it grows. On the surface, it seems like the best plan is to pay down that debt as fast as you can.
But if you’ve been paying off debt for a very long time while denying the growth of your own honey pot, you’re saying “my debt is more important than me.”
Prescription: When money honey comes to you, make it a common practice that you pay yourself first before addressing bills and debts. This energetic act says: “I have value and I am worth it.”
Even if you’re working with a petite money pot, make an energetic vote for yourself by allocating the first share to a personal “freedom account” (you can literally set up a separate account for this), and THEN start addressing your bills. As your income grows, more can be moved into your freedom account and soon enough, the debt will be paid off too.
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Money Demon #2: Measuring your worth against external factors The comparison game is a major buzzkill, and measuring yourself against external markers is suffocating and disheartening. Instead, how you feel is the essential ingredient that determines the success of your money-making abilities. You (not the brands you buy, the car you drive, or how much money you have) are the fuel behind your intentions and the barometer of your own worth.
Prescription: To banish this particular money demon, make a deep commitment to yourself on the Day of the Dead:
“I vow that I prosper because ‘I AM.’ I vow that I seek council from myself first. I vow that I am inherently worthy. I vow to live the life that is mine alone to live.”
Work with the above “I prosper because I am” sigil and spell by anointing your body with the below charged-up symbol using lotion or anointing oils.
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Money Demon #3: Saying “Yes” when you really mean “No” Have you ever paid for a meal that was terrible and then got take out on the way home because you were still hungry? Or stayed out later than you wanted with friends spending money honey on a night that really didn’t make your soul sing?
Over time, settling for products and experiences that you don’t really want can drain your wallet. And when you say “Yes” to these experiences, you are voting for more of them in your life.
Prescription: Get clear about your standards. If something is not a full body “YES” then it’s a “No.” You are worth asking for what you really want. In love, life, and money honey, settling is not an option.
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Money Demon #4: Giving out of obligation There are many occasions to gift and donate. But, when we give out of obligation or when you’re not in a position to do so, it taints the gesture for everyone involved.
Prescription: Give your money honey purpose by writing a mandate for when you do give. Rather than gifting presents on obligatory occasions, practice sacred gifting when you find presents that really mean something to you and the person you are gifting to.
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Money Demon #5: Buying out of habit While there’s nothing wrong with buying the things you love, notice when you’re doing it on autopilot. For example, you’re a diehard loyalist of a particular skin care line, and you buy the entire line when not every product serves your actual needs. Or you find yourself at the register with a sweater that’s almost identical to one you have at home.
Prescription: Practicing discernment is the key to evicting this money demon. This starts with getting present to your spending habits, and really honest about WHY you require each thing you purchase in your life. Discernment is the gatekeeper here, and sends a signal that you truly need and deserve every thing you buy. That your life is worth it. As you enter the occult new year, make a clear commitment to buy out of loyalty to your SELF, above all.
Share your money demons with Lara-Rose Duong in the Rich Witch Circle on Facebook. And connect with her on Instagram for more wisdom.
SCORPIO :: SCORPIO RISING Knight of Crystals, Reversed
Trust the timing of your life, sweet Scorpio. This is the best birthday gift you could give to yourself. The pace at which you are moving and evolving is perfect, exactly correct for where you are in this moment. Trust it, with absolutely no judgements, no comparisons, no explanations and no apologies. If you are feeling uncomfortable with the way that things are flowing for you, it’s time to look at what is underneath the present moment.
What are your expectations of your life, versus the reality? What does it mean to embody the belief that you are taking care of more spectacularly than you could ever imagine? Are you used to pushing things into fruition, hustling through your days? What if life could be easier than you believed it could be? These are all important inquiries to drop into during the month of November. Your whole sign has been going through a deep and powerful upgrade. There is no more room for lack of belief in yourself, no more room for pushing against the flow of your soul. Knight of Pentacles is here to help shift any old, outdated beliefs around trusting the timing of your life—the reversal, even more so. Any Knight in the Tarot represents movement and action.
Each Knight moves at a different pace, brings a different kind of medicine for our highest growth. Knight of Pentacles is slow, steady, aiming at the target and not letting go of the arrow until everything is fully lined up. When we receive this card reversed, we are fighting against the timing, whether overtly or subtly. If you want things to start moving, start trusting, and hang out in this moment. If you can surrender to what is, practicing trust and willingness, life will open up so much more for you.
SAGITTARIUS :: SAGITTARIUS RISING Page of Crystals, Reversed
November is a time to slow down a little, Sagittarius. You might not want to, but that’s perfectly fine—there’s just some more beautiful work to do around surrendering. Page of Pentacles reversed can often arise when we feel like we don’t know what the hell we are doing, or what direction we are pointed in our lives. It is a feeling, not necessarily a fact, so we have to take the time to inquire around that with this reversed Page.
This card can arise when we are running around without taking the time to drop in and become still—or, it may arise during very important time of transition, where those rudderless feelings are totally appropriate. Either way, slowing down, breathing, and taking space are all deeply nourishing acts of love this month. There is much to learn, understand and see, we just need to carve out a little time to sink into those deeper questions. If you can give yourself that gift in November, Sagittarius, you will feel like a totally different person on the other side of it.
Page of Pentacles is the deep thinker, a being that asks the kind of questions that get right to the heart of the matter, doing so with total innocence and curiosity. Why are we here? What’s our purpose? What do we need to learn about ourselves? Receiving Page of Pentacles in a reading is a chance to go on a deep journey of the self, to discover who we *truly* are. You are on this journey as a whole sign, Sagittarius, but you might be getting a little sidelined on your way to ask those questions. There might be a little hesitation, a little resistance, or you might be too busy. Whatever it is, it’s an easy fix. Start with gently slowing down, and the rest of what you need will follow.
How deeply can you let yourself flow, Capricorn? How subterranean can you allow yourself to be? Queen of Cups is calling, beckoning you to the garden of your heart, to the ocean of your being, to the center of your intuition. Queen of Cups is a double water energy. She is profoundly psychic, profoundly deep, and wholly receptive. She listens with every ounce of her being, living on a kind of island of her own making. This is the month to drop in deeply with your spiritual practices, to tune in with your higher self, to remember the deeper reasons for your incarnation here.
It might also be a beautiful time to go deeper with your guides, and your council, if that is a part of your life practice. When Queen of Cups shows up, she wants us to embody her. How can you step into a kind of life flow like this? If you can slow down enough to let yourself wade in the water, rather than doing Olympic laps around the pool, there will be beautiful messages from the unseen this month. It’s a subtle shift. Gentle, instead of forceful, easy, as opposed to challenging. It might feel funky at first, but you’ll get the hang of it.
There might be deep things to discover in this card, or it might just mean that you are being called to take a break, to shift into a more receptive flow of your life. Whatever the Queen of Cups presents to you, I encourage you to make room in your life for it. The first step is not over scheduling yourself. The second step is leaving a blank space for journeying where your plans and activities might be. Slow down—there is much to gain this month by doing so.
You are in the energy of Knight of Swords this month, Aquarius. Your mission with this powerful archetype is clear, potent and singular: do, don’t think. Do. Don’t think. So simple, right? If you can make it your mantra, this month will be profoundly fruitful for you. It will open your eyes as to what you are capable of achieving. Anytime we are in a Knight energy, we want to think about the way we move through the world. How are we walking through our life? Knight of Swords is a double air energy. This being is moving like the wind, on a powerful mission! You are being invited to embody this frequency in November, Aquarius.
When Knight of Swords shows up, he’s bringing a kind of magic to our life. That magic is here to show us that we are capable of doing things we never imagined we could do—in a wonderful way. That we are able to move and accomplish things we never imagined we could do, all without becoming exhausted, all without burning out. It’s a massive yes to whatever arises, and then we just do it, instead of bemoaning how hard and intense it’s going to be.
We don’t spend time thinking about it. The more we think, the more we may talk ourselves out of what life wants to drop it to us. Knight of Swords brings only amazing things, so consider being open to new opportunities, new assignments, and new learning experiences. Consider that you are able to go further, and to do more than you believe you can. The more you practice presence, just being with the flow and the pace of your life, the more you will astound yourself. It’s a juicy month, so hop on your horse and fly with it!
November is one of those months, Pisces, with a very important, and very subtle invitation for your highest good: don’t commit to anything until you’re ready. Seems easy enough, but that’s not always the case when we are in a Five energy. Fives are the contraction cards of the Tarot. They represent potent, and often uncomfortable opportunities for our growth. We want to take care to not make decisions from contraction in this life.
