THE HOODWITCH: WITCH TIPS & HOROSCOPES 7/19-25/2017

Artwork by Pierre Kiandjan

Written By Jessica Lanyadoo

Witch Tips

The Sun and Mars enter playful Leo early this week, and that means that it’s time to let the light in, lovelies! Before that solar shift happens, we have one more kick in the pants from the Sun in Cancer though; watch out from the 19th-21st as the planet that governs our sense of self forms a challenging Square to disruptive Uranus. This transit will bring about sudden changes, upsetting conditions, and unexpected shifts in power. This is a great time for exploration and creating reform but a terrible one for making things more secure. Be open to learning something that you didn’t think was true, and keep your gossiping to a minimum as it’s likely to come back to haunt you.

These days can also trigger restless anxiety, so make sure that when you’re feeling nervous, you try to get grounded and breathe into the present moment as much as possible. My two favorite anti-anxiety Witch supplies are lavender for the nervous system and amethyst for protection and calming the mind.

Amethyst & Lavender are both available HERE

The big news this week happens on the 23rd with the New Moon at 2:46 am PST. This New Moon in Leo is the first of two New Moons in the sign of play and creativity this summer – the second one will be the Great American Eclipse on August 23rd. It’s rare to have two New Moons in the same sign – we usually only get one per year. Trust that whatever comes up now will be extra meaningful and  intense. None of this is made more chill by the fact that passionate Mars is sitting pretty much on top of this Moon. Be open to learning about your ego, lovers. Leo can be self-involved and arrogant, and the Moon has a hard time seeing other people’s experiences when it gets too emo. How you assert yourself, how you evaluate your own or others' merits, what you feel entitled to take, or the priority you place on getting yours is likely to be staring you straight in the face this week. Instead of devolving into defensiveness, embrace the fullness of what you are and how you do! Embrace the work of directing yourself where you want to go, even if it seems like it’ll be a lot of work.

TBH the Universe has got you in a corner because from the 23rd-25th compromising Venus will be opposite rigid Saturn. This will further the need for you to make sure that that your actions are an accurate reflection of your values. Saturn can make you feel lonely and hyper-critical of your looks, your relationships, and how you come across to others. Your best course of action is to get aligned with yourself and not worry so much about what others do or don’t think about you.

ARIES

March 21-April 19

What you want and what’s in your best interest are not always the same thing, my love. This week your impulses will be zinging, and it would be easy to jump to conclusions and get deeply invested in something that you don’t yet fully understand. Instead of looking outside of yourself for answers, practice checking in with what’s underneath your feels, Aries. By better understanding your impulses, you can make better, more effective choices.

­TAURUS

April 20-May 20

This is it, Taurus. You’re in a powerful state of manifestation, and that’s either going to be a very good or a very bad thing for you this week. Where your emotions are fixated is where you’ll see results, so get real about what you’re resonating with. If you’re on a diet and eating healthily but focused on how much you hate your body as it is, you’re likely to manifest more of your pain. Get your feels and your thoughts on the same page, my love.

GEMINI

May 21-June 21

What you value is not a theoretical thing – it’s reflected in your actions on the daily. This week is likely to bring about an encounter with your choices that crystallizes a reality you’ve been avoiding, Twin Star. Instead of defending your behavior or justifying your right to do as you please, first make sure that you mean it. This is an excellent time to face facts and redirect your life. Confront the truth; you’ll be better for it, I promise.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

It’s essential that you’re honest, Moonchild. You don’t need to fix anyone’s feels, you just have to show up. Be honest with yourself about what you’re feeling and why. Then you’ve got to share that truth with the people you trust. You’re not right or wrong, good or bad – you’re a complex and layered person. It’s OK if things are messy and you have contradicting feels. Own your perspective because the truth is true, whether you want it to be or not, my love.

LEO

July 23-Aug. 22

On July 23rd, we have a New Moon in your sign, and it’s related to the upcoming New Moon in Leo, also known as the Great American Eclipse on 8/21. (You usually only get one New Moon in your sign per year!) This is not the time for messing around, Leo; this is a special time in history, and a meaningful time for you, personally. How you show up and who you chose to be are extra crucial because of this unusual lunar activity. If you allow yourself to be emotionally present, you will discover profound heartfelt truths.

VIRGO

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

As the world around you changes, you must change too. This week isn’t meant to be stable, it’s meant to be a time of expansion. Maintain your self-care without attachments, Virgo. what I mean to say is that you shouldn’t try to direct the flow of your life this week because new data is coming in that will help you change or expand your perspectives. You can’t benefit from this if you’re not open to seeing things differently though. Open your heart and your mind, Virgo.

LIBRA

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

Things are gonna come at you real fast this week, so now’s the time to address your ambiguities, Libra. If you don’t know what you want, you may buy into a plan that is great – just not great for you. Cultivate the kind of self-reference that supports you in knowing the difference between a crush on a person or situation versus a crush on their crush on you. All that glitters is not gold, my friend. Use your discretion, and don’t be scared of saying no this week.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Instead of seeking to avoid problems, embrace them, Scorpio. This is an excellent time to get things done that you’ve long been putting off. This may not be an easy week, but it doesn’t have to be bad either. Identify the material limitations you’ve been feeling blocked by, and write a three point plan of what you can begin to do to tackle them. You don’t need to fix anything, but you should set your sites on proactive steps to improve your life this week.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

Feeling lonely is the pits. It’s a restless place to be, but in truth it’s important to be able to take a step back from people and really be with yourself. This week you may feel a bit off when it comes to your relationships, but there’s a big picture reason for it; you need you. If you’ve become caught up in other people’s opinions, you’re likely to have lost track of your own. Reconnect with your inner world without needing to get attention to validate your efforts, my love.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Things aren’t supposed to stay the same, Cappy. You are meant to change and grow, and as you do, you’re inevitably going to outgrow some things that you’ve come to rely on. This week may be challenging because you’re on call to do things differently and you only theoretically wanna. Allow space for your heart to drag behind your head if you need to; just don’t leave it in the dust.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

The New Moon on the 23rd in your relationship house is an important moment for everyone, but you’re likely to feel it in an extra sort of way. This week your relationships will come into focus for you, so ready or not, it’s time to cope. Who you chose to invest your energy in and what you consent to participating in are on you. Be the friend, partner, child, or neighbor that you want to be, even if it takes bringing greater intention into all of your interactions this week.

