Monthly Archives: March 2023

intentions, spiritual

April 2023 Intentions: Creating Space & Beltane Celebrations

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The year is moving fast, and April is just a few days away as I’m writing this. Soon, the winter cold will be gone and spring will really be here! We had a few nice days and then hit another cold snap. But things are looking up – and April is often the beginning of our rainy season.

One thing I’m really looking forward to is end of April, early May weather – the snow is pretty much gone by then, and you rarely need a jacket. I’m looking forward to getting outside and being able to walk the trails again.

March recap and highlights

Instead of recapping my list of goals for March, I think I’ll just leave the link here for you to check out for yourself. But one of the major highlights was a change I made to my daily diet about three weeks ago.

Due to higher rent payments and the cost of food, I’m trying to make cuts where it seems logical to do so and food is one of those budgets I’m trying to stretch out. Instead of buying expensive cuts of meats, I’ve learned to add beans to my daily diet – about 1/2 to 1 cup per every meal. Though last night, I decided to give my digestive track a break from beans and it was a bit needed.

I’ve noticed a difference in how my skin feels, clothes are feeling looser, I feel less bloated and swelling seems to have gone down too! I didn’t get out for walks as we hit some really cold weather, but I did make use of my balcony on those warmer days. I’m also craving sweets less, and find I’m losing fat around my midsection and face. It’s such a difference, even though the scales have not budged. Yet. It will. It needs to!

Spring cleaning has begun, and I fixed my vacuum yesterday! It needed a deep clean and I managed to get it working again, saving me more money.

I did not get out and socialize like I wanted to – I had a bad flare early in the month and a snowstorm on the weekend killed plans to attend a witchy market. But there will be more and I hope to hit flea markets soon and perhaps, a farmers market.

Now… we let go of March and move onto April!

April Intentions: Creating Space

April usually means that spring is here if you are living in the Northern Hemisphere. This means warmer weather, and soon, people in Canada will be able to plant seeds in their gardens and watch them grow over the summer!

This month’s spiritual focus should be on:

  • Creating and producing (plants, seeds, food, arts, crafts, energy, etc)
  • Connecting with nature and spending time in your gardens
  • Balance – overall balance of physical and emotional self (anger)
  • Building on self confidence and assertiveness
  • Welcoming new opportunities into your life and accepting them

Start your day off with intention setting

Sit with your morning coffee or tea, meditate while you stir (counterclockwise), Soak in the delicious aromas and think about what you want to get accomplished for the day. Run through a list of plans in your head, or jot them down in a notepad (or digital notebook) – whatever medium you use.

Stop. Deep breaths. Repeat regularly. Your anxiety will thank you.

My Personal Intentions for April 2023

  • Deep clean my condo (windows, floors, walls), organize my balcony and outdoor living space;
  • Decorate the balcony with fairy lights, plant herbs, daisies, and search flea markets and garage sales for cute gnomes or fairy statues;
  • Get out! Be with friends! Start seeing friends again for coffees, lunches and host monthly craft nights here. Attend at least one spring market. This will help with confidence and strengthening connections!
  • Go outside daily: Whether it’s sitting on the balcony, going for walks, or getting together with friends to explore nearby trails and connect with nature. Enjoy at least one outdoor picnic when weather is warm;
  • Meditations and grounding: Meditate daily, practice selfcare (baths, hygiene, exercise, eating healthy), continue with monthly therapy appointments, journal often, focus on healthy relationships and talk with partners when issues come up in a respectful and non-toxic manner;
  • Work on creative projects: Digital art, writing books and stories, crafting and using up beading supplies in my spare room and organize crafting supplies!
Mindfulness Planning Board – created with Canva

Mindfulness Journaling

Do you practice daily mindfulness? If so, how do you incorporate it into your daily life? Do you find that it helps lessen your anxiety? Let me know in the comments what you loved about this post and what you might carry on with you this month.

Word of advice: if you do a 30 day challenge, keep a diary or journal of what you did every day and how it made you feel – you can refer back it to every month 🙂

If you are looking for an online journal, I have a few on my Etsy store – check out the link here.

Site wide sale for 50%!

Thank you for reading!

Beltane & Gaelic May Day

Celebrated on April 30 – May 01, Beltane is known as Gaelic May Day and celebrated in the northern hemisphere to mark the midpoint between spring and summer.

It is known as a Pagan holiday and is one of the eight Sabbats according to the wheel of the year (honored by Pagans, Witches and Wiccans). Festivals can include bonfires, maypoles, dancing, singing, and ahem, performing fertility rituals – whatever that looks like in your part of the world. Beltane, the fires of Bel, honors the Celtic Sun God, Belenus.

I’m including this for April as some stretch Sabbat celebrations for an entire week, and I’d like to do more of this for myself!