When we contract, it is hard to see the big picture. We might be inundated by fear, anger, or desperation. Those energies do have carrying power, but not for long. Usually, after a giant burst of movement in a contraction, we can find ourselves more twisted than ever, with a side of regrets and an empty gas tank. You have this wonderful opportunity to allow November to be a time of deep restructuring, to allow yourself to process and release some big emotions. While you are in this month, loves, your ego may really want to be moving and grooving. The more you move, take action, make decisions from a Five place, the harder it will be down the road.
Five of Wands is like five different pieces of music all playing at full blast at the same time. It can feel very combustive, and is ultimately a powerful creation energy. It can charge us up to the point where we want to run with it, but how can we know which voice is the truth? If you can let the volume come down, and the dust settle, everything will be clear as to your next step. Really commit to a practice of pausing in November. Let this month pass, let it do it’s work on you, and allow the new horizons you are seeking to unfold organically.
It doesn’t get much better than Ten of Pentacles, Aries. Once again, this is your month. You’ve been on a beautiful streak of expansion as of late, and this energy is no exception. November is all about harvesting for you. You’ve planted some absolutely beautiful seeds, and you’ve worked your ass off tending to them, caring for them, nurturing and nourishing them. Now, they are ripe and ready to be shared with the world. When we share our gifts in Ten of Pentacles energy, it’s like giving birth. The whole fabric of the Earth’s frequency is changed and altered by the presence of this new, little being. It is the same idea with the creative fruits that we share in this card. It is truly a generous harvest.
November is the month to bring your baby out into the world. It is a time of creative expression, to share your gifts in a whole new way. It is a time of major abundance, major blessings, and beautiful exchange. Pentacles are about living spiritually in a material world, creating soul centered gifts with our hard work that can serve the whole planet. The Ten is the completion of a cycle, and the presence of good fortune that comes after a period of deep laboring.
Again—November is your month! Your job, Aries, will be to surround yourself with the team you need to make this happen. When we give birth, it is best to have support all around us, caring for us and holding space. What do you need to feel supported in bringing your gifts forward? Make sure you have your “doulas” at the ready. It is a shining, beautiful time for you, Aries—enjoy every single moment.
November is really presenting some fresh and lovely energy to you this month, Taurus. Page of Wands is about movement, about the flow of growth and change, taking us from one cycle to the next. It represents a time when we are genuinely ready to walk forward into something new, leaving behind the old cycles of karma from the past. This is so wonderful and important for you, loves. There have many shifts and changes for your sign as of late, but none that have manifested themselves as being totally solid and complete. You’ll take a step, encounter various detours or lessons along the way, then the same thing will happen at the next step. This has been annoying, perhaps, but totally in alignment.
Page of Wands is all about the callibration between our passionate desires and divine timing. It’s a little marriage between surrender, patience, and the flow of our movement, how we are walking through the world. The good news is that the delays have been lifted, and it’s all green lights from here. November is the month where this new path begin to fully gel. Watch as things begin to fall into place where they weren’t before; how housing, money, press, opportunities, and desires begin to manifest themselves for you.
This is change and movement at the root level, and you are ready. In order to step forward with Page of Wands, we have to be completely finished with whatever we are learning in the here and now. It might be something so subtle and small, but if it’s important enough to our growth, this card will delay us until the timing is perfect. Page of Wands learns how to pause, how to take a breath before they leap forward. You’ve paused beautifully, Taurus—now it’s finally time to leap.
November is a beautiful month for you, Gemini. You are out of the smoke and rubble of The Tower, finally moving into some expansion! Three of Wands is just about as good as it gets, and it promises to be especially sweet for your sign. This cycle is all about new ideas, new creative ventures, new connections, new expansions. Three of Wands is about the exchange of learning and teaching, gaining knowledge while sharing what we’ve learned with new, eager ears.
It is a time of new horizons, a time when our hunger for adventure might get a little keener, our desire for change might get a little brighter. It doesn’t come from a sad, bored or low place—it’s all beautiful. We love where we are, and we want to add something new in. For you, Gemini, this couldn’t be a better energy for your spirit. What can you say yes to in November and beyond? Where are you ready to expand? What new things can you try? What do you feel excited about, excited to learn and to share? All beautiful reflections for the month ahead.
The fact that you have been in The Tower twice in the last six months is very important. It has been a time of deep clearing for you. Major life changes, major opportunities for recentering. Whatever hasn’t been serving you has become abundantly clear, and for the most part, you’ve rolled with the invitations. Now, you have a clean slate to work with. The skies are parting, and the energy is beginning to shift. The world is really your oyster. What are you ready to call into your life that you weren’t before? Whatever it is, take the first step toward it this month with open arms.
Where can you play more, Cancer? This is the million dollar question, and a particularly important one for the month of November. Have you been “all work” lately? If so, you might be beginning to feel it—even if you aren’t sharing that with anyone. Pay attention to those signs. Whether it’s impatience, lack of attention span, anger and frustration, or even burn out, it’s all information, all points on your compass, leading to play. You’ll have to consider what play looks like for you. Is it time away with your friends? A solo venture? A tricked out vacation, or just a weekend away? Your heart will hold the answer. You job is to take action on what you hear.
Four of Wands is a signal from the Universe to take a joyful break from the grind of our lives. In the Wands suit, we work hard—we have to make sure we play as hard as we work. Rest and play are crucial elements in keeping up with the pace of our passions. Four of Wands can often arise during a very powerful moment in our lives. It has the potential to really change the tone of our life from an energetic perspective, making room for a lot more ease and grace to drop in.
It will also offer you the chance to reflect, to refill your cup. Whether it’s lots of career related work, or even internal work, take some time this month to let your nervous system recenter. If you are working through something emotionally, there has to be breathing room, especially now. Create room for joy and play, loves, even if it makes you uncomfortable to do so. The discomfort will pass, leaving you brighter and fuller than you were before.
What is it time to walk away from, Leo? What have you known in your heart of hearts that you are finally ready to see? What hasn’t been serving you as of late—perhaps for a long time? Eight of Cups heralds a deep departure from something we’ve held dear, whether it be a job, a relationship, a pattern, a business, a dream, a collaboration, or something in between. Whatever it is, it is something we put our heart and soul into.
It’s something we worked for, we bled for, we ached for, and now, inexplicably, we are ready to walk away, ready to transition into the next adventure, the next journey. This is your time, sweet Leo. November is the month to take that first step. If you’re in this card, you’ll know where this applies in your life; there are few surprises with Eight of Cups. The deepest work to do around this card is to trust. Trust that you are incapable of making a mistake. Even if you stumble, there will surely be lessons to learn. Trust that whatever is waiting for you on the other side is so much better, brighter, sweeter and more in alignment for the person you are now. We can only taste the fruits of that particular tree if we are willing to boldly step beyond our comfort zone.
Trust that, regardless of what waits for you on the horizon, saying our “no” is worth the price of admission alone. Showing the Universe what we are ready to bow away with our actions and words is often one of the most powerfully transformative actions we can take in this life. Even if it’s scary, trust it. Goodness and new beginnings are awaiting you on the other side.
Have you had a special idea, project, or goal on your heart as of late, Virgo? If so, November is the month to sink your teeth into the creation of it, fully committing to the birth process. There is something that wants to come through you at this time. It might be a book, an artistic offering, or a project. Whatever it is, it has the potential to change your life—for real. All you need to do is say yes.
You might not have things fully mapped out, you might not feel fully ready, and you might not be sure of what you’re doing, but it’s cool! That’s all totally fine to feel. If you’re willing, you can fully learn that that you can not feel ready and do it anyway. If you are willing to commit to the invitation to drop into whatever it is that you are birthing (and I know you can do that, Virgo!), November will act as a powerful portal to your work and process. It might mean that you are not as available for social activities, or have less bandwidth for other things this month, but that is often what Eight of Crystals, or Pentacles asks of us.
Any eight in the Tarot is a kind of transformation, one that is sparked through our willingness to do things differently, to make a bolder choice. Eight of Pentacles is a focused energy, one that asks that we work hard and create from a place of repetition—showing up again and again, committed and willing. We move from apprentice to master in this energy, gaining experience and wisdom along the way. The potential is huge. You can stall for the elusive perfect time, or you can leap in and create. The choice is yours—choose wisely.