PISCES

Feb. 19-March 20

At the end of the day you need to like yourself. It’s really easy to get caught up in what you think others want, or your projections into what others think about you, or what’s even possible for you to do based on other’s opinions. But it’s all a fool’s errand. Make sure you believe in the direction of your life, be damned what anyone else says. Commit your actions in the direction you need to so that you like the person you are in the here and now, Pisces.

How Witches Deal With Negativity

Written By Michael Cardenas

 Gossip, envy, jealousy, ill intentions, and hatred all come from a place of fear and deep insecurity. People project these inner demons onto us when they become triggered by seeing someone do what they want to be doing. The only remedy to that is for them to stop comparing their journey and get to work! Create your own lane and there will be no competition. Until people come to this realization we are left with the projections. These are low vibrational frequencies that can drain you of your vitality and spiritually block you from reaching your goals.  You do not need this in your life. If you are experiencing this type of negativity in your life, DO NOT ENGAGE. The more that you feed into it, the bigger it gets.  Five things can energetically remedy the situation: Space Clearing, Flip the Energy, Spiritual Cleansing, Cleanse the Gossip, and Boundaries. Turn off your phone for an hour. Disconnect, ground, and remember who the fuck you are. You are boundless light and magic. Happiness and prosperity are your natural state of being. You are divinity in human form. You are an ancient soul returning to this world to accomplish amazing things. Now take three deep breaths in through your nose, exhale through your mouth, and get to work.

Space Clearing

Photo by Bri Luna

 You will need:

Sage

Florida Water

Clear the clutter. Clutter is bad for you on a mental, emotional, and spiritual level so clean it up and make some space in your life for positive energy to flow through. Physically cleaning and clearing your space is vital before engaging in any spiritual work. To energetically clear the space, open all the doors and windows, put on some music that makes you feel empowered, and burn some sage walking around the house in a counterclockwise direction (banish negativity). Next spray every room in the house with Florida Water walking in a clockwise direction (invoke positive energy). Lastly visualize an electric blue light filling the entire space and surrounding the outside of your home for psychic protection on all levels. It is done.

Flip the Energy

If things are moving in a negative direction it’s time to address the issue and change the course of energy. I’m a firm believer in the power of positive thinking but I’m also a believer in handling it! Address the issue and then move forward in a positive direction. I personally do this every month for preventative maintenance but you can use this as needed. I like to give this to clients that I am performing Reversal, Uncrossing, and Tapa Boca spell work for.

Photo By Michael Cardenas

You will need:

Glass of water

White plate

Sea Salt

Photo by Michael Cardenas 

Take the glass and fill it with water, and add nine pinches of sea salt. Adding salt to water makes it a better conduit of energy and it purifies negativity. Next speak into the salt water and tell it exactly what you need it to do. Water is highly intelligent and the most receptive of the metaphysical elements. For example, I would say: “Cleanse of me envy, jealousy, gossip, and ill intentions. I reverse this energy so that my life may got back into alignment with blessings, prosperity, love, and happiness.” Speak from your heart and state your honest intentions. When complete take the plate and place it on top of the glass. Firmly hold the glass and plate together, and flip the glass and plate over. This is best done over a sink or bathtub. Place it near your front door or in your bedroom. After 3, 7, or 9 days (use your intuition to determine the number of days) flip the cup and plate back over and flush the water down the toilet. Wash the glass and plate with white vinegar, soap, and water. Save them for future workings. It is done.

Spiritual Cleansing

It’s important to spiritually cleanse yourself often, especially if you’re sensitive to energy.  This is one of my favorite baths to make when I feel like I need a cleansing. It’s an old school one taught to me by my grandmother. Simple and powerful.

You will need:

3 cups of white rice

a gallon of warm water

Florida Water

Cascarilla (optional but recommended)

Soak the rice in warm water for 5 minutes making sure to stir it well so it gets super cloudy. Strain the rice and keep the water. You can cook the rice and use it as an offering to your ancestors of favorite deity. In a large container pour in the rice water, some powdered cascarilla, and a good splash of Florida Water. Hold your hands over the bowl and visualize a brilliant white light infusing the water.

Take your regular shower and when complete pour the rice water mixture over yourself from the neck down, making sure to get the back of your neck especially.

Do not rinse off. Pat dry and wear some white or light colored to sleep. Do this anytime you intuitively feel your energy is off.

Clear the Gossip

1 piece of Alum Stone a.k.a. Alumbre

Self-igniting charcoal

photo by Michael Cardenas

Alum Stone or Alumbre is actually a mineral similar to salt that will eventually dissolves in water. It is used to cleanse yourself of gossip and to illuminate your energy field with light and progress. Light a charcoal tablet and place it in a heat safe container. Let it heat up until bright red. Take the stone and cleanse yourself with it from top to bottom gentle rubbing the stone on yourself and paying special attention to the back of your neck. When complete set the stone on the charcoal and let it burn until the charcoal goes out. As this is happening it is burning off the gossip from within, through, and around you. When it is finished burning it will show you signs of who, what, when, where, and how. Let everything cool down completely and take the melted Alum from the heat proof container and examine it. Use your intuition to interpret the shape and images. Write this information down and get rid of the stone by either burying it beneath a tree or tossing it into a crossroads. *You can also use the cup flipping technique for this just use a piece of alum stone in addition to the sea salt.

