How auspicious that we have a full moon marking the first day of 2018?!
Before I sit down to write these blog posts I always settle in and feel what stone is calling to me. I do the same when deciding what deck to work with. Since we are on the cusp of a new year, I grabbed the new deck of cards that I received from my hubby for Christmas, The Faeries Oracle. Knowing that this full moon is happening in the sign of Cancer, I felt drawn to rose quartz and moonstone. These puffy little rose quartz hearts have been popular treasures when set as pendants.
We got the Maiden card! This card represents new beginnings, hope, freshness, joy, and gentleness. It is the epitome of the inner child, of nurturing new growth and protecting innocence. All the things that a New Year brings with it. What goals, intentions, and dreams are swirling in your mind? Do you find yourself thinking about how you can make them a reality? Are you feeling the excitement of the clean slate? I know that I am :)
I chose the moonstone and rose quartz for the crystals. Rose quartz to symoblize entering into 2018 with gentleness, compassion, and forgiveness. Moonstone for releasing fear and to support us in cultivating new beginnings. Both crystals work fabulous together and instill such beauty, love, and nurturing for both ourselves and others.
2017 was a very difficult year for many people. It contained many challenges and goodbyes. For me, 2017 required immense dedication and commitment to my vision. It contained A LOT of structure; from my husband working a new schedule, to my youngest enrolling in preschool; my life felt like it was lived in snippets and I really had to buckle down on work when I had limited hours to get stuff done. Focus and determination were definite themes. My maternal grandma moved from her four bedroom home into a condo, having us say farewell to the home her and my late grandfather shared that contained so many memories.
My paternal grandma passed away at the beginning of December, at the age of 100. Reiterating to me how full those 100 years truly were. Her birthday was July 5th, as a cancer she valued her family above all. She has left an amazing legacy, including 5 children and their spouses, 20 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. Her resourcefulness and determination lives on. Despite her struggles with mental health, she always advocated for herself and sought out support. She was one of the original founding members of the St. Mary's credit union, where her picture can still be found hanging on the wall. I didn't realize how deeply we shared a love of community, home cooking, the arts, writing, and the grit that takes root when one overcomes adversity.
As someone who always made things from scratch, in her later years grandma disclosed a few tricks. One of which included purchasing desserts from bake sales and freezing them until needed, and then not saying anything when serving them, allowing people to think she baked them herself. One time she served lemon poppy seed loaf but made the icing, we all thought she made the whole thing.
With 2017 coming to a close, I find myself reflecting on my feminine lineage, of the ripples and effects that women have on their families and their communities. On how success requires not only vision and determination, but support and nurturing. And how women, more often than not, hold the vision of the future. I am left asking myself how can I become the example for the things that I most desire? For me, it starts by asking for and receiving assistance, letting go of how that shows up, channeling my energy into the things that bring me the most joy, sharing those creations and joy with the world, and remembering all the women who came before us. The women who boosted us up and let us stand upon their shoulders, for if it wasn't for their vision and their commitment, we would not be where we are today weaving threads for the generations <3
Wishing each of you a blessed full moon and a beautiful beginning to 2018. Below is the mantra for this lunar phase. xoxo
Fresh ideas and intentions are beautiful,
But in order for them to take root,
We must to be willing to honor the past through release.
Swimming in the current feminine watery wisdom,
We allow the healing waters to wash away the struggles,
The sacrifice, humiliation and disappointments of 2017.
Emerging cleansed, refreshed, nourished,
And anointed; ready to meet what lies ahead.