November is your month, sweet Libra. The Chariot is here, heralding the blessings and opportunities to come for your entire sign. The Chariot is considered to be the only true omen of goodness in the Tarot. It is a strong sign that the tides of life are changing, and that fortune is beginning to move in our favor. The energy of The Chariot is the payoff for tremendously hard work, bringing us into oneness with some kind of destined victory.
You can absolutely expect some amazing expansions in November, internal and external. The work that The Chariot will ask of you this month, Libra, will be to cultivate a stronger sense of inner equilibrium, and to say yes to any opportunity that brings you up and out of your comfort zone. With your commitment to these two concepts, you will create the strongest possible container for all of this Chariot-level goodness to bloom in. Your “yes” around these areas will hold the key to touching in with all that The Chariot has to offer.
The equilibrium is an important ingredient in the recipe for this upcoming expansion. November is the time to take a strong inventory around your inner and outer balance. Where can you ask for more help? What, if anything, needs to be gently adjusted before you’re able to move forward? If we have a flat tire, we will not be able to drive two miles, much less support a long drive. Stepping out of our comfort zone is also key with this energy—it is ruled by Cancer, after all. We have to leave our shells, foregoing protective outer layers, to step into what we desire, what we long to cultivate for ourselves. It is truly your month, loves. Embrace it fully.
In the season of decay and renewal, we’re asked to open ourselves wide for soul evolution, says Melinda Lee Holm. Let your deck guide the way towards the light with these tarot cards for November 2017 …
The theme for November is POWER. We start the month clearing out the debris impeding our ascension with the Death card, and then move into a series of expansions in our emotional lives, our inherent magical powers, and the courage to pursue our goals. It’s a big month!
So stay open, stay flexible, and keep your eye on the prize.
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:: 11/1 Day of the Dead—Death :: Day of the Dead was celebrated in central and southern Mexico long before the Spanish invaded and matched the indigenous celebrations of the dead to their Catholic holidays of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. The holiday is a time to honor the dead, to celebrate their lives, and keep their memories alive by making shrines, picnicing at grave sites, and leaving trails of marigolds to lead the way back home.
While the teachings of the Death card can feel extremely difficult, the acceptance of Death as a natural part of life is one of the greatest lessons we can learn. This extends to the life and death of relationships, modes of thinking, patterns of behavior, and ways of being. The Death card reminds us that we are always evolving, always growing and expanding and, yes, dying. Embrace life to the fullest by embracing the wisdom of Death.
Calling in Death:
Wear or carry Obsidian to release what is not serving you and open communication with the Spirit World
Eat black sesame—a favorite of Shiva, the destroyer and transformer
Draw out your demons—literally. Drawing can help exorcise what needs releasing without the pressure of naming that comes with using written words.
Honor the dead through prayer, lighting a candle, visiting a marker, or simply telling their stories
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:: 11/13: Venus conjunct Jupiter in Scorpio—2 of Cups :: Remember that awesome dose of expansion I talked about last month with Jupiter arriving to hang out in Scorpio for 13 months? Well, on the 13th, Venus will join Jupiter in Scorpio for just a couple weeks, steering this major expansion into the realm of beauty and L O V E. Keep your ears perked up and your eyes open for fresh waves of love energy in new or existing relationships and take a good look at any aspects of your personal beauty routine and/or concept that could use a tune-up.
To bring on a new day in the land of love, we look to the 2 of Cups. Cups represent Water, the element of emotion, and in the 2 we see the spark of what is possible in the emotional realm when 2 hearts come together. This card is all about the maagic of the initial attraction we feel when we meet someone new. This is of course sometimes a romantic attraction, but it can also be a spiritual attraction of friendship or mentorship. Love comes in many forms!
Calling in the 2 of Cups:
Bathe with Rose Quartz—a stone or two in the tub will charge up the whole bath with heart opening energy
Make a date with someone new
Switch up your beauty routine with a new cosmetic—love the vessel you’re in!
Wear pink or green, the colors of the heart center
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:: 11/18: Occult Day—The Magician :: While there is very little information about the origins of this holiday, it is on every list of November holidays. And as a proud occultist, I will gladly take the invitation to celebrate! This Occult Day, get yourself in line for those downloads of secret wisdom by calling in The Magician.
The Magician is the Tarot’s master of manifestation. In almost every representation, he is shown with the power of all four suits (wands, cups, swords, pentacles) at his disposal. In this card, we see the figure of The Magician with one hand pointed up toward the Heavens and the other pointed down toward the Earth. When we recognize that we ourselves are beings of both the Earth and the Cosmos, we can begin to open up to our innate powers of manifestation and our Magician within.
Calling in The Magician:
Eat Cinnamon to accelerate your innate magical powers
Create a personal mantra and say it aloud daily—use your magic words!
Meditate with Labradorite, stone of magic and self-mastery
Finally get that Tarot deck (or palmistry book, or grimoire, etc) you’ve been wanting for so long
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:: 11/28 Red Planet Day—The Emperor :: This celebration of the planet Mars and its association with both Scorpio and the cardinal fire sign, Aries, asks us to embrace passion, direction, and intense energy. Whether you have Aries planets or not, look to where Mars falls in your chart and celebrate and capitalize on its big dose of fiery action from the Red Planet.
The Emperor is the perfect embodiment of Mars energy in the Tarot. Energetically, The Emperor is single-minded in his determination to accomplish his goals and create the world around him that’s in exact alignment with his personal vision. While he sometimes gets a bad reputation for being cold, the true nature of The Emperor is simply to pursue his goals and ideals with an enviable purity of passion.
Calling in The Emperor:
Wear or carry Carnelian, the warrior’s stone
Practice The Power of No and save your energy for your own pursuits
Power dress – suit? piles of jewelry? red lipstick? Get it.
Make a vision board – you have to dream it to make it happen!
Want more tarot magic? Book a session with Melinda here, and make sure to follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
Get this week’s astro symbol for your sign in our Numinous weekly horoscopes by Sandra Sitron, a.k.a. Strong Eye Astrology …
Scorpio :: Scorpio Rising A cat drinking milk. It’s time to nourish yourself. By taking care of yourself first, it’s easier to feel safe in a relationship. When you feel safe, you can be strong, but also open. Give yourself lots of empathy. Spend quality time with yourself. Ask yourself what you really need and how you really feel, so that you can truly open up your heart in relationship with others. Only you have the power to convince yourself that you are safe to create intimacy in a relationship with another person.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Sagittarius :: Sagittarius Rising Picking your way along a rocky mountain path. You are negotiating your way. You need to keep your mind on the details. If you try to look too far ahead, you might miss a step and fumble. But at the same time, you must remain hopeful and balanced. You are on the right path. You are exactly where you need to be. Just stay present in the moment and take care of the business at hand.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Capricorn :: Capricorn Rising A clear pond, the water is so still that you can see your reflection. Look at your reflection in the watery mirror. You are unique. Your individuality is perfect. But this isn’t just a regular mirror, it’s a pond— a symbol of the creative and intuitive water element. This symbol means that you must trust yourself as a unique individual and you must trust your creative expression. You must let your creativity and intuition lead right now. Express yourself and enjoy yourself. That action will help you choose your next steps.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Aquarius :: Aquarius Rising Two snakes wrapped around Hermes’ staff— the caduceus. You are being invited to find the stability between two opposites— the physical and the spiritual worlds. This may be a time of emotional healing and stabilizing. You must be willing to go deeper into emotional analysis than is usually comfortable or expected. Find way to integrate your expectations for yourself in the physical (professional) world with your emotional needs. Maybe this means you embark on a deep investigation of your emotional health with a therapist or trusted friend, or maybe it means you begin a meditation practice. Look for balance within.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Pisces :: Pisces Rising Petals showering down from the branches of a flowering tree. A gust of wind releases fragrant and beautiful flower petals. It’s time to bring in more air element, so that you can have brilliant new experiences. In astrology, the air element represents mental and social connections. Open up to new learning and new social groups. Get out and circulate. Talk about your ideas. Become curious about other people’s stories. Tell your own stories in a new way. Make new connections so that you can experience fresh beauty in the world.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Aries :: Aries Rising A leopard behind a rock. Waiting silently. Ready to pounce. Even if you are the hunter and not the hunted, there is always a risk. If the leopard wins, new resources have been won. But if the leopard misses, she is potentially exposed to unseen danger and hunger. This is an interesting symbol to interpret because it’s about taking some risks to increase your stability. Usually risk and stability don’t show up in the same sentence. But this time they do. What do you need to risk so that your stability is enhanced? It may be that the risk is emotional.