Set Boundaries

You can use the following crystals to set strong boundaries. Sit or lay down to connect with them. Intuitively feel their energy and communicate with them through your thoughts. Wear them, hold them, or place them around your home to access their energy. Make sure to cleanse them after any heavy sessions and every New Moon.

Black Obsidian: warrior like protection, psychic boundaries, and deep grounding

Black Tourmaline: anti-negativity, psychic protection, and transmutes negativity into positive energy. Protective stones are Available HERE

Full Moon In Capricorn 2017

A FULL MOON THAT OCCURS BETWEEN JUNE 22 AND JULY 22 WILL BE IN THE EARTHY SIGN OF CAPRICORN.

Use a Capricorn full moon in magickal works pertaining to:

• Career matters
• Anything to do with status, establishment of reputation
• Planning & organizing (focusing on goals)
• Binding
• Grounding
• Healing the joints in your body (especially the knees)

Written by Jessica Lanyadoo

The Full Moon in Capricorn on the 8th, while the Sun sits opposite Pluto, the planet whose motto is "heal or be destroyed." Full Moons are excellent times for clearing emo baggage, but the tender Moon is least comfortable in hard-hearted Capricorn than in any other sign. Face facts and confront the reality of your life as it is in the here and now. Capricorn wants reliable ground to stand on, while the Moon wants flow. Seek out places in your life that are stuck or stagnant, and get real about your role in them. Humility and guilt live on the same continuum, only guilt is a preoccupation with the self, while humility is responsibility without self-obsession.

Speaking of obsession, let’s talk about Pluto. This bish is going to sit on top of the Moon at 11:05pmPST on the 8th, and from the 8th-10th, we’ll be feeling the effects of the Sun opposition to Pluto. The Sun governs your sense of self and your identity, and Pluto is the energy for transformation, healing, and destruction. When Pluto touches the Sun, it tends to bring up shame, obsessions, resentments, and the feeling of being abandoned. This is a rough time for feeling things cleanly – your projections and stored up defenses are likely to color your view of whatever happens around now, and that makes for a seriously intense Full Moon.

Here’s a Pro Tip for making the most of this powerful shift: you’re not alone. We’re all in this together. Pluto in Capricorn is meant to bring about transformations of the powers that be, and that counts for your internal structure as much as it impacts hierarchies and global markets. We’re all interconnected; commit to offering the same latitude to others that you wish for yourself. Allow space for others and yourself to be in process, but know that you are not more entitled than anyone else to be a jerk, no matter how wronged you feel.

Be the change you want to see in your world, especially when it would be easiest to falter. 

RITUALS

Written by Bri Luna

Capricorn moon rituals tend to be a bit harder to get initiated because of the amount of  Earth energy, but once they do they will be liberating, so enjoy the energy of this thunder moon by utilizing an affirmation in your full moon meditation.

FULL MOON MEDITATION

Sitting in silence, take a moment to ground and center yourself. Inhale the sign of Capricorn (Ambition and will) into your heart's center. At this time, you may hold one of the following suggested crystals in your hands as you envision the color of deep blue surrounding you, and filling you with a sense of courage and accomplishment.  with deep gratitude, accept these powerful energies into your being. Open yourself up to allow mindful intentions that will help to uplift creation as a whole. 

If you are feeling mentally or creatively blocked during this full moon, working with quartz crystals during meditation can not only deeply healing, but a wonderful way to open yourself to immense clarity. Read our Quartz Crystal Meditation HERE  

• Essential Oils: Frankincense, Patchouli, Cypress, Rosemary
• Candle colors: White, dark blue, green, brown
• Stones: Black Tourmaline , garnet, Tiger's eye, smoky quartz, Citrine
• Goddess of the Capricorn moon: All crones.
• Our beautiful Luna is also called The Thunder Moon tonight, as this is the time when thunderstorms are most frequent.

 

• See what's in the stars for you and read this week's Horoscopes HERE.

7/8/2017 - New Lemurian Starseed Crystal Have been added to the store:

Witch Tips & Weekly Horoscopes 7-5/7-11/2017

Written by Jessica Lanyadoo

 

Witch Tips

Look around you – when you see how much unrest is in the world these days, it’s unsurprising that the astrology is intense AF.

This week kicks off with the Sun in Cancer forming transits to the two most idealistic planets in the sky; it will form a trine to Neptune, and a square to Jupiter. This can be a time of heightened sensitivities in which you are able to act in the name of your greatest ideals. It’ll be easier to put the needs of your ego aside with these transits from the 4th-6th, but it’ll also be a time when it will be easy to get caught up in a delusion while believing it’s the real thing. Vet your opportunities well these days, and make sure your great ideas have roots to them.

The big news this week is the Full Moon in Capricorn on the 8th, while the Sun sits opposite Pluto, the planet whose motto is "heal or be destroyed." Full Moons are excellent times for clearing emo baggage, but the tender Moon is least comfortable in hard-hearted Capricorn than in any other sign. Face facts and confront the reality of your life as it is in the here and now. Capricorn wants reliable ground to stand on, while the Moon wants flow. Seek out places in your life that are stuck or stagnant, and get real about your role in them. Humility and guilt live on the same continuum, only guilt is a preoccupation with the self, while humility is responsibility without self-obsession.

Speaking of obsession, let’s talk about Pluto. This bish is going to sit on top of the Moon at 11:05pmPST on the 8th, and from the 8th-10th, we’ll be feeling the effects of the Sun opposition to Pluto. The Sun governs your sense of self and your identity, and Pluto is the energy for transformation, healing, and destruction. When Pluto touches the Sun, it tends to bring up shame, obsessions, resentments, and the feeling of being abandoned. This is a rough time for feeling things cleanly – your projections and stored up defenses are likely to color your view of whatever happens around now, and that makes for a seriously intense Full Moon.

