Today 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 @moonandcactus.

How can I surrender to what comes and let go of resistance to change, trusting the process?

Lineage – Acknowledge and then release your unreasonable self-imposed expectations, as well as the assumption of others expectations. Don’t allow them to hold so much sway over your actions and thoughts on what you “should” be doing with your time and energy. You need to accept that these expectations are an illusion created by your past and not reality.

How can I learn to make peace with those around me?

Winter – Stillness is an important part of growth as well as healthy communication with others. When you pause, not only do you give yourself a bit of a rest, but you  give yourself a moment of thought and reflection. People that want you to react in their favor may not like that moment in the cold outside of your attention as you look within, but that makes it that much more important that you do it.

How can I establish a sense of order and create harmony in my environment?

Hide and Seek – Stop ignoring your needs and hiding from the activities that will help fulfill them. This is especially important in keeping your home organized. Either get the housekeeper in more often or start doing more of the work yourself.

(Obviously, the housekeeper is the healthier answer here, as so many of my personal readings are reminders to involve others in getting things done instead of taking it all on my own shoulders.)

If possible, how can I avoid making major decisions until the energy stabilizes, and instead focus on planning and reflecting?

Graveyard – Don’t fret so much about the inconsequential things that aren’t being done. Work instead on the long standing unpleasant ones that need doing whether you like them or not. (Taxes… hello.)

The eclipse will tip the scales toward our relationships. Encouraging us to reassess our interactions with others. How can I trust that whatever surfaces is helping to restore balance?

Black Mirror – You have a habit of ignoring what is unpleasant or gives rise to your feelings of vulnerability, which only gives these things more power over you. Face them instead and their power will lessen, their contributions to your life shining through instead.

New Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Sword – Stay alert and on the look out for those that are trying to manipulate you into going against your good sense, intuition, or inner compass.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rosehips for Releasing Stress and Negativity
Foraged Red Alder Cones for Support in One’s Endeavors
Red Jasper for Awakening and Motivation toward Growth
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE HAUNTED MANOR ORACLE