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Taurus :: Taurus Rising Looking out at the landscape. Fields and hills stretch far into the distance. This is your time to get centered in who you are and what you need. Do away with self-doubt. Really. There’s no reason for it. You don’t need to fear. You are capable of doing everything you want to do. Maybe the last 6 months have taught you that. You can trust that the choices which have got you here were sound. Orient yourself in a moment of confidence and then look ahead to define your vision for the future.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Gemini :: Gemini Rising A handprint in the sand. It’s time to be playful and look for magic in everything. Don’t let a jaded mindset get in the way of having fun. If you are finding that you need to be right, or you need to be an expert — stop and begin again. Embrace the concept of the “beginner’s mind” and just enjoy learning. Let go of the ego, which always needs to be right. Dissolve your ego. Be playful and interact with the world like a child in a constant state of discovery.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Cancer :: Cancer Rising Weather patterns. The unpredictability of the weather. This symbol is about your internal weather. The emotional storms of the mind and the clear sunny days. We have scientific methods to predict the weather. Do you have logical methods to predict your emotional weather? How can you get a few steps ahead to anticipate and learn from your emotions? Most of the time this can be achieved by observing yourself objectively. Try to do this right now so that over time you can find logical ways to work with your emotions.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Leo :: Leo Rising A giant gum ball. That’s a lot to chew. Your career zone is lit up by the Full Moon this week. Bite into it. You can excel. You can achieve. You have to work for it, but success is available. So take action. Don’t hold back. Make it fun and enjoyable. The symbol of the giant gum ball is fun. Take a childlike approach and be playful in your work life. But keep chewing.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Virgo :: Virgo Rising Lined notebook paper. Get serious and start taking notes. It may be time to stretch your mind through writing, reading, learning, or some kind of academic study. You have a manifesto to create. Orient yourself mentally. What is your mission? What is your “why?” Zoom out to see the big picture. It might be time to ask yourself, “What’s my vision for my life?” Write it all down.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Libra :: Libra Rising A doe blends into the forest. Have you been keeping yourself camouflaged? Have you been hiding out? Hiding some part of yourself from the world? It’s time to step out into a new leadership role. Notice where you’ve been trying to blend in. It may be that the emotional cost of being seen feels high. But what’s the emotional cost of hiding? The truth about life is that it’s a series of transitions. From birth, to maturity, to death. You are always in a state of transformation. You have to stop hiding so that your transformation can be witnessed by others.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Forget your middle-school collection of holograms. Body Vibes are grown-up, Now Age magic stickers designed to change your frequency for optimal health …
What if you could tap into the mind/body connection with just one touch?
When we first heard about the new sticker collection from Body Vibes, we could not have been more intrigued. The stickers have been designed to invite more self-love, soothe anxiety, or up your creative game. All you need to do is apply one of their super sexy stickers, emblazoned with unicorns, mermaids, third eyes, and more.
And then just let the sub-harmonic signals do the rest …
Wait … WTF?!
Uh yeah, we needed to get the full low down on how these babies work, too! So here’s what we learned when we sat down to chat with the babes behind Body Vibes …
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Science meets magic: Because you’re electric, baby Just like all of nature, every part of our bodies exists in a state of vibration. When we’re healthy, the body broadcasts overall harmonic health. But when an unhealthy frequency sets up shop in our body, it creates a disharmony we call “disease.”
Similar to crystal healing and Reiki, Body Vibes “Sacred Six” Smart Stickers are designed to bring us back into optimal frequency, based on the basic belief that we are electrical and energetic beings, and that it’s possible to move blocked energy.
How? The stickers have been programmed by scientists with actual frequency signatures taken from organic and living botanicals in a form that our body’s own electricity can read and mimic.
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The actual science part Bio engineers capture frequencies found in nature. These are then condensed into the same unit of frequency found in the human body, and imprinted into special Mylar material that can hold an energetic flux for two years.
Each sticker is then embedded with up to 33 distinctive vibration patterns, including one of the “Solfeggio” frequencies. With roots in the Gregorian chants of the early Middle Ages, Solfeggio frequencies come from the pure tonal notes that made up the ancient musical scale, and are said to have harmonizing effects on the body as they unite us with Divine.
Oh yeah … science + magic= energetic nutrition for your cells
The back story Body Vibes founder Leslie Kritzer was first introduced to the technology when her husband’s naturopathic doctor gave him a bio-energy disc to help manage his arthritic pain. After his pain was dramatically reduced with no apparent side effects, she immediately started to utilize them to manage her own chronic anxiety.
After a month, she became aware of the little things—less road rage, more patience, more relaxation and ease. The big “aha” moment came when she decided to quit for a few days. By day 3 of sticker-free life, she was feeling much more anxious again and able to identify her “OCD” thinking in a brand new way.
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How do I tell if they’re working for me? Since all of our bodies are different, the technology can affect everyone differently. For example, the more energizing blends may leave you feeling immediately stimulated, while others may not notice the change until after they remove their sticker and realize how productive and energetic they felt. The same goes for the calming frequencies—the effect for most people is immediate and for others, becomes apparent after the sticker has been removed.
*Read Numinous Founder Ruby’s Body Vibes verdict at the end of the post!
The Sacred Six: Stick to how you want to feel Leslie and her partner Madison DeClercq (who also own hip LA skincare line Skin Worship) designed the different Body Vibes stickers based on the chakra system.
Each of our chakras vibrates at a different frequency—from the lowest, deepest, slowest at the root to the highest and fastest at the crown.
So, how do you want to feel? Pick it and stick it!
Less Anxious (Root Chakra): Stick this lightening-bolt-emblazoned Anti-Anxiety hummingbird on to liberate guilt and fear, and reduce feelings of nervousness.
Empowered (Sacral Chakra): Create lasting change with the endurance and empowerment of the open-palmed Energy sticker
Loved (Solar Plexus Chakra): Transform your self-care practice and summon miracles with this gilded heart Self-Love sticker.
Connected to others (Heart Chakra): Heal conflict and harmonize relationships with a lounging mermaid At the Beach blend.
Focused (Throat Chakra): A golden pyramid and third eye imprint on the Focus sticker increase productivity, and enhances expression, creativity, and problem-solving.
Gorgeous (Third Eye): Unicorn power restores spiritual order, and reflects light, beauty, peace, and strength in the Beauty sticker.
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MY WEEK GETTING HIGH ON (BODY) VIBES by Ruby Warrington
Obviously, we had to put Body Vibes stickers to the test—and so I decided to wear a different one for each day this week. Read on for the verdict!
MONDAY Mondays have been coming around WAY too fast lately (anybody??) and I kind of wanna carry on the weekend vibes, so I go straight for the new Flower Power stickers—designed to promote “relaxation, coping skills, and muscle relaxation” (and emblazoned with a cannabis leaf). My afternoon is pretty chill, and that evening I find myself giggling all the way thought Mindhunter. Huh? I also have to eat an extra piece of avo toast before bed. #Munchies?!
TUESDAY A busy day of meetings means time to up the ante with the Energy sticker. Notably, my usual afternoon dip doesn’t happen and I’m able to stay super chatty and … energized … for two back-to-back podcast interviews. That night I wake at 4.30am and can’t go back to sleep, and find myself peeling the sticker off in an attempt to stop my mind whirring with tomorrow’s to-do list.
WEDNESDAY A bad night’s sleep is not gonna help me ace the first promo push for our New Year, Nu You retreat, followed by a 2-hour in-depth business call, another podcast interview, and cooking dinner for a friend this eve. What I need is some Focus! I slap the sticker featuring a pyramid with an evil eye right above my heart. WOW. Not only do I power through all the above, I also create a super-detailed 20-story IG promo for the retreat, and manage to fit in a yoga session before dinner. That night … I wake up, mind racing, at 3.30am! I feel like I spent the day downing espresso.
THURSDAY Chatting with Numinous assistant editor Bess about our Body Vibes post, she tells me that the “strong coffee” effect is apparently a common way some of the stickers are described—and on the pack, “sensitive types” ARE advised to wear the stickers further away from the heart. That must be me. Feeling exhausted from two nights with no sleep, I opt for the Anti-Anxiety sticker today. Perfect for back-to-back meetings with three of my favorite women. I find myself focusing 100% on enjoying the moment with them, and barely thinking about the emails I know are stacking up in my inbox.