For more information, please subscribe to this blog – a full post will be scheduled for the end of the month about Beltane traditions and origins!

What’s happening this month spiritually?

  • April 06 – The Growing Moon or Pink Moon
  • April 06-09 – Christian Easter / Good Friday
  • April 30-May01 – Beltane (Gaelic May Day)

April Correspondences

  • Astrological signs: Aries and Taurus
  • Colors: Red and Gold
  • Elements: Fire (red) and Earth (green)
  • Herbs and Flowers: Basil, Chives, Dragons Blood, Geranium, Thistle, Daisies, Sweetpea, Lilac, Willow, Hazel, Dandelion, Dogwood
  • Incense: Pine, Bay, Bergamot, Patchouli
  • Spirit Animals: Bear, Wolf, Hawk and Magpie
  • Spirits: Plant and Land Spirits, Fairies or Little Folk
  • Stones: Ruby, Garnet, Sand, Quartz, Selenite, Angelite, Diamond
  • The Growing Moon or Pink Moon

Related Information

For more information about my spiritual practices, please visit my Spirituality page. It is a work in progress, like this blog.

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kitchen witchery, witchcraft

An introduction to Kitchen Witchery

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Cooking is something I love to do when I have the energy and spoons to do so. Working with natural foods like fresh vegetables and fruits in baking, is something I’m getting more in tune with. Not only for weight loss, but also just in an attempt to reduce processed foods from my diet.

When you struggle with chronic pain and fatigue, cooking can be the last thing you want to do. So, what’s really important to me, is to find ways to a) stretch the food budget, b) prep ingredients in advance, and c) batch cook or bake and freeze for later use.

One of my goals for the next few months, is to reduce the amount of food that I waste. This is difficult to do as a single person. So, that means, spending less on groceries, shopping with intention (pre meal planning), and focusing on foods that can last longer like canned beans or frozen vegetables which are just as good as fresh.

In addition to cooking healthier meals, I’ve been searching for natural ways to help reduce my anxiety and depressive episodes, and this research led me to the path of Green Witchery or Kitchen Witchery.

Some of my fondest memories since moving into this condo, has been in the kitchen celebrating events with friends. And while I’m no longer part of that friends group, I hope to make my home welcoming and have new friends over soon!

What is Kitchen Witchery?

The kitchen, is usually the hearth of most homes. It’s a place where families gather together for meals and discuss the day’s events. It’s a place where our guests gather to enjoy food you have prepared. It’s usually a place where I start my day with morning coffee and breakfast, and end the night with a cup of sleepy tea before bed.

Kitchen witchery is about incorporating magical or spiritual practices into your daily meal prepping. It’s about cooking with care, love and intention. It’s using fresh or organic products like fruits and vegetables, and working on reducing waste. This means using reusable products like cloth tea bags, glass containers for storage or mason jars, etc.

Anyone can practice Kitchen or Green Witchery. Think of Witchcraft like an umbrella term. There are many types of practices within Witchcraft, and I’ll cover those in a separate post. You can also be a Pagan, or a Wiccan and use these practices in your daily life.

The main principles of Kitchen Witchery

  • Planning your meals in advance, using natural or organic products, and creating your own recipes or kitchen spells or grimoire for kitchen spells
  • Celebrating special occasions like the Sabbats with friends, planning a meal, and enjoying food together
  • Crafting your own potions (syrups, dressings, beverages, meade, teas)
  • Decorating your kitchen with flowers, candles, dried herbs or plants, or other artifacts that you connect with
  • Meditating while prepping ingredients or thinking about what you want to accomplish the next day
  • Using sigil or runes in your cooking (drizzling oils, syrups, or using your finger to draw them in flour, etc)

How I practice Kitchen Witchery

Herbal and flower garden

Now that spring is here, I’m looking forward to being able to plant flowers and herbs for my outdoor (and indoor) garden. It’s a bit early to do that as the nights are still cold, but soon. I hope to have plants like lavender, lilac, and ivy.

I’ve tried regrowing things like celery, spring onions and think I will plant herbs like chives, mint and whatever else I can find locally. That’s the other thing – I try and support local artisans where I can and plan on hitting as many markets and farmer’s markets as I can afford this summer.

Healthy baking and cooking

As I mentioned in the opening of this post, I’m focusing on trying new dishes and cooking mostly healthy foods. I’m trying to reduce the amount of processed foods I use which is hard to do with a minimal food budget. There are still things like pasta noodles that I have in my cupboards (just in case). One thing I have started doing is adding beans and legumes to my daily diet and have noticed a drastic improvement in overall gut health and energy levels.

One thing I’d like to get back into is writing my recipes down and making printable recipe cards. So, I think I might make an online grimoire – and share these with you. It will be a work in progress.

