Atmosphere
Clarity
wars with
foggy mind
just as clouds
shift through
the blue
and sometimes
everything
is crisp and clear
then the threads
of gauzy clouds
return
and I’m lost
once more
Month: September 2025
🌑 New Moon & Solar Eclipse in Virgo – September 2025
Tomorrow is the New Moon, and like all new moons and full moons, I did a spread aligned to the moon’s current themes as a part of my recognition of the moon’s cycle and influences upon us. Today’s spread is courtesy of @moonlightandmindfulness.
This New Moon and Solar Eclipse duo brings with it themes of health, well being, and day-to-day routines.
Where am I being pulled to create stability, structure, and balance at this time?
Reconnect With Your Divine Masculine – This time to look at what “emperor” energy you’ve been carrying with you that needs to be let go. That energy can push too hard sometimes, especially when you need a break. This can cause instability as you feel guilty and shamed into “doing the hard work” when what you really need is to relax and rest.
Where am I being guided to clear clutter and refine my routines?
Longing Heart – It can be hard sometimes to check in with reality, when what you really want is to look back on what used to be and try to resurrect it. It’s time to clear out the past and how things used to be, along with your longing thoughts concerning these things. You need to look forward to what’s coming instead.
In what area am I being encouraged to do a reset on my self-care?
Claim Your Kingdom – Stop looking to others and their opinions concerning what you’re doing and what you need. It’s none of their business, and if they don’t like it, that’s just too bad. Do your thing without worrying so much about the judgments of others.
Virgo is a problem solver and purifier.
What is it that needs to be let go of as it is no longer serving me?
Go Beyond Survival Mode – Part of the reason you feel like you’re not getting the rest of that you need right now is because you are in “survival mode”, and thus you are not able to fully relax or enjoy this time when the pressure is (involuntarily) off. This is because survival mode creates more pressure, not less. Look at ways to ease this reaction so that you can let it go and move forward.
What obstacles can this Virgo New Moon help remove from my path?
Open Your Heart To Sacred Love – Because you are feeling vulnerable, you have been closing yourself off and retreating inward. This is shutting other people out is not allowing you to receive the love and support that they are trying to give you. This Virgo New Moon encourages you to take time to work on releasing that defense mechanism that is closing you off from the world and others.
The Virgo Solar Eclipse may encourage you to have difficult conversations, release relationships or jobs that no longer support you, etc.
What deepest truth within the chaos can this eclipse help me to see more clearly?
Strengthen Your Weakened Masculine – Despite how you were raised to believe that men should be tough, strong, and emotionless, there is a part of you that is a much gentler and kinder sort of man. Look at your defense mechanisms and the teachings from your past for the answers to why you are feeling wounded right now, and seek ways to bolster yourself when in the grip of these feelings.
With power split between the new moon and solar eclipse, now is a time to take a mindful moment, even amidst busyness – take a breath, reflect on what makes you feel whole, and imagine releasing all that no longer serves you.
When the clarity of mindful moments is consulted, what is it time to release in order to make room for something new?
Tune Into Your Feminine Lineage – Why are you still so angry at your mother? Don’t you think it’s about time to look into this, go a little deeper, and start to seek out a path that will allow you to let it go?
New Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.
Own Your Sexuality – Go with what feels right, and he will follow. It doesn’t matter if it’s steady time in one space or another, or if you fluctuate back-and-forth. Remember that he is there for the ride, and eager to be involved in whatever it is you need.
Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Dried Lavender Bundle for Calming and Comfort
Goat Figurine as Sympathetic Representation of Amalthea
Onyx Stone Fox for Identifying and Connecting to Truth
Selenite Moon Phase Bar for Cleansing and Clarifying Cycles
DECKS USED: ANCESTRAL HEALING ORACLE AND HEALING HEART ORACLE
Preparing to Pivot
Today’s meditation was a self directed ten minute session that focused on the affirmation on the back of the Witch Magick card drawn for today.
The affirmation: “The word ‘will’ is redefined in modern witchcraft as ‘willing’ — to be of service.”
I disagree with this affirmation on so many levels. The greatest of which is the fact that in witchcraft the word “will” is about setting intention and applying willpower. It has nothing to do with service or being willing to do something, which is completely different than putting your willpower forward into an endeavor.