FRIDAY I still didn’t sleep great last night, and woke up with a stiff neck—so it’s back to Flower Power for me (which I place on my left shoulder right where it hurts). It is Friday, after all!
THE VERDICT Some of it could be psychosomatic, sure, but I have definitely noticed subtle shifts in my energy using the stickers this week. And that word is always key when it comes to energy work: subtle. We live in a world of such sensory overload, it can be hard to hear the gentle messages we’re receiving from our energetic body day-in-day-out, and it’s like wearing these stickers helped remind me to tune in. Plus the energy surge I felt using the Focus was undeniable! I’ll definitely be using them again …
Discover more about Body Vibes stickers and shop the collection at Shopbodyvibes.com
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***How to stick ’em Place the stickers on the left side of your chest, close to your heart—or on the left side of your arm, back, or shoulder. For those who are more sensitive to changes in their homeostasis, place on the lower inner arm above the wrist, or on the right side
And for magic multiplied, you can also create your own “cocktail” with more than just one. The Third Eye and Solar Plexus stickers are particularly good for adding an additional positive well-being frequency to any other vibe.
*Please be advised that once the sticker is removed, it loses its adhesive property and a new one will need to be used.
As we head towards the end of the year, the Aquarius Waxing Quarter Moon asks us to embrace our authenticity, be willing to take the radical lead, and get ready to unleash our vision, says Jennifer Racioppi …
Waxing Quarter Moon :: October 27 2017 :: 6:22pm EST :: 4 degrees Aquarius
As October quickly comes to a close, it’s time to plume the depths of your psyche and unleash your authenticity. The Waxing Quarter Moon in Aquarius challenges you to embrace this individuality and take the lead in your life!
Use this Waxing Quarter Moon to do the work to develop yourself as a leader. As leadership expert Warren Bennis points out, “Becoming a leader is synonymous with becoming yourself.” Thankfully this lunar experience supports you to do just that!
This progressive Moon sign doesn’t get caught up in the convention. Preferring to go against the grain instead, Aquarius encourages rebellious action that has authentic resonance …
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:: The Sun :: As the Sun moves through Scorpio—a water sign fiercely devoted to the truth—psychological insights abound! Since the Sun and good luck Jupiter are traveling close together (conjoining on 10/26), it’s time to bet high on yourself.
Connect with your intuition, and allow yourself to express your truth. Go for what you want. In doing so, you permit others to do the same.
:: The Moon :: The Aquarius Moon makes a positive trine to Mars in Libra. This activation of air, an element connected to thoughts, ideas, and communication, inspires creativity and intellect.
So tap into evolutionary and progressive thinking. Let yourself lead. Don’t be afraid to express your views and opinions.
:: The Square :: This Waxing Quarter Moon also refers us back to the New Moon that happened at 8 degrees of Aquarius on January 27, 2017.
Think back to late January, and see if you can remember what you desired then. Can you see how you’ve grown since then? What are some challenges you are encountering now in bringing that dream and desire to fruition?
If you were to take radical action now on behalf of the goal you set in motion then, what would this look like? Based on how far you’ve already come this year, what does leadership look like for you now?
:: The Message :: This Waxing Quarter Moon encourages you to own your voice and power, and recommit to the vision you set out to accomplish in January of 2017.
With the year quickly coming to a close, evaluate your progress and then own your leadership role in your own life. You can get a lot done right now with the progressive Aquarius vibes pushing you forward.
Unleash your vision, activate your authenticity, and take the lead. Place a bet on you, and then win!
For more Moon wisdom or to book a coaching session with Jennifer visit Jenniferracioppi.com. And to learn more about how to work with each Moon phase, check out Moon Club, our community of lunar-loving cosmic change makers!
Question: what’s the most high-vibe way you can think of to ring in new year?
Here’s my answer. I want to welcome this mega cosmic refresh with my arms and heart open wide. I want to make the transition from one year to the next in communion with people I trust with all my body and soul. I want there to be ritual, and ceremony, and for my intention setting to be … intentional.
I want to get quiet, so I can hear my own heart speak. I want to draw my scattered energy close. To fully recharge. I want to learn new things that ignite my inner wisdom. And I also want for there to be big hugs and belly laughs. Delicious food. Cozy walks. I want to be close to nature; all the better for breathing in the brand new 2018 air, and feeling the energetic shift deep in my bones.
Which is what I got to create when the lovely people at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health asked me to host a Numinous takeover the first week of 2018. YES, I said, in a hot heartbeat. And lo, our first ever New Year, Nu You retreat was born!(Read on for the full story, or skip to the end of the post if it’s already a YES from you too, and you just wanna read the line-up!)
Thank you, Numiverse. Because the past few new years have not been the best for me.
I’d always had December 31 pegged as party time. Food and booze with friends. Auld Lang Syne and sloppy kisses as the clock strikes midnight. Going through the motions with all the old traditions (which never really felt like mine). A foggy start the morning after, scrawling a list of half-baked “resolutions” over eggs and a sore head.
And more recently, sober curious new years’ spent feeling like a loser for not feeling like a party. Early to bed and long walks under clear blue skies the morning after, speaking my intentions into the ether. The start of something fresh, yes. But lacking a sense of celebration. Of communion.
The people I called also happen to be some of the most talented, inspiring and heart-centered teachers I have worked with on my spiritual path. Some of whom are featured in my book, others whom I have co-curated much magic with. And this coming JANUARY 1—5 you get to share in this magic too.
So, what’s on the program?
As the great Universal oneness would have it, Jan 1 2018 also happens to fall on a Cancer Full Moon. (And you know how I feel about the Moon). Cancer is the sign of deep emotional healing; of sacred self-care; of family; and of coming home to the comfort of our own selves. And so we will begin with a special Full Moon ceremony, to open our container and set our intentions for the week to come.
We’ll then go DEEP with 4 days workshops, ritual, and awakening. Including:
Astrology as Basic Life Skill. Unlocking the basics of birth chart interpretation and a look at how the astrology for 2018 applies specifically to YOU … hosted by me!
Trust Yourself: Intuition 101. A practical guide to connecting to your own intuitive voice and unleashing your psychic super-powers with Betsy LeFae.
Guided Intention-setting Journey. A meditative deep dive into your heart space, using shamanic journey work, visualization, symbolism, and imagery with Alexandra Roxo.
Tarot for The Wild Soul. An immersive journey into soul-centered Tarot reading, learning how to read Tarot for growth, healing, and personal expansion with Lindsay Mack.
The Happiness Method. Ancient wisdom meets modern science and holistic nutrition, as we learn real-world applications for self-transformation with Sah D’Simone.
Spirit Séance: Group Intuitive Circle. The chance to receive your own psychic message from the spirit world in a safe and protected environment with Betsy LeFae.
Heart to Heart: Connection as the Sacred Path to Love. Discover a deep practice for unlocking our most authentic self-expression, heartfelt truths, and intimate relationships with Alexandra Roxo.
The Sacred Wheel. A Tarot journey into 2018 to discover the Tarot medicine for the year to come with Lindsay Mack.
Meditation and Breathwork. A practice to begin to rewire your brain with new habits, to heal trauma, settle the mind, and become more present and emotionally intelligent with Sah D’Simone.
Story Medicine. We close with a ritualized, open-sharing circle, to leave us feeling seen, valued, and inspired to continue on your journey, also hosted by me.
(Get full class descriptions HERE + presenter bios HERE).
And all in the beautiful, nurturing surroundings of amazing Kripalu, one of the premier yoga and wellness centers in the US. Set in 100 acres of beautiful grounds, we’ll be fueled with three meals per day from the renowned Kripalu Kitchen. All guests will also have access to daily yoga and other movement classes, plus access to the sauna, fitness room, outdoor hiking trails, and more!
The cost of the Numinous New Year, Nu You program is $375, with accommodation starting at $460 per person (including all food and additional workshops). Plus, there’s plenty of room for you to bring all your friends! Read more and explore all the options HERE.
Can you think of a better way to begin your new year? Didn’t think so. 2018 we are COMING TO GET YOU …
Paralyzed by Tarot-noia, astro dates, and constant cleanses? You might be having a wellness overdose, says Mercedes Kiss …
Collage by the author
With planet of spiritual abundance, Jupiter, now in insatiable Scorpio, it could begin to feel like we’re caught up in a zodiac discotheque of wellness … knocking back the ‘booch and dusting all your friends in Astragalus to keep the party going strong.