Here’s a Pro Tip for making the most of this powerful shift: you’re not alone. We’re all in this together. Pluto in Capricorn is meant to bring about transformations of the powers that be, and that counts for your internal structure as much as it impacts hierarchies and global markets. We’re all interconnected; commit to offering the same latitude to others that you wish for yourself. Allow space for others and yourself to be in process, but know that you are not more entitled than anyone else to be a jerk, no matter how wronged you feel.

Be the change you want to see in your world, especially when it would be easiest to falter.

ARIES

March 21-April 19

Put yourself out there, but know your limits, Aries! It’s easy to take chances when things are flowing your way, but it’s important to have balance. This week you run the risk of overdoing it in some way that impacts your work or personal life. This is going to bring on some serious feels to cope with, and emotions have a funny way of slowing everything down. Instead of forcing yourself to deal with things before you’re ready, try to create some space in your life. You deserve it. 

­TAURUS

April 20-May 20

It’s so tempting to seek to make sense of your situation – or even your own feelings – by trying to understand other people’s feelings, thoughts, and actions. It’s kind of a fool’s errand though. When you deal with people who treat you in ways that feel wrong to you, it’s your job to be the friend you need. Take care of yourself, Taurus, and do it by embodying healthy limits with yourself and with others. If you’re acting with integrity, then things can only fall into their perfect place.

GEMINI

May 21-June 21

The more invested you are, the more you have to lose. This week is not about making safe bets; it’s time to put yourself on the line for what you actually want. If you’ve wanted to do something but your fear of how much time or energy it will demand of you has stopped you, it’s time to get out of your own way, Twin Star. Grab a hold of yourself, and pursue what you want with your whole heart. Let go of the distractions that are holding you back from living a life you love.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

The Full Moon on the 8th in your relationship house is important for you, Moonchild. This week will bring up all the feels and then some as people in your life are likely to come to you with stuff you need to deal with. Instead of going on the defensive, make a point to listen to them. The only way to truly listen to someone else is with an open heart. Take the time to figure out your reactions after you’ve been able to digest whatever you learn, my love.

LEO

July 23-Aug. 22

By week’s end you’re going to be confronted by some pretty meaningful triggers, Leo, so don’t say I didn’t warn you. Spend as much time as you can caring for yourself by investing in the activities and relationships that you most value. The greater your sense of inner balance, the easier it will be to deal with whatever memories, behaviors, or issues that come up from the 8th onwards. Look for opportunities to heal old wounds in the things that spark your feels this week.

VIRGO

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

If you’re brave enough to step away from your tidy narratives of your life and you can also check in with what you really feel, you’ll end up with very different data. This week you’re on call to get connected to what your heart wants you to know. It may make things messier, but that’s where the magic happens. You don’t have to know why or what you ‘should’ do next; all you have to understand is this very moment. Show yourself some love, Virgo.

LIBRA

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

If you could control your life, you would organize it into a direction that seems awesome, obviously. The truth is that it’s a great thing that you’re not in control because you don’t have all the information that you need to see what’s best for you. Make sure that you don’t sell yourself short or settle before you really have to, Libra. Don’t rush your process so much that you miss out on what it has to offer you.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23-Nov. 21

If you assert yourself without serious forethought, it’ll have annoying repercussions this week, Scorpio. You’ve got to shift the way you participate; there’s a difference between stalking your prey and being patient. The former is an action with a clear intention attached to it, and the latter is a more receptive approach. Let things develop and reveal themselves to you in their own sweet time. For now, work on managing the thoughts and feels that come up for you when you’re not in control.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

There’s no way of avoiding consequences. All you can do is act in ways that reflect your integrity so that whatever they attract is true to you. You’re at a place in your life where what you do counts – especially in regards to your relationship with your soul. Follow your instincts, and make life-affirming choices, Sagittarius. Even when you have to compromise, strive to do it in ways that don’t compromise you. The way to live your best life is to be your best self, my love.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

On the 8th is the one time of the year that the Moon is full in your sign – so get ready to feel more feels than you wanna, my love. You’re gonna feel pulled in different directions, so here’s a pro tip to help you through: the truth will set you free. Don’t obsess on what the truth is for you so much that you miss out on what truth you actually want to communicate to others. Honor the difference between what you want to get off your chest versus what will serve your best interests this week.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

Get ready for the Full Moon on the 8th to rattle your cage in the perfect way, Aquarius. You’ve been trying to get at something that’s been shifting inside of you, and this Moon is gonna help shake it into focus. Be willing to accept the yearnings of your heart, even if it brings you down a new or unexpected path. You may have to take a step back from your relationships in order to find peace with your inner truth; do what you have to to be right with yourself this week.

PISCES

Feb. 19-March 20

You may need to let someone go or just change a dynamic that you know isn’t working for you this week. The truth is that relationships are organisms; they grow or whither depending on their conditions. And just like all living things, they have a life span. Be graceful enough with the people you’re in relationship with to be honest about where things are at. You may need to change your expectations or your dynamic. Either way, don’t fear change, Pisces; it’s an essential part of growth.

Material Girl, Mystical World: An Interview With Ruby Warrington

Photo Ruby Warrington

Meet Ruby Warrington, the lovely British fashion journalist and cosmic force behind the majestic online community The Numinous. In this interview with The Hoodwitch,Ruby shares her inspirations behind creating her comprehensive new guide book to The "Now Age".

 

Hi Ruby, first and foremost congratulations on your new book! Can you share with our readers what was your biggest motivation behind creating your new book?

Since I launched my site The Numinous in 2013, I've been on a mission—like you Bri!—to make the mystical arts seems more accessible and relevant, and this book has been a big part of that. But while writing it, I came to be aware of a much deeper thread running through this whole movement. Namely that engaging with esoteric practices and connecting to ourselves as spiritual beings is an essential (if not THE essential!) part of waking up to the role each and every of us has to play in the future thriving of humanity. So y'know, it gets pretty deep!
 

