I’m back with another volume of 13 Things Thursday! I know I tend to be pretty verbose when talking about things I’m into, so I’m debating whether to keep a short, punchy list of 13 Things, or make it 3 Things Thursday and have a shorter list with more detail. I’ll be thinking about it, but if you have an opinion or preference, let me know!
May numerology: 2023 is a universal 7 year (calculated by adding all the numbers in the year together), so May is a universal 3 month (5+2+0+2+3 = 12, 1+2 = 3). In tarot, 3s are all about community, and the 3rd House in astrology rules communication and intellect, which embodies social, curious Gemini energy. I love seeing how all these different systems connect. :) So this feels like a great time to get out of our winter cocoons, socialize, and try new things!
Full Moon Eclipse in Scorpio: Eclipse seasons are powerful times for inner and outer transformation, where things seem to just come together—or fall apart—on their own. It’s in the sign of Scorpio, which is all about transformation, the subconscious, and the things that are hard to talk about, like power dynamics, shared resources, sexuality, spirituality, etc. For example, I’ve been reflecting on my money stories and how I struggle to rely on anyone for support. I feel like I have to figure it all out on my own and create stability without inconveniencing anyone else. This has been a pattern for more than just money, but you get the gist. If you notice any recurring themes that keep popping up to be addressed or sudden epiphanies, it’s a great time to observe and reflect without feeling like you have to actively do anything about it. It just might be the final integration time for any lessons you’ve been learning over the last couple years.
Tarot/oracle decks I’m using lately:
~Wayhome Tarot by Bakara Wintner and Autumn Whitehurst
~Motherpeace Tarot by Karen Vogel and Vicki Noble
~Animal Kin Oracle by Sarah WilderOn the subject of tarot/oracle decks I’ve been using, part of what I’m doing is a spring cleaning exercise. I’m intentionally working with decks I haven’t used in a while to see if I still connect with them and decide whether they should stay in my collection or move on to a new home. I’m also pausing new deck purchases during this time. This is part of my in/out list for 2023, curating vs. collecting.
Throughout my tarot journey, I noticed my tendency to buy decks because I loved the artwork, but then realize later that they didn’t work as well in my personal practice. To be more mindful of my purchases, I’ve implemented the following behaviors and considerations to curb the initial impulse:
~Add decks to my wish list instead of my cart. This practice helps with more than just tarot and oracle decks. I typically keep things in my wish list for a long time, then periodically go back and delete items that have been there for a while without me buying it.
~Keep a log of my current collection. I like having this view of what I already have so I don’t lose track, which helps me stay more mindful. I use the Notes app on my phone and put little question marks next to decks in my mental “purgatory drawer” that I’m considering re-homing.
~Do my research. I watch many YouTube reviews and walkthroughs before purchasing. I also look at size and cardstock to see how usable it will be, since I have small hands and struggle to shuffle large and/or thick cards.
~Consider how well it will read for me. I know now that I tend to reach for decks with imagery that sparks my intuition in a new way or deepens my understanding of the cards. I don’t mind decks that are “slow readers” that make me stop and think, but if I have no idea where the artist was going with their interpretations, it’s distracting and harder to string together a cohesive message.The funny thing about this process is that I often go into using a deck thinking it’s on the chopping block to be re-homed. Then I start using it and bond with it, which solidifies its position in my library and doesn’t really help with spring cleaning. Part of me thinks that I probably wouldn’t even notice if I had just let go of it without this last-chance usage. On the other hand, it’s like shopping in my own library, which is a fun gratitude exercise.
Beyond just my tarot collection, I’ve noticed an overall urge to let go of what’s no longer serving me or cluttering my home and mind. By noticing the abundance, expressing gratitude for it, and having the freedom to let it go to bless someone else, I can feel the space open up to make room for what’s really important.
Current self-experiment: Thanks to a recent conversation in our Dream Catcher group, I’ve been experimenting with cycle syncing. I’ve been tracking my cycle for years for body awareness, but never really leaned into the different phases and how they correspond to different styles of work, exercise, etc. So I’ve been taking note of my cycle phases at the beginning of each week, assessing my energy levels, and tailoring my movement and work routines accordingly. So far, it feels really good!
Random crap I’ve tried: Making my own bar soap. When I started making my own laundry sauce (as mentioned in my last newsletter), my mom started calling me Granny Clampett from the Beverly Hillbillies, because she was known for making her own soap with oils and lye. So of course, I had to try it. My friend Mandi and I teamed up and made a batch of lavender soap with shea butter and olive oil, which actually turned out really well! While I’m really glad that I know how to do it, it was a bit too laborious for me to continue on a regular basis.
A book collecting dust on my bedside table: Atomic Habits by James Clear. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I’ve read so far, but I got distracted with other books and haven’t had the mental strength to pick it back up again. Anyone else get like that with books, specifically personal development/self-help? Sometimes I go through moments where I’m sick of trying to optimize myself and want to just…be. It’s nice to take a break from the constant striving of our hustle culture and remember that you don’t have to be always growing and improving.
Podcasts I’m Digging:
~The Mothermind Speakeasy - My coach, Emily Nachazel, is opening enrollment for her Mothermind container this Friday, May 5th. It’s a collective of women, mothers and caretakers (You don’t have to be a mom to get value from this group), who are doing life and work differently. This whole week, she’s been doing a pop-up podcast with some of her favorite conversations from both the Mothermind and our Dream Catcher group. Let me tell you—these conversations are gold! This podcast series will stay up until Mother’s Day, so I highly recommend giving these episodes a listen before it goes away.
~Almost 30 - I’ve been following this podcast for a while, but have just recently been going back through some of their older episodes that I hadn’t heard. They have so many interesting, thought-provoking conversations about life, society, spirituality, and more. Highly recommend!Favorite Planner and Journal:
~Auralign Astrology Planner: I’ve tried a couple different planners, but this is my absolute favorite. In addition to the astrological transits and new/full moon journaling pages, I love the space for monthly reflections, weekly intentions, and daily planning and gratitude. I use it as a place to record my top priorities and gratitude for the day, as well as some space for reflection and journaling. There are so many other features that I’m not taking advantage of, but I highly recommend it anyway.
~Writual Tarot Journal: Ever since my sister-in-law gifted me one of their undated tarot journals, I’ve been obsessed. I started using it for my daily card pulls and love observing the trends and themes that come up. This practice also got me really comfortable with the cards and using my intuition to interpret the messages. I’m currently using a dated version, complete with astrological transits and space for year-ahead and monthly spreads, which has been so fun to work with. At the time of writing, their dated 2023 planners are 50% off to get rid of their inventory, so definitely worth checking out!Good Things: We’re looking forward to a trip to New Orleans later this month with Bryan’s extended family for his cousin’s graduation. If you have any must-see attractions, food, or whatever, let me know!