But watch your step in those Bulletproof platforms, disco minx, because too many sips on this cosmic mix could tip your Health Hustle into the Overdose Zone.
When it comes to wellness, here are 9 ways to tell you’ve gone from “Hot Stuff” to “Le Freak” …
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1// You intro yourself as an 80/20-Intermittent-Fasting-Lacto-Keto-Paleo-Vego-Juicing-(Nutso) What started as a simple way to alert restaurants of your dietary preference has ballooned into a multi-hyphened food-entity.
The labels began as a way to help you to become THE BEST YOU. The problem is, so many of life’s glories—adventure, experimentation, spontaneity, surrender—require busting through those Bulletproof walls.
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2// You’re stuck in analysis paralysis You went to the drugstore for eye drops. After sitting on the itchy carpet comparing ingredients lists for 45 minutes, and diving deep into online review forums, you ultimately leave empty-handed (deeming it utterly irresponsible to put such chemically-laden toxic waste on your precious peepers).
When every purchase has become a debilitating tug-of-war between this-or-that-or-DIY, I dare you to just pick something by the count of three. If you hate it you can return it … but, babe, your free time isn’t meant to be spent under nasty drugstore fluorescents.
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3// You’re so “cleansed,” your digestive tract sparkles brighter than Martha Stewart’s silver Yes Martha is the original #girlboss and nearly everything she does is “a good thing.” But constant cleansing is not.
I certainly champion for a diet loaded with green leafy veg, where snacks aren’t shackled in crinkly plastic bags. But adopting the philosophy that certain foods are “clean” and others “dirty” can make a mess of both mind and body. The stress we place on ourselves for crushing that WHOLE movie theater box of Sour Patch Kids can be just as gnarly to our overall health as its nutrient (non)density or caloric hit.
Collage by the author
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4// D stands for Detox, Dharma, Dulse … and Debt After a recent super-natural shopping spree of powdered adaptogens, a highly-touted jade yoni egg, and a year’s supply of organic Jojoba oil, I crashed down with an ego-breaking thud when I checked my bank account.
Take a lesson from a gal who’s been there: all the green products in the world aren’t worth finding your finances in the red.
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5// E stands for Exercise … but also Exhaustion and Escape I love running for long stretches out in nature with fabulous company … like Blondie or Donna Summer’s greatest hits! But I knew I needed to ask myself why I was craving those daily 2-hour jaunts when no amount of sleep left me feeling rested and I was procrastinating on other obligations.
The warning signs were obvious but I pushed to the physical and emotional breaking point before admitting, “I’m a savage for sweat who’s literally running away from reality.”
So sure, go after the high. But listen to your body’s wisdom and keep your intentions honest.
Collage by the author
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6// You have more dates with your colon-hydrotherapist than with your lover Or your acupuncturist/Reiki Master/cryo chamber, and your best-friend/sister/mom …
Checking in with your tribe can bring tremendous satisfaction and healing all its own. The relief sought from your bevy of external therapies could mask other areas of life, and the relationships that really count, being swept under the rug.
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7// The stars. Must. Align Your astrology newsletter said the 1st would be a “compromised day for business relationships,” so you called in sick to work. The 14th is forecasted to be lucky for romance, so you triple booked Tinder dates (swipe right! – swipe right! – swipe right!).
The zodiac is many things: magical, intriguing, guiding, telling. But it is not a guarantee. We might be handed a roadmap with highlighted routes, but it’s up to us to fill up the tank and drive responsibly.
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8// You’ve turned into “Sage On The Stage” You find yourself in a social situation (a catchup over hemp milk lattes or dinner at that new “farm-to-upcycled-tablecloths” joint), and suddenly you morph into Gwyneth Paltrow meets Tony Robbins meets Anderson Cooper.
Sharing your wellness wisdom is a noble cause. Just remember, Your Highness of Health, that friends are equals and not a paying audience. They want to hang with you, not necessarily your monologue on ceremonial Matcha.
Collage by the author
9// “Wellness” just isn’t juicy enough Do you ever say a word so many times that it loses all meaning? It dissolves into syllables, then elemental sounds, then POOF! It’s gone.
Wellness is, well, one thing … and it doesn’t get to the heart of all we sumptuous creatures crave. With expansive Jupiter stoking our transformational fires through November 3 2018, how about we also go after GREAT-ness? FIERCE-ness? Some Scorpio SEXI-ness? When it comes to disco-diva FABULOUS-ness, I’ll take a strong hit everyday.
Mercedes Kiss is a Boston-based designer, writer, and holistic health coach. After rocking her 20s as an architect of fancy buildings, she jumped tracks and became an architect of the soul. Follow her on Instagram and discover more about A STAND OUT, her sparkly biz devoted to serving a growing tribe of babes through high-vibe articles, personalized wellness coaching, and a line of hand-crafted organic skincare.
What do you do when your “dream job” turns out to be a nightmare? Jamie Graber tells Ruby Warrington how she finally realized it was okay to just walk away …
When Jamie Graber launched Gingersnaps Organic, the NYC restaurant and juice bar that became a favorite of raw foodies, celebrities and media alike, it felt like her dharma. Born and raised in NY, she felt it was working for Rawvolution on the West Coast that had helped her heal from a collage eating disorder, and finally develop a healthy relationship with food. Now she was helping others learn about the healing joy of food, too.
As a venue for regular high-vibe events (like Jamie’s weekly salons on the teachings from A Course in Miracles), her business also became a place to curate a community of like-minded seekers, while a move to a chichi West Village location in 2015 sent the signal that business was booming. A book, Juice It, Blend It, Live It, published later that year, cemented Jamie’s position as a leading figurehead of New York’s healthy eating scene.
So when she made the snap decision to shut up shop this summer, friends and industry figures alike were left reeling. What business disaster or personal tragedy could be behind her sudden move?
In reality, it had been a long time coming—even if Jamie herself didn’t see it. On the surface, she had built a life and a career that looked like a dream come true. Behind the scenes however, the relentless daily grind of managing a restaurant business had left her strung out, back in her eating disorder, and feeling like a prisoner in her own life. And yet, “I never even entertained the idea that I could just walk away.”
Sitting down to chat about her transition to a full-time coaching business this fall, she told me how: “part of the problem was that Gingersnaps had become my identity. Closing it would mean starting over, on every level.” Because where do you go, when the career you thought was everything you wanted, turns out to be the opposite?
Outside Gingersnaps West Village location
I found myself asking this question before I left my “dream job” on the Sunday Times Style magazine in the UK. And I’ve also found myself asking it since creating The Numinous, at times when my passion project has begun to feel more like a ball and chain. My point being that co-creating (with the Universe) a career that truly lights you up is a constant work in progress. Not to mention a privilege that deserves your full commitment.
As our own lives and needs shift, so will the work we find inspiring. And as we grow and develop as individuals, so will what we have to offer. When it comes to our profession, this will likely require multiple course-corrections as we seek to stay true to our path—even if it means “giving up” things we feel we’ve worked so hard for.
For anybody facing a similar career-crisis, Jamie’s story brings up several key areas for some honest self-enquiry. Read on if you’re ready to quit hitting snooze on living the life of your dreams—you owe it to yourself and those you seek to serve …
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QUESTION: DOES MY WORK MAKE ME FEEL POWERFUL? “Looking back, I can see how I created a business where I wasn’t feeling powerful, because I didn’t actually want to be making food. Could I make the food? Absolutely. But I am not a chef. I’m amazing at tonics, I’m amazing at smoothies. But what people wanted to order at my restaurant was not necessarily that. What Gingersnaps was known for was not really what I wanted to be doing.”
QUESTION: IS WORK STRESS HAVING A KNOCK-ON EFFECT ON MY HEALTH? “And then the eating stuff came back. In 2016 I had a book out, and it was all juices and smoothies. Writing it meant I gave myself the excuse to go on all liquids, because I had to recipe test. That summer, that is all I had. I probably lost 20 lbs. Eating disorders are all about control, and I felt completely out of control at Gingersnaps. So I chose to control my diet instead.”
QUESTION: WHO IS YOUR ‘SEEING IS BELIEVING’? “I met my coach, Lacy Phillips from Free and Native, at a lecture. She wasn’t all sparkles. She talked a little bit about the darkness, and I liked that. In our first session, she asked me, ‘Who is your seeing is believing?’ And I told her ‘No-one.’ She asked again, ‘So you don’t see anyone doing what you’re doing that you can aspire to be like? Amanda from Moon Juice? Marcus from Juice Press?’ Again, I told her, ‘No.’ I realized that what I was doing did not exist as my dream job.”