 "Material Girl, Mystical World"is an interesting title some might ask why it isn't the other way around "mystical girl, material word"? How did you come up with this title for your book? What does "the NOW age" mean for you?

The title has been the tag-line for my site since it launched, and I came up with it floating in the sea in Croatia back in like 2011. "Material Girl" speaks to my background as a fashion journalist in London ... my adventures in the "Numiverse" my journey into the "Mystical World." It actually works both ways. I am as mystical as I am material, as is the world we live in. For me, being on the "spiritual path" is about acknowledging this and integrating the mystical and the material in everything we do.

As for the Now Age, I coined this term for two reasons: Firstly, it's an update of the 1960s "new age", which was a reference to the astrological Age of Aquarius (like the song, remember?) which the Earth and all of us began transitioning into during the last century. We're now fully living in the Age of Aquarius—and so the "new" age is ... "now"! The hallmarks of this astrological era are the rapid development of technology, the spreading of information among the masses, and the toppling of hierarchical structures—all of which we are also seeing come to pass, and which mean we live in an unprecedented age of instant gratification. Thanks to the Internet we can access anything and everything NOW—which can be as overwhelming as it is amazing!
 

What are the top 5 books you'd say changed your life? Who are some of your favorite authors?

In my conclusion I write how "this book changed my life"—since walking the walk and doing my research for Material Girl, Mystical world has transformed me, inside and out. My health, relationships, the way I view my work, my spirituality, my relationship to myself. Everything! I reference Brené Brown's Daring Greatly several times in my book, but I don't read a lot of self-help. I prefer the escapism and emotional stimulus of fiction. Some of my favorite writers overall would be: Donna Tartt, Elizabeth Gilbert, JT LeRoy, Lionel Shriver, and Bret Easton Ellis. And I recently devoured Cat Marnell's How To Murder Your Life (she's a total Numi girl in training!).

 

What are some of your daily rituals that you utilized to help  stay inspired and creative during the long and often tedious process of writing your book? Did you work with any crystals or tools (I.e tarot, astrology) to keep you focused and/or to gain a clearer insight into specific blocks/challenges  and how to overcome them?

On a practical level, I put a ban on email + social media before 11am and after 9pm. I write best in the morning when my head is still half in the spirit world, so I needed to keep this channel clear and to also make sure I was getting super deep, like almost orgasmic, sleep. I doubled down on my yoga + meditation practice for the same reasons. As for more esoteric practices, researching the book involved throwing myself headfirst into it ALL, and these experienced not only shaped the text, but me as I was writing it! It was a very holistic experience in this respect.
 

Finally, This book seems like an immense labor of love and I know there are many people who are tapping into their power and really just don't know where to begin in materializing their dreams into reality. What are some words of wisdom that you would like to share with our readers on how to  mindfully manifest their goals ?  

Bri, thank you for seeing this! It's a total cliche to describe this as my "book baby" but it contains so much of myself that it feels like my flesh and blood. As for awakening to and activating your own personal power, my chapter on Dharma is all about this. But first, KNOW YOURSELF. Meaning, identify what makes you feel the most alive, and what you need to be able to do it. Astrology is my preferred tool for this. Then you must cultivate CONVICTION and PERSISTENCE (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual). Yoga + meditation will help, as will any healing practices that help develop spiritual resilience. Stepping into our personal power often means going against the conditioning of our upbringing and of society at large, and this can take some serious muscle. But not only is it worth it, the world and our Mother Earth needs us to step up now more than ever.

 

Do you have any new events or special projects that we should know about?

Moon Club is an online spiritual mentoring program that I run with my Numinous contributor Alexandra Roxo—a global community of people all committed to learning more about our place in the cosmos, using this to facilitate the above, and supporting each other through it. We're got retreats coming up in NY and Croatia that are also open to non-members, and I am so excited to have these opportunities to bring all the teachings of Material Girl, Mystical World to life!!

The Hoodwitch: Witch Tips & Horosocopes 6/28~7/4/2017

Written By Jessica Lanyado

Witch Tips

What do we really know about the sign Cancer, other than that it’s got an unfortunate name and that it’s a hella emo sign? Cancer is strong. It’s a sign that’s represented by a hard-shelled crab, and while it may move towards things sideways, it comes equipped with weapons and can throw down if it has to. Planets in the sign of Cancer are concerned with their safety. The way that they assess it is by either referring back to their internal experience or checking in with what other people seem to think or feel – and this is where things get complicated. When dealing with heightened sensitivities, it’s wise to have a system of evaluating your own experience; otherwise, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by emotion and act defensively. This can cloud your judgment and encourage attachment to people, situations, or things that are not actually a part of your true security. This week, Cancer vibes are going to be strong.

Things are likely to be extra, so make sure you’re as grounded as you know how to be. On the 27-29th, chatty Mercury will be sitting on top of agro Mars. That’ll make everybody eager to jump to conclusions, feel hecka irritable, and quick to get defensive. Try to sit on your reactions and allow for more info to come through before you engage in fights, especially petty ones. On the 28-30th, Mercury will sit opposite Pluto, and that combo of these two transits can be downright explosive. You’re likely to obsess on things that make you feel bad, so be mindful of where you let your thoughts go. This is a great time for working hard to uncover the truth, but try to go at things directly, lovers.

Artwork by Ken Herman

If that wasn’t enough, it doesn’t end there; on the 1-3rd, Mars in Cancer will sit opposite Pluto in Capricorn. These two planets govern war and the need to be recognized as ‘right’. The combination can make you feel defensive and paranoid, so remember this: once a thing is done, it cannot be undone. Be humble in your strength, even if you feel like proving yourself at all costs. Other people may slime you with bad vibes, or you can spread around crappy juju if you’re not careful around these dates. 