Then there is, of course, the concept that in modern times witchcraft is supposed to be all about “being of service” to others. Solitary witches are often only of service to themselves, and not everyone’s practice resolves around society and community.
I feel like this affirmation is a push to make something happen, force an individual’s values on others, and set a “standard” that is not realistic for everyone. Witches are human too, and not everyone wants to be “of service” to others. The branching out of witchcraft and spirituality in modern times has only made practitioners and their craft that much more diverse. This affirmation feels like an affront to that diversity.
• • • ◈ • 🌾 • ◈ • • •
The @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 19th : Realization
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is the Knight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of an active, projective beta energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, home, labors, and manifestations. This often translates into a slow moving but determinedly forward moving energy, personality, or person that has their eye on the prize regardless of the slow and steady speed they may be moving at.
Okay, the cat in this card does not look like a cat. It looks like a pig. Just sayin’.
Then again, I really can’t see any cat trying to ride a frog. A pig, on the other hand, seems unpredictable enough to handle the ride somehow. The thing is, when we’re fixed on our goals, even if we’re moving slowly towards them instead of at speed, there’s always going to be a chance for something to come and surprise us along the way. I mean that frog’s little front legs don’t look like it could go very fast, but then you look at its’ haunches, and it could really take a flying leap without any warning, right?
The pig’s eyes (yes, pig) are wide open and ready, and he is even making sure to hold onto those reins. He may be more comfortable at a slower pace, or a slower pace may be forced upon him, but he’s ready for those surprises regardless.
The message in today’s card is that sometime life slows us down not because we need to go slower in order to get where we’re going, but because a pivot is coming and you might break your neck if you’re not going slow and holding on tight when it shows up.
DECK USED: MAGICKAL CATS TAROT AND WITCH MAGICK CARDS
@LightningWildflower September Tarot Challenge
Prompts for September 16th thru 22nd
Queen of Cups
How can I protect my energy while remaining compassionate?
Queen of Swords and Recharge Your Batteries – Encourage others to take care of themselves, while keeping your boundaries in place. It’s not your responsibility to care for everyone else. Care for yourself first, and advise others to do the same.
This isn’t selfish behavior. Instead, it’s ensuring that you have the energy you need when you need it, and that you are taking responsibility for your own needs.
What emotional wisdom have I gained, and how can I put it to the best use?
King of Pentacles and Take Inventory – Take stock of what you have, and what repairs need tended to in your foundation. Maintenance is important. You can’t always be pushing for more… Sometimes you have to pause and take care of what you already have.
Queen of Swords
How can I balance honesty and empathy as I interact with others?
Nine of Cups and Assuredness – Pay attention to what makes you happy and make sure that you’re standing up for it; even when dealing with other people you need to keep your own happiness as a priority. This doesn’t mean you can’t feel for others, but it means that you don’t allow them to manipulate you into forsaking your happiness for theirs.
What boundaries do I need to address in my relationships?
Ace of Swords and Confidence – You are not a doormat, so don’t let people walk all over you. It’s okay to listen to others in their opinions, it’s just not okay to let them manipulate you through those opinions or by plucking your emotions. Speak your mind instead of staying quiet, as sometimes silence is seen as agreement or consent.
Queen of Pentacles
Where could I create a greater sense of comfort and ease in my life?
Ten of Pentacles and The Face of Light – Lean into practicality as you look toward the future. You feel more at ease when you can see something attainable on the horizon, and have an idea on how to reach it. Comfort and ease, for you, requires a little bit of certainty.
How can I nurture my physical and emotional well-being with more intention?
Four of Pentacles and The River’s Blessing – Lean into gratitude practices right now. It’s too easy, during this time of chaos and uncertainty in your lie, to fall into a spiral of scarcity worries. Instead, counter that pull with adding a gratitude practice to your meditation or bedtime routine.
Queen of Wands
In what way do I inspire others?
Seven of Cups and California Condor – You are a survivor, and through all that you’ve been through and all the things you’ve endured, you’ve continued to make choices that allow you to not just keep going but thrive.
Where others with similar trials have turned harsh and hard, you continue to allow a softness that creates greater potential for the future, without allowing it to weaken you resolve and survival instincts.