QUESTION: WHAT IS IT THAT TRULY LIGHTS ME UP? “So I wrote a list. What is it that lights me up? What is it that makes me happy? And then I wrote another list of the things I was doing every day. And it became very, very clear to me, that these were two completely different lists. That even in my best-case scenario, even on my very best days at Gingersnaps, this was still was not it. When Lacy asked me, ‘so what if Gingersnaps is not it?’ I realized for the first time I could actually just walk away. It felt like a 50lb weight had been lifted from my chest.”
QUESTION: WHAT IF IT WASN’T ABOUT THE MONEY? “When I told my landlord, he offered me a 50 per cent rent reduction for six months. For a restaurant in New York’s West Village, that is a substantial amount of money! I could have taken this as a sign to stay, but actually it meant nothing to me, because it wasn’t about the money. I realized I wasn’t doing it for the money—and that wasn’t even important to me. It was when it became a really solid no.”
QUESTION: ARE YOU IN IT FOR YOUR EGO? “Part of the problem was, Gingersnaps had become my identity. Lots of celebrities were doing our cleanses, and as the owner of Gingersnaps I got invited to everything, you know? I was going to have to deal with the fact that I would have to start over, in a sense. I had to really wrap my head around the idea that I no longer had an answer to, ‘so, what do you do?’”
QUESTION: WHAT DO I LOVE ABOUT MY CURRENT JOB? “One thing I did enjoy on list of daily tasks, was talking to the customers. It would wind up coaching them, and I loved seeing the change I could have on people. That I could get them to see things differently. Ironically, food was rarely part of those conversations. I think what I really wanted was a community, and a learning space. After all, I was a philosophy major at college. Clearly, this was where I was supposed to be going.”
QUESTION: WHAT WORK DOESN’T FEEL LIKE WORK TO ME? “I actually have a lot of guilt now, because the work I do doesn’t feel like work. We live in this paradigm where work and play are separate, which reinforces the subconscious belief that we’re not supposed to ‘enjoy’ our work. My husband reminds me that the fact my work no longer feels like work is because I’ve finally aligned with what I’m supposed to be doing. And I think that’s so important. Really recognizing that our work can absolutely be something we truly love to do.”
A Certified Reiki Healer, Certified Yoga instructor, Gabrielle Bernstein Spirit Junkie Coach and Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) graduate, Jamie now works with clients on a one-to-one basis. Discover more about her and her work at Organicallyjamie.com.
Get this week’s astro symbol for your sign in our Numinous weekly horoscopes by Sandra Sitron, a.k.a. Strong Eye Astrology …
Scorpio :: Scorpio Rising Standing on the peak of a mountain after a long hike. There has been work, and now there’s reward. Soak it in. Look around and enjoy the vista. Take a couple of deep breaths. Do you know that you are supported? Allow yourself to celebrate and appreciate. Notice how far you’ve come. This whole process will help you feel even more connected to yourself. Lean into it.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Sagittarius :: Sagittarius Rising A black bear hibernates. It’s your season to rest and dream. You will benefit from connecting with your intuition. Look for the unseen and the unprovable. Peer into the mystery. Create a sense of faith within yourself. In the same way that the bear trusts that it has enough resources to rest for the long winter, you too must rest. Inward self-reflection will deliver sustenance.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Capricorn :: Capricorn Rising Weaving a tapestry. Binding together. This relates to your network. Your connections. What kind of community are you weaving? Do you feel that you are part of something bigger than yourself? Your social group can help you progress. Are you willing to share your message with a larger group of people? This is a time to feel connected. You belong.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Aquarius :: Aquarius Rising A goat. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks, just stay on your path. Keep going up, up, up. It’s not on you to decide whether you are good enough or acceptable. And don’t get caught up in judging others, either. You just keep working. Keep digging in. The effort you make might even feel good. It’s nice to rediscover how strong you are.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Pisces :: Pisces Rising A llama on a journey. On a mission. Exploration. Travel. Seeking. Finding. Don’t worry about the physical and emotional realms right now. Go on an intellectual journey. Focus on yourself and your personal growth. Broaden your mind. Seek out adventure. Discover your inspiration. Push yourself out of the comfort zone and look for a new way.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Aries :: Aries Rising A hamster stores food in its cheek. You can’t keep holding on to the past. The hamster is designed for it, but you are not. It’s time to enter a process of emotional release. Forgiveness. Letting go. Do this now so that you can start fresh. You excel when you able to be spontaneous and unencumbered. Take some time to study how to forgive and let go. You will free up a lot of energy that can be better used for exciting new projects.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Taurus :: Taurus Rising Rolling the dice. Take a gamble. Get a little risky. Do it in the area of relationships. What if you allow yourself to be a teeny bit more vulnerable than is comfortable? What if you open up a little bit more? What if you risk letting someone in? Somehow, no matter what your relationship status, there’s is a risk you need to take when it comes to relating to another person. It’s the kind of risk that could bring you deeper connection and honesty.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Gemini :: Gemini Rising Zebra stripes. It’s not all black and white. When it comes to your health and wellness, you need to seek out moderation. Slow and gentle improvements. This is an excellent time for you to get your health, habits, workflows and general organization into alignment. Resist the urge to try to “be perfect.” Instead, focus on feeling grounded and centered in the moment. From there, make micro adjustments that will help you feel healthier and more organized.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Cancer :: Cancer Rising A beach ball caught in a gust of wind. It’s time to have fun. Get caught up in a moment of bouncy joy. Creativity and playfulness are important to activate now. As is self-expression and recognition. But don’t stress or feel like you have one more thing to do. Just open up and take some time to relax. Do you know what things you truly enjoy? At this point in your life, what’s your idea of fun? Explore.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Leo :: Leo Rising A traditional dance, memorized. Step in time and move ritualistically. You know what you are supposed to do, and you’ve done it before. Yet it’s still fun! The message here is that you can rely on the familiar. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Do the things that help you feel emotionally connected with a tradition. Others have gone before you and their wisdom can lead the way.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Virgo :: Virgo Rising An illuminated light bulb. Here’s your chance for an “aha moment.” Maybe even a couple. If ever there is a moment for you to come up with some brilliant ideas that can improve your quality of life, it’s now. Invigorate your mind, so that you can reap the full benefits of this time. Take a class, journal, research, or interview. Activate your curiosity.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Libra :: Libra Rising A rainbow to a pot of gold. Get your wishes ready and lace up your shoes. It’s time to go look for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Discover how you can increase your wealth. Remove any blocks to your high self-worth. Remember that you are supported by the universe. All of this will help the money flow in. This is a time for you to build security.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandrahere or follow her on Instagram.
Scorpio season 2017 invites us to dive deep into the shadows, so that we can emerge reborn, says Bess Matassa … PLUS primal thrill-seeking for your Lilith sign.
Image: Kai Weissenfeld
Welcome to the jungle, carnal starlets. The zodiac’s bestial baroness pulls no punches and takes no prisoners as she brings us down to our knees and into the heart of blood, sweat, and tear-drenched magic.
This muscular mami wants you to feel every last sensation as you gnaw the sweet meat right off the bare bones. The unexpected treasure, primal thrill-seekers? When we smoke it out of the closet and burn it all the way down, we’re left with rock solid, gold-soaked selfhood that can never be taken from us.
So go hard. Go deep. And let it bring you on home. Get down and dirty and wash it crystal clean of apologies and shame. It’s all a part of it and it’s all a part of you. Lust after it. Long for it. And know that you can survive every last loss and learn to long for it all again.
Your love is deeper than the ocean and you’re ready to shake it all the way down to the molten-hot core …
The keyword: Intensity.
The song lyrics: “Welcome to the jungle/You learn to live like an animal in the jungle where we play/Watch it bring you to your sha na na na na knees, knees”—Guns N’ Roses, Welcome to the Jungle
Check out Bess’ Scorpio Season 2017 playlist, complete with erotic rockers, carnal crooning, and night movers & shakers.
Saint Laurent AW17
The color palette: unearthed geodes and glow-in-the-dark noir. Blood rubies, neon magentas, black vinyl, and liquid gold.
The style: Miami Vice meets the Roman bacchanal. Think sweat-drenched skin, waterproof bodysuits, strong shoulders, serpentine bracelets, and thigh-high, razor-sharp boots.