Every witch needs black Tourmaline to help stave off negative energies, so make sure you’ve got some in your pocket this week. The greatest challenge from the 28th-3rd is to act with integrity; don’t do as the biggest jerk in your circle would; act in ways that make you like the person you are.

By the time the 3-5th rolls around, Mercury in emo Cancer will be forming a square to Uranus in individualistic Aries. The truth will come out around this time, so you better hope that you were playing it clean earlier in the week. This energy can make it hard to sleep because it stimulates your nervous system, and it can generate anxiety for the same reason. This is a great time for innovation but a lousy one for stability, so don’t seek it! Strive to grow beyond your limitations, and especially beyond your fears this week.

ARIES

March 21-April 19

Things are not meant to stay the same, and that’s a fact. Instead of holding on to what you thought you wanted, try being open to new ways of patterning your life. This week it’d be a mistake to get caught up in the details when there are big-picture shifts trying to take place in your life. Don’t hide from your own best interests by getting caught up in pettiness that you don’t need to be a part of. Focus your energies on getting where you want to go with your integrity intact, Aries.

­TAURUS

April 20-May 20

Your friendships are a meaningful reflection of the person that you choose to be. Pay attention to the dramas and very real dynamics at play with your friends, pals, and contacts this week. There’s a live wire humming through all of your communications right now, and it would be easy for a poorly placed word or an unintentional tone to set off trouble. It’s important that you air out your thoughts – just choose an appropriate and reliable shoulder to lean on this week.

GEMINI

May 21-June 21

Your ruling planet, Mercury, is on fire this week, and that can go in any direction for you. Stay grounded so that you don’t get swept up by other people’s dramas or become an unsuspecting player in one. When you’re stressing and fearing the worst, it’s extra hard to see things clearly. Take the space you need to be able to manage your feels; you risk getting so caught up in what you fear that you miss the potential inherent in your situation, Twin Star.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

This week may find you irritable, overwhelmed, and done with it all. There are no wrong feelings, just difficult ones. Find healthy ways of off-gassing your anger and agitation so that you don’t get into power struggles masquerading as meaningful issues. If you’re gonna get into it (and you may just have to), don’t get caught up in the details. By sticking to the big picture, it’ll be easier to avoid picking fights. Be intentional about what you do and how you do it, Moonchild.

LEO

July 23-Aug. 22

Pay close attention to your dreams this week; your sleep may be poor as your subconscious works out some heavy stuff. You’re likely to feel really flooded, and the way to handle it is to be willing to let go. Just because a thing is difficult doesn’t make it deep, Leo. It isn’t necessary to keep on reliving the same lessons – you’re allowed to walk away. Don’t process with people you don’t trust, and don’t waste your precious energy on played out dynamics this week.

VIRGO

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

If you don’t have confidence in yourself, every part of life becomes difficult and hard to navigate. So here’s the million dollar question, Virgo: are you worthy of trust? Do you generally act in your best interests and in ways that reflect your values? Do you stand up for yourself when you feel wronged? Do you take yourself out of situations when they prove to be bad for you? If your answers are “no,” this is the time to start being a better friend to your lovely self.

LIBRA

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

This is a time of great striving for you, Libra, and that’s not comfortable. When life is not stable, it’s tempting to assume the worst, but it’s not wise. Uncertainly and change are not synonymous with problems, my love. Be strong enough in your convictions that you can let people, situations, or attitudes go when they need to. In order to have a fantastic life, you don’t need things to come easily (though it would be nice); you need to be free.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Things are complicated in your relationships, but that doesn’t mean that there are any hard and fast rules about what should come next. Avoid the desire to come up with a tidy answer to make a messy situation less complicated. Life is complicated. You don’t need to have it all together or to know what comes next in order for you to be doing the right thing for you in this moment. Act with honesty, and invite the consequences that this incurs, my love.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

If you allow other people’s beliefs and opinions to corrode your confidence, they better be pretty compelling. This week, others may harsh your mellow with their fearful expectations and negative projections. Your job is to parse out the Negative Norberts from those offering wise counsel. While you don’t get to know what will happen next, you do know how you want to participate in the here and now. Let fear guide you away from danger, not forge your life plans.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

If you don’t like the way things are, you’d better change them. The problem is that you’re unlikely to be able to see positive solutions when you’re obsessively running over everything that could go wrong. Repetitive thoughts and actions are like prayer, and they amplify whatever it is that you’re focusing on. Be careful of what you sew this week because your actions will be backed up with extra power. Make sure what you do is creative, or it’ll feel powerfully destructive, my love.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

There’s only so much that you can do at once without feeling over it all and quitting. Pace yourself through everything that you have to get done this week, as it may feel like too much. There are heavy shifts happening deep within you, and if you aren’t present for them, you may just miss a golden opportunity to let go of baggage. There are some things that you’re totally done with but habituated around; prioritize the places and people that make you happy this week.

PISCES

Feb. 19-March 20

This week is all about finding opportunity where you feel stuck. This may require you to step outside of your comfort zone or to take pains to better secure some parts of your life. Whatever happens, if your attitude is that of a person with a sign, a stand, and a bunch of lemons, you’ll be alright, Pisces. Preparation doesn’t require that you control things, only that you are a good steward for them to grow.

Goddess Of The Week: Julianna 'Uzumaki' Cepeda

Name: Julianna 'Uzumaki' Cepeda

Location: From The Bronx, now currently in Los Angeles. 

Astrological Sign/rising: Gemini sun, rising Libra, Pisces moon. 

Photography by Erica Weitz

Occupation: Installation textile artist of Uzumaki gallery

Which Goddess or Goddess Archetype do you most identify with and why?

