New Moon in Capricorn | Thursday 1/11/24 at 3:57a.m. PT

“I invoke the spirit within me to create stability
so that I may act with purpose.
I allow blessings into my life with each new step I take.
I am inspired by passion and ready to begin anew.
In the shadow of the New Moon
I am focused and free.”

~@TheMoonTarot

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New Moon in Capricorn | Thursday 1/11/24 at 3:57a.m. PT

"Ruled by Saturn, Capricorn is the steadfast sea goat who can traverse any land or sea. This energy reminds us that with the right focus and determination, we can accomplish anything. Nothing is out of our limits. Throughout its season, Capricorn inspires us to commit fully to everything we do. It’s a wonderful energy to start a new year and can set the tone for the next twelve months. The most important aspect of this season is to find and commit to what is worth your energy. We all have a mission or purpose in this lifetime. We have a soul’s calling, and when we follow it, we feel energized, content, joyful, and know we are on the right path. The soul knows when it has found alignment. We know what alignment feels like, and we know how it feels to lose it. This season is about finding what aligns most with your soul. It’s about finding your life’s work and committing to it each day, no matter what other distractions come your way."

~Spirit Daughter

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"The first New Moon of 2024 occurs at 3:57 a.m. PST this Thursday, January 11, when the Sun and Moon align at 20°44´ Capricorn. A New Moon in the sign of The Seagoat is usually a fortuitous time for setting goals and aiming our sights on the mountaintop. Capricorn is known to be self-sufficient, disciplined, and hardworking, perfect qualities for making a successful ascent."

~Pam Younghans

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1/14: Makar Sakranti--Beginning of Hindu pilgrimage to holy rivers to bathe, pray, and purify themselves of their sins. Hindus believe all Gods and Goddesses are aspects of the limitless, immanent, and transcendent Brahman.

1/17: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Ogun, Orisha of Strength, Endurance, and Perseverance. Yorubas/Santeros believe the Orishas are emanations and messengers of the one Deity, Olodumare.

1/18: Day Tibetan Buddhists meditate on Buddha Deities Amitayus and White Tara, who grant good health and long life. In Tibetan Buddhism, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are symbolic abstractions and aspects of Adi-Buddha - the masculine and feminine, transcendent and immanent Absolute.

~Excerpted from THE MYSTIC'S WHEEL OF THE YEAR 2024
A Multifaith Calendar Reflecting Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality
© 2023 Marija Miovski
‍www.WheeloftheYear.com

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Enter the Forest | Crystals for the New Moon in Capricorn

“There is a way of entering the forest when the breeze of the trees becomes your guide; there is a way of approaching the self without a heavy-hand, when the heart-mind slowly becomes unburdened by the past, where the body listening with the whole of itself finally becomes attuned to all the subtle happenings in the realm not yet stained by the faithless world of man.

~from "Forest Bathing," The School of Soft-Attention by Hawk of the Pines (Frank LaRue Owen)

As the New Moon in Capricorn encourages us to take a look at the "earthy" qualities in ourselves, this selection of crystals encourages a practical mindset, and into harmony with the natural realm. Enter the forest, and work with crystals to connect with the energies of the Earth.

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Moss Agate | This transparent crystal contains inclusions of minerals resembling moss or foliage. Opens the eyes to beauty around us. Supports healing of ego and self-esteem issues, and progress towards strength and emotional balance. Used for communication with and between the plant and mineral kingdoms: the information gleaned in this manner helps us act in ways which enhance the stability of our entire ecosystem and the planet itself. (Melody, Love is in the Earth: The Crystal and Mineral Encyclopedia)

Tumbled Moss Agate Crystals | Enchanted Love Moss Agate Infused Crystal Soap | Star Essences Sacred Sanctuary Spray with Frankincense, Fir & Moss Agate

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Garnet | This deep red crystal gets its name from the Latin word granatum, meaning pomegranate, because tumbled garnet can resemble the scarlet seeds of this fruit. Known as a stone of commitment - to purpose, to others, and to self- Garnet helps finish what you started, and flow with the energy that is available, for the best possible outcome. Stimulates, monitors, and adjusts the flow of energy in the body, encouraging stability, organized growth, and a general orderliness of the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual systems, and bringing freshness to one's life. Helps us realize our responsibility for our own personal freedom, heal feelings of abandonment, open the heart and ground us into our practical mind and physical environment. (Melody, Love is in the Earth: The Crystal and Mineral Encyclopedia)

Natural Garnet Crystals | Garnet Crystal Bracelets  | Garnet & Gold Earrings | Garnet & Sterling Silver Earrings ~ multiple styles to peruse in-store only | Carnelian & Garnet Pendulum | Rose Quartz & Garnet Pendulum

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Tiger's Eye | This golden brown stone is known enhancing willpower, self-confidence and the ability to bring heaven to earth. Work with Tiger's Eye when you seek to focus the mind, promote mental clarity, and create a unity of will and desire. This mineral brings together the vibrations of sand and sunlight, synthesizing the energies of the Sun and the Earth. Combines sharpness and grounding, and is practical in its sphere of concern, resonating to the frequencies of the Earth.