What will help me most when I have trouble expressing myself?
Nine of Swords and Downy Woodpecker – Don’t worry so much what others think, or if you are bothering them. Leave their bullshit at the door and do your own thing. Sometimes? People are just too self absorbed to make sense of what you say and do, no matter how clear or obvious you are trying to be. That’s their problem, not yours.
Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: JUICY TAROT, CARE BEARZ SELF-CARE ORACLE, TAROT DE MARSEILLE GASSMANN ANIMA ANTIQUA, ABORIGINAL DREAMING TOTEMS, THE COSMIC COVEN TAROT, ROOK AND ROSE PATTERN DECK, MAGICKAL CATS TAROT, CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE CONVERSATION DECK
I had a little more protein today than usual. For some reason I was craving it.
Gideon’s Challenge – What We Hide
What We Hide
The ugly parts
are hidden
beneath
a warm smile
and quiet
approachability
that allows
others
to ignore
that
on the inside
things are
actually
falling apart
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Too Much Weight
Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session based upon @crowtarotmjcullinane‘s Crow Affirmations card that says “Grief : I allow myself to grieve.”
• • • ◈ • 🌾 • ◈ • • •
The @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 18th : Illumination
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is the Two of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of juggling responsibilities, work/life balance, and prioritization.
Is that what I’m doing? Am I trying to juggle hope and grief? Is this why I’m struggling to move under the weight of uncertainty and stress?
I have actively avoided making an online shopping/commerce site for about… 12 years now. I’ve instead depended upon Etsy as my platform. It seems, though, that maybe this was a mistake. I’ve been hoping for them to provide some sort of a tool on their site for dealing with this tariff issue. Instead, I’ve heard rumblings about them having been trying to decrease seller numbers for years, and changes to how they do things on the site are also coming. Combined with their radio silence on helping sellers navigate the whole tariff thing, I’m starting to worry that perhaps the time for a standalone site has arrived.
If so, it makes me sad and ache inside. Not that I can’t do it, but I love selling on Etsy.
I suppose what’s being illuminated here today is that it’s time to create a new balance, because it doesn’t look like the old one is going to return… Not even, possibly, a shadow of it.
The message in today’s cards is that sometimes in order to find a healthy and sustainable balance, you have to let go of some of the things you might not really want to let go of. It’s okay to grieve during this part of the process, but sooner or later you’ll have to pick up what’s left and work to create a new balance without those lost pieces.
DECK USED: BIOTA REVERIE TAROT AND CROW AFFIRMATIONS
#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompts for September 18th and 19th
What projects and energies are you taking with you into Autumn?
Reading Summary – You need to focus on walking away from what isn’t working and is harming you financially (Four of Pentacles and Eight of Cups), and begin leaning into what will create long-term sustainable results that you’re more miserly self will appreciate (Seven of Pentacles and Four of Pentacles).
Stop – Ten of Pentacles atop Page of Swords; Bolete – Stop slicing away at what you’ve already accomplished as if it’s meaningless. What you have done, accomplished, and survived is the “training” for what lies ahead. Don’t forsake the hard won resiliency that you now possess just because a new and uncertain path is opening up ahead of you.
Start – King of Pentacles and Mycelium – Work on building up a good foundation of communication and collaboration with others. You’re going to need their help, and you need to make sure that you’re communicating with them about what’s going on so that they can be as prepared as you are to move forward and build back up that place of greater stability.
Continue – The Star atop Queen of Wands; Moss – Continue to use your hope and positivity exercises with vigour and allow your guides to help you from falling into the pit. Your fear and uncertainty definitely want to get a foot up and drag you down, and will do so if you let them. Keep up on combating your negative inner influences with the tools available to you, in order to keep both your hope and spirits high.
Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaves for Fostering Confidence
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Aventurine Goddess for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECKS USED: BIOTA REVERIE TAROT, ARCANE LIMBUS TAROT, THE MUSHROOM ORACLE
I let myself have a mini stress-meltdown and had a messy cry.
Gideon’s Challenge – Struggling
Struggling
Hope feels
lost
among
the weeds
like a feather
fallen
from wings…
the last feather
needed
to stay aloft
and so
I’m grounded
and unable
to fly
Twisting the Leaf 