I would say Santa Martha the Dominatora because shes a strong women i've been seeing as a child. She takes nobody's shit and shes super magical! She deadass is nobody to play with. That vibe of strong women is what I identify with. 

How do you get in touch with/unleash your inner goddess ?

I unleash my inner goddess when I think about ideas.  I was going to say prayer but that's too obvious. I feel like creating and manifesting ideas makes me feel special. The fact I can use these hands and mind to create and give is everything. 

What is your Goddess superpower?

My goddess superpower I believe is my imagination. I can close my eyes and think of the way I want the world to be, and open my eyes and start creating that world with my hands. I think it's important for people to acknowledge their mind power and the powers of manifestation.  

Photography by Davon Chandler

What is an empowering quote and/or important words of wisdom that you'd like to share with other Goddesses out there? 

Everybody ain't ya friend! But treat them like they are. 

FULL MOON in Sagittarius- June 9th 2017

A Full Moon that occurs between May 22 and June 21 will be in Sagittarius. This moon has many names "Rose moon" "strawberry moon", and of course,  Honey moon. This Moon is helpful in matters of:

• Understanding
• Adventures; both mental and physical.
• Travel that broadens the mind.
• Expanding conceptual horizons.
• Long-term planning

The restless and enthusiastic energy of the Sagittarius moon pushes us in the direction of seeking adventure, change, and motion. The Full moon in this sign is a time for philosophy, metaphysics, traveling, studying, and freedom from responsibility. This moon's energy brings the need to feel free of restrictions, and to be spontaneous. The restless and independentnature of this astrological sign is to offer us the gift of exploration. Warm & friendly vibes can make this a good time for seeing new places, encountering different people and relating to a changing environment.

The Full Moon in Sagittarius is the best time  hold agroup ritual. The spiritual and psychic forces are very evident now and the desire to connect with us is strong.

Moon Wellness (health): 

The Moon in Sagittarius tends to affect the extended vertebrae (sacrum and coccyx) as well as thighs. At this time massages are particularly beneficial and can loosen up sore or stiff muscles. Stiff thigh muscles and deep-seated contusions can be quickly cured with long soaks in Epsom salt and soothing herbal mixtures that smell great and relax the senses. You can even take this soak a step further by lighting a purple candle (the color associated with Sagittarius) and close your eyes for a healing moon meditation (see below)

Moon Meditation: 

Sitting comfortably in silence welcome the fiery, passionate, and expansive energies of Sagittarius in. Practice being mindful of the destructive potential of these energies by allowing thoughts of lower nature to come in, and release them out with each breath. At this time,  it is essential that we choose to fill our mental and emotional natures with temperance, silence, and mindfulness.  Only from this place can we find alignment and sense the vision of what is possible. Allow your body to relax completely and focus on using your energy to renounce all obstacles that might be hindering the union of achieving your highest spiritual goals. 

"I see the goal. I reach the goal and see another." -Alice Bailey

Full moon in Sag journal focus:

• Carrying inner silence, can I walk through this day as an observer? Mindful of my thoughts, words, deeds, and of the vision I hold within? 
• What is my highest aspiration? 

Moon Magic: 

June's Rose moon, strawberry moon, and mead moon is a time for casting spells offering protection, making decisions, personal strength, love and fertility.

Ritual:

 Honoring the full moon can be integrated into parties/groups by meditating together with silent witness to the moon being our center. Ritualized touching/laying on of hands for healing. chant together using syllables or sounds of power.

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Love Notes From The Universe: An Interview With Diego "Yung Pueblo" Perez

"Symmetry" By Hannakais Pekkala

 

There are few Instagram accounts that speak directly to our souls with daily insight and often timely Universal words of wisdom. Diego Perez also known as “Yung Pueblo” has one of them. Diego offers beautiful short poems and messages that feel as if they were left behind for you via sticky note by a divine guardian angel.  Diego is a thought provoker, wordsmith, and a conduit of such positive energy that just radiates from his work! We are  thrilled that he just so happens to have a book coming out later this year. In this interview we will discuss life, spirit, and the power of social media.

THW: Hi Diego, Can you tell our readers a bit about the man behind their favorite motivational memes?

YP: Well, I currently live in NYC, I am 29 years old, I was originally born in Guayaquil Ecuador. I write under the name Yung Pueblo for two reasons, one because Pueblo is a word used in Guayaquil in reference to the masses of economically impoverished people, so it always reminds me of my roots and where I come from, two Yung Pueblo literally means young people which always reminds me of something that I believe deeply, which is that humanity as a whole is very young, we have a lot of growing up to do, we are collectively still learning how to be kind to one another, how to clean up after ourselves, how to share, and how to not fight one another – things that I am hoping we will learn how to do well in the next 100 years.

THW: What inspired you to start writing these extremely powerful messages on instagram? Did you use any other media platforms prior to this? How has this changed your writing style, if at all.

 

YP: I started organizing and being a part of the activist world back when I was 15 years old, ever since then I was always obsessed with the idea of liberation, I wanted to know what it meant, how to attain it, and how to maintain it. From nonprofit organizing to radical organizing, I have worked with a few different groups over the years and often we were successful, but still something was missing, greed continued to drive global harm and internally I was still rife with misery, this made me keep searching. When I was 24 I did my first 10 day Vipassana mediation course which shook the foundations of everything I believed in, my experience meditating showed me that liberation needs to be internally realized to a certain extent before we can recreate the world into a place where we can all live materially well without harming one another to do so; it showed me that everyone needs to be liberated, the oppressed and the oppressors. It taught me three particularly important lessons, one is that when we harm another we harm ourselves, that when we heal ourselves we are actually healing the world, and that the chaos in our world stems from the internal chaos and misery that human beings are quietly experiencing inside of themselves every day. We are all in need of healing and that healing can only come from our own efforts, because no one can liberate us but ourselves. Moving forward I continued meditating and organizing simultaneously, and then one day my intuition clearly told me to share what I understand in the form of writing, that even though what I understand may change overtime I need to share it now so that people know that it is possible to come out of misery and deeply heal themselves, because it is the transformation of the individual that holds the secrets to truly transforming the world into something better. I took a break from organizing to focus on writing and pretty quickly I noticed that Instagram was a good fit. I started off by writing short pieces and essays or just simple thoughts as captions under the pictures I would share, but then I saw that I would be better off just taking the main ideas of what I wanted to share and placing them in a clean and readable image, that’s when it all really took off and the words started spreading widely. My writing style is definitely still evolving.