Attunes one to the interconnectedness of all living creatures, and the interrelation of all human beings, brings awareness of one's personal needs, as well as the needs of others. Its soothing vibrations bringing calmness to an unsettled mind, allowing one to feel less inhibited in actions and in growth. Its vibration is conducive to peacefulness and is helpful for those seeking clarity, as well as bringing scattered details into a meaningful pattern. Provides insight into issues at the root of internal mental battles, and prompts the admiration for the pure and beautiful, allowing ones life, and ones passion for life, to open and blossom. (Melody, Love is in the Earth: The Crystal and Mineral Encyclopedia)

Tiger's Eye tumbled stones | Tiger's Eye palm stones | Tiger's Eye bracelets | Tiger's Eye crystal-infused "Strength" candle

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Raise your vibrations and power your rituals with sacred stones from around the world.

Bring the earth’s beauty and energetic strength into your practice with an inspired collection of crystals and gemstones at Paradise FoundSB.com

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Begin Beautifully, with Three Practices for a More Meaningful 2024

"Personal rituals are powerful for drawing us quickly and deeply into sacred space. They invite us to use clear intention with our senses, movements, feelings, visualization and focus to create meaning and purpose."

~John Robson

As we round the corner into 2024, we continue seeking ways to bring meaning and intentionality into our daily lives. Here are  a couple of inspirations for setting out on the right foot, and beginning the year beautifully...

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1. Start a Nature Observation journal or sketchbook

A practice of observing and recording or sketching what we see in nature is a way to slow down and feel into our humanity, to bring ourselves back to the present, the real world of nature, our true home. Begin your notebook, journal, or sketchbook by inscribing it a verse or saying, something that will inspire you every time you open it. Here are a couple of ideas...

“When we write, we are showing a deep appreciation for the world around us and for our opportunity to journey through it as human beings. The stories and poems we create are offerings of gratitude for those gifts."

~Jill Epson, Writing as a Sacred Path

“Nature pulls us up when we feel down, worked up, and vulnerable. It takes us out of our neurosis, shakes off the cobwebs, and helps us to mentally refresh. Nature shows us the way of the cycles and impermanence of all things and awakens the heart.”

~Dr. Michelle Kambolis, author of When Women Rise: Everyday Practices to Strengthen Your Mind, Body, and Soul

 “A walk through the woods probably won’t change what’s wrong, but it can change how we respond to it.”    ‍

~Heidi Barr,  12 Tiny Things: Simple Ways to Live a More Intentional Life    

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2. Draw a Twelve-card tarot spread for the year

Before pulling your cards, find a quiet place where you can sit in silence, or your choice of relaxing music. Light a candle or incense, and take a few deep breaths...Have a pencil and paper with you, or your tarot journal, and your favorite tarot deck.

Pull your twelve cards, one for each month of the year. Arrange them in a circle like the numbers on a clock, face down, and then one at a time (starting with the first card you pulled, for January) turn them over and jot down your first associations with each card.

Here are some suggestions from Mary Greer, a Grandmaster of the American Tarot Association and author of 21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card and Tarot for Your Self:

~"Focusing on keywords and the symbols that jump out at you, quickly write down the very first meanings that come to mind for each card. Write fast. Don’t critique this."

~"Next, pay attention to what the card literally suggests. For negative cards, look at them as soul tasks, for instance, the 5 of Cups might suggest looking at your failures, mistakes and losses (the three spilled cups) and then considering what remains for you to pick up and do (the two upright cups behind). The Tower might suggest throwing things out or letting yourself explode or get angry. So, even negative cards can suggest areas of focus."

~"Note also certain themes that are repeated by more than one card. For instance, I had several cards that spoke of finishing and completing things. Flesh out your thoughts relating to each card and to the connections among them."

~"Keep what you've written about these cards accessible and review it frequently." During the year create new spreads to help you as you move through the various themes and guidance suggested by the cards. "This is when spreads about overcoming obstacles and setting concrete objectives can come in handy."

~Excerpts from Mary Greer's blog at MaryKGreer.com

In addition to Greer's books,  21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card and Tarot for Your Self, another helpful resource is the Motherpeace guide book - Motherpeace: A Way to the Goddess Through Myth, Art, and Tarot (Revised) by Vicki Noble.

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3. Make a To-Love list

Flip the familiar To-Do list on its head! Required materials include: pencil and paper, a moment of peace and calm, and an open mind. Now...Instead of setting up a series of obstacles to be conquered, or boxes to check off, tasks to accomplish...Instead cast your mind forward and imagine some of the moments, places, experiences, objects, and people that you anticipate encountering in the near future. Then, picture yourself coming to meet those situations with love and grace...Write down 3 things you can do with love, 3 places you can visit with loving energy, and 3 people you can meet with loving focused awareness.

Be as specific as you can. Some To-Love list items may be:

"I will make my morning coffee with love and gratitude," "I will drive my car (or ride my bicycle) with love and care"

"I will bring loving energy with me when I visit the library...or the post office...or the grocery store"

"I will bring my best, most loving self to the next interactions with my neighbor...my coworker...my friend"

The more we can connect with love and joy, and set out with the intention to bring love to everything we do, the more we can set ourselves up for a good day, and foster strong loving energy to meet any challenges.

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“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy;
They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”

~Marcel Proust