The scents and flavors: midnight snacks and deep-diving treats: carpaccio, ghost chili, indolic fragrances, rock candy, and smoked everything.
The healing: harder, deeper, longer. Tantric sex, scuba diving, escape room adventures, blindfolded hide-and-go-seek, shibari bondage, and strength training.
Image: Nicolas Guerin
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Sensuous Invitation of the Month: Primal Thrills for Your Lilith Sign Although traditionally ruled by lord of the underworld, Pluto, Scorpio shares a deep affinity with the full-throttle passions of lusty Lilith. This shadowy woman harnesses her harlotry to probe the potency of animalism and the so-called forbidden.
While we sometimes shy away from bringing the “drama,” this season asks us to step directly into the wrestling ring and to fire up our operatic vocal chords, because a life worth living is worth living down to the bone. So belly up to the bar and take a bite out of everything with a primal sensation built for your sign …
Lilith in Aries Scorpio season invites you to hone your fighting skills to battle for your deepest desires. Primal Thrill: Power up with the badass maneuvers of Mixed Martial Arts.
Lilith in Taurus Scorpio season invites you to sit with the less comfortable sensations and let the dirty work transform you. Primal Thrill: Dive into the torrid, exfoliating sensations of a sweat lodge.
Lilith in Gemini. Scorpio season invites you to reveal the messier pieces of your story as you sing your fullest, most carnal song. Primal Thrill: Celebrate beastly revelations with mix & match animal prints.
Lilith in Cancer Scorpio season invites you to enter another’s emotional landscape with both curiosity and appropriate boundaries. Primal Thrill: Penetrate the corners of human consciousness with a psychological thriller.
Lilith in Leo Scorpio season invites you to mix your poptastic penchant for sun-kissed optimism with some darker explorations. Primal Thrill: Collide with the highs and lows of experience-rich opera tunes.
Lilith in Virgo Scorpio season invites you to play with stepping away from towing the line as you expose the full range of your capabilities for the world to witness. Primal Thrill: Revel in both the painstaking behind-the-scenes detail and embodied empowerment of tattoo art.
Lilith in Libra Scorpio season invites you to take your partnerships even deeper as you risk the harder aspects of intimacy. Primal Thrill: Take a loving leap with high-flying sky diving.
Lilith in Scorpio Scorpio season invites you to explore your urge to possess, and let ungripping become your sexiest form of self-expression. Primal Thrill: Bare it all and tenderize your trust issues with Shibari bondage.
Lilith in Sagittarius Scorpio season invites you to adventurously probe your inner emotional landscapes. Primal Thrill: Saddle up for wild rides with a Dallas-rodeo-style mechanical bull.
Lilith in Capricorn Scorpio season invites you to let it go and let it flow as you sample new flavors of power that come from surrender. Primal Thrill: Settle into the rollicking sensation of releasing the wheel with an upside-down rollercoaster ride.
Lilith in Aquarius Scorpio season invites you to mix your intellectuaism with some carnality as you let your freak flag fly. Primal Thrill: Feast on the communal strangeness of Burning Man-style gatherings.
Lilith in Pisces Scorpio season invites you to recommit to holding every last sensation tenderly, without your empathy becoming a liability. Primal Thrill: Let yourself get carried by the crowd at a heavy metal concert.
Bess is available for private readings and astro-themed events. Connect with her at Mojaverising.com
Mastering the art of wombifestation is the real secret of the law of attraction, says Latham Thomas—PLUS Ruby Warrington shares 3 ways to start wombifesting today …
The womb is receptive, soft, and a container for cultivation. And the act of creating something from that place, of accessing our womb space and drawing to us that which we most desire, is called wombifestation.
It’s the opposite of the manifesting power that so many modern spiritual leaders and thought-leaders talk about. Manifestation has become correlated with “making it happen,” whereas wombifestation means simply “letting it happen.” It’s an act of fierce allowance, of saying “yes” to what you want and letting it come, whether it’s a job, a romantic partner, a new car, a baby—simply envisioning, and holding space for it.
There is tremendous value in being a go-getter, getting things done, making shit happen. Both men and women can be very skilled in this arena. But there are qualities within us women that can be enhanced by also acknowledging the uniquely feminine force of receptivity. We have this other force working in our favor, and we should play to that. And I’d also like to note that you don’t have to have been born with a uterus or currently have one to embrace this concept.
This feminine force is magic, and employing it is a powerful way to walk through life. It is the magic of owning your glow.
Now, I am not simply advocating that you pray for what you want, kick back and relax, and expect that you will get it. “The Universe will provide” philosophy has also been misapplied by many who believe that you can simply ask for what you want and it will be handed to you, with no work involved. My philosophy is much more dynamic than that.
You can’t be lazy when you want something; being receptive is an active state of being. In nature, the spider makes weaving her web a meditation and focuses on creating a vortex of energy that draws the prey to her. She doesn’t go out to hunt it. She dwells in the certainty that when she does her part, Mother Nature does the rest, and food will be provided.
Observe how flowers use their beauty and fragrant scent to seduce the pollinators. Flowers can’t pull up their roots and go proliferate on their own. They depend on the insects and animals to help spread their pollen, so they use stillness to create an energy vacuum to draw the bees, birds, and butterflies.
Have you ever been so laser-focused on something, yet it seems to elude you? And then, once you forget about it and focus on something else, it seems to find its way back into your orbit? Do you think this is a coincidence?
Like most feminine processes, choosing to simply let things happen is powerful, and yet it can be seen as a form of weakness. In a culture obsessed with conquest and control, we’ve forgotten the very basics when it comes to the law of attraction. When you let it happen, you, my dear, are at the helm.
Instead of spending energy actively hustling and pursuing the desired outcome, you summon it, you invite it forth. You stir the pot, and you make the space for it—so that the vision blooms within you and becomes reality. Like a spider with her web, you create the very vacuum that invites the opportunity to occur.
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3 WAYS TO GET WOMBIFESTING TODAY by Ruby Warrington
1// Clear your cal. Having my Google cal stacked back-to-back sometimes feels like a badge of honor to me. Like, “wow, look at how in demand I am,” or “check out what a boss I’m being taking all these meetings.” But I can also feel the way it makes my belly clench (yep, all the way down in my womb), as the quieter, softer voice of my inner knowing, asks, “but what about some time for me?” In the same way, if I look at the coming week and there are big empty stretches in my calendar, the sense of inner peace is palpable.
Cultivating more of this feeling of peaceful groundedness is what wombifestation is all about, and one way to do this is to simply block off time in your cal to give you some (deep belly) breathing room. Maybe even literally if you use this time to meditate, bringing your attention and focus back to the things that truly matter to you. You could also use it to nap, to play with your cat, to cook, or even to masturbate! Not activities we’re generally taught are part of a “successful” life, but all of which are about stoking the fires of your feminine essence.
2// Ninja your to-do list. To help you work out what to remove from, write down all a list of all the actions connected to what you are currently manifesting. If it’s a work thing, this might mean meeting with X amount of people, pitching Z, or going to Y networking events. In a romance scenario, it could be your commitment to going on how ever many dates per week. For each one, write down the actual progress you’ve seen as a result of each. Now write out the big “successes” you’ve had, and the actions (or not!) that had the most impact on them occurring.
This could help you get super clear about all the places you’re leaking energy on activities that aren’t actually in service of your desired outcomes. That just make it look like you’re “trying.” Lol—is it any coincidence that the word “trying” can also mean: “extremelyannoying,difficult,orthelike;strainingone’spatienceandgoodwilltothelimit” (from the Miriam Webster Dictionary)?! Wombifestation is about “trying” less and “trusting” more.
3// Embrace boredom. We live in a world that’s basically designed so that we are never bored. I witness myself do it all the time—the minute there’s no immediate action to be taken, conversation to be had, or piece of information to be processed, I reach for my phone and either hit up Instagram, start a text chat with somebody, or open a browser to start researching yet another new idea I had the other day.
Which can all make life feel very full and exciting and productive … not to mention shrink time to where it feels like there’s never enough. When we’re here, there, and everywhere, there is no time to recharge. No opportunity for our energy reserves to become replenished to the point of overflowing (out of us and into our wombifestations). It sounds counter-intuitive, but in the Now Age we have to actively make space for boredom. Time for our minds to wander and just be. This is the vortex. THIS is where the magic happens.