THW: I’ve read that you are currently working on a book, can you share with our readers what it’s about and when we can expect it’s release?

YP: The book is entitled “Inward” and it will be a compilation of my best work over the past 3 years. It will be a mixture of poems, quotes, and essays. I’m currently putting it all together and hope to have it out this year, I don’t want to say exactly when, but it will be out soon. It’s been quite a journey putting this together.

THW: What books are you currently reading? Can you share a few titles that have inspired/changed your life?

YP: I love books so much, thank you for asking, I’m going to go in on this question if you don’t mind. Right now I am currently reading “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari and “Demanding the Future: Postcapitalism and a World Without Work” by Nick Srnicek and Alex Williams.

Some titles that have profoundly inspired me are:

“Assata: An Autobiography” by Assata Shakur

“What Buddhism is” by Sayagyi U Ba Khin

“Nonzero: The Logic of Human Destiny” by Robert Wright

“Hua Hu Ching: The Unknown Teaching of Lao Tzu” translated by Brian Walker

“Great Disciples of the Buddha” edited by Bhikkhu Bodhi

“Krishnamurti to Himself” by Jiddu Krishnmurti

“The Dhammapada” translated by Ananda Maitreya & Rose Kramer

“The Bhagavad Gita” translated by Eknath Easwaran

“Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda

“The Dispossessed” by Ursula K. Le Guin

“On Disobedience” by Erich Fromm

“The Rebirth of History” by Alain Badiou

“Siddhartha” by Hermann Hesse

I know that’s a lot of titles, but they all really had a deep impact in how I understand myself and the world.

THW: Who/What inspires YOU?

YP: Two ideas really drive my inspiration, one is the possibility of complete freedom from misery as an individual and the second is humanity coming together to recreate the world into the beautiful and loving place that it can be.

The stories and teachings of Gautama the Buddha and his disciples, teachers in my Vipassana meditation tradition like Ledi Sayadaw,  Sayagyi U Ba Khin, and S.N. Goenka, all really inspire me too. My family and friends really inspire me to work hard and be better as well.

THW: What do you hope to accomplish with your messages?

YP: I hope people understand that they can truly heal themselves of their inner burdens and actually build inner peace, that this isn’t something mythical or impossible, that this is real and that many people are doing it all around the world right now using different healing techniques. It is not easy, but it is definitely the most rewarding journey that we can embark on.

More so, I want to help people understand that growing their happiness, building their inner peace, and reclaiming their power are all essential things that not only heal humanity as a whole, but will ultimately help us establish a more peaceful and harmless world. Your inner peace will literally become the foundation for a future global peace. Healing ourselves will not only help us live with less misery, but it will give us a new clarity that we can use to transform the world.

THW: Social media can be a pretty awful place when it comes to plagiarism for writers, especially when sharing your meme-style motivational messages.. How do you tolerate seeing your work copied or stolen and not credited?

YP: It’s a great lesson, I do my best to not worry about it. If I’m too attached to it, it will just continue happening. Some people definitely take my name out from under pieces and then post them on their pages, but what good will it do me to be upset over it? Plus, I doubt that most people have any malicious intention when they do it. Gratefully, the vast majority do give me credit for the work I put out by linking my Instagram page underneath in the caption and tagging me in the picture, I certainly appreciate that.

What matters most is that the message gets out there. If you really think about it, “I” doesn’t exist, so is it really “my” work? Often, when I write, it more so feels like the message is coming through me as opposed to from me. I think plagiarism and copyright laws are a bit odd, no one has ever created anything completely by themselves, we are always building on each other’s work, it is all really a collective effort. Also, since words are just interpretations of how we feel, two people can write similar words but the feeling, meaning, and experience behind them can be completely different. I’m not saying that we should all go and plagiarize, we should try our best to create our own work and credit each other, but if it does happen accidentally we shouldn’t lose our peace over it.

 THW: What are some of words of wisdom that you would share with our readers on how to cultivate more mindfulness in their daily lives?

 

YP: Mindfulness is essentially being aware of the present moment, which is critically important in for our personal development. But what matters is how will you be aware of the present moment, what tool will you use to increase your awareness?

My advice to people is to find a healing technique that gives you real results, one that challenges you, but does not overwhelm you. There is a great variety of techniques out there, different types of meditations, yoga practices, energy healing techniques, and so much more that can really give us tangible benefits in our lives. What matters is that we find one that suits us and that we use it consistently.

THW:  Do you have any other projects that you’re currently working on that you’d like to share with our readers?

YP: I’m planning an event in Los Angeles this summer, which I’m really excited about, the details will be set soon. I will be reading a piece of my manuscript and giving a talk about the patterns in our subconscious that impact our behavior. I did a similar event this past March in NYC at the Alchemist’s Kitchen, so many people came out that we filled the venue, it was really a great time.

I’m currently working on a video with one of the best directors and videographers in NYC, Lindsey TJ Hall, you can find him on Instagram under @guynamedlindsey. We knew that the message was getting out to people who read, but we wanted to make something new to try and reach people who are more musically and visually inclined. The video will be about self love and its growth into unconditional love, it should be out sometime this summer.

Read more of Diego's Work by following him on instagram @Yung_Pueblo