Mindfulness in the kitchen

One thing I have learned to do since having a mice infestation in my last condo that really got bad (not my fault), I make it a point to clean up my kitchen counter and make sure all dishes are rinsed or put in the dishwasher. I’m getting into the habit of using canisters, glass jars (mason jars) and reusable ziploc bags for storing some foods too.

Waking up to a clean counter top and organized pantry cabinets, is a good way to start the day.

One of the first things I do after waking up and hitting the bathroom, is making that first cup of coffee. While doing that, sometimes I’ll put in some laundry or get started on daily chores. Or I’ll run through a list of things I’d like to get done that day. The earlier I get up, the more energy I find I have to do these things. However, if the pain is bad or I have a migraine, then nothing gets done.

Taking some time to prep my cup of coffee and stirring in the cream, while thinking about my next steps is becoming a morning ritual. Then I prepare my breakfast, and head to the computer to check email and connect with friends.

Decluttering and Reducing Waste

This is on my to do list and I’m hoping to get some work done on the cabinets over the weekend. About once or twice a year, I go through all my pantry items and pull out items that are near expiration date so I can use them up. Some items are okay to use after they expire – like oats, beans, or some baking goods. While others, are not like canned milk or some creamy soups.

I treat my cabinets like a grocery store shelf and rotate items. I’m really bad for not checking what I have in stock before ordering, and trying to be more diligent to prevent over buying. When I notice I am out of staple ingredients, I add them to my Instacart order.

I’m in search of things like glass containers and use my mason jars for homemade soups and some chilis. I’m also researching methods for storing fresh vegetables and soups so they last longer. And using not so fresh ingredients in baking like banana bread or muffins.

Using natural products or herbal remedies

When you live with a condition like hypermobility, it can impact your entire body. My body doesn’t produce collagen properly, so eating a healthy balance, losing weight and keeping my skin healthy is really important. This is why my diet is getting a complete overhaul.

I’m adding more natural foods to my daily regime but especially things like beans, lentils, oatmeal and eggs. Foods that are rich in protein, iron and fibre are essential for me.

When it comes to protecting the skin or warding off infections, I tend to gravitate towards things like – tea tree oil, coconut oil, etc. When it comes to anxiety and stress due to high levels of cortisol, I turn to teas like chamomile with a few drops of honey. There’s peppermint tea for upset stomach with migraines. And Dr. Teal’s lavender foam bath for achy muscles.

You get the drill.

Now that it’s spring time, I’m looking forward to having flowers in my kitchen again, buying some plants and really bringing outside – indoors. And I cannot WAIT to be out on the balcony again. I was out last night with a blanket for a while until it got too windy.

Connecting

I think that’s it for this post – that’s a lot of information! Are you a kitchen or green witch? If so, how do you incorporate magic and spell working into your daily routines? Please let me know in the comments and give this blog a follow!

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spiritual, witchcraft

Spring Equinox – March 21, 2023

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(So, I drafted this yesterday. It’s winter again today. But I’m still posting it in hopes you have better weather!)

Spring has sprung! It’s finally Spring Equinox and I am enjoying the sun that is shining through my balcony window. While it’s a bit chilly to sit outside for very long – the days are even longer, and soon, I’ll be able to enjoy quiet evenings out on the balcony again.

The birds have returned and I’ve seen numerous gulls, magpies, crows and am waiting to hear the robins again. There are buds already in the maple tree outside my window and I can’t for it to bloom.

Snow is melting fast and the sun feels warm when it is out. And today, is Ostara, which I am most excited to celebrate after what seemed like a very long and dark winter.

It is also Spring Equinox where there are equal parts day and night in the northern hemisphere.

Ostara Celebration

I’m coming out of a bad arthritic pain flare and my original plans to celebrate Ostara all week long failed.

My meal plans have changed and I think I will stick with a nice chicken, broccoli and pasta bake. It’s easy to make, relatively healthy and I have all the ingredients on hand. There’s just one thing I’m missing – and that’s something sweet to finish dinner with.

I’ve been watching a few videos by other witches and one mentioned hot cross buns. I haven’t had those in years! I think tonight, I might need to stop off at Safeway and pick up some buns, maybe some vanilla cake, and — I want to treat myself to some flowers. Perhaps a bouquet of daisies, daffodils or tulips.

For after dinner, I think I will finish the night off with a hot bath, soaking in rose and lavender. Maybe I will some rose wine. And perhaps, I’ll sit outside and watch the new moon if it’s warm enough.

Ostara Blessings and Intentions

Ostara and spring are about new adventures, reawakening, and rebirth. It’s about hope and cleaning out clutter – both in body and mind. One of my goals it to start meeting online friends in person and go for coffee with, have a meal, or maybe just explore local trails with. I need to get out of the house more, and spring fever has definitely caught up to me.

I’m letting go of relationships that fell apart or no longer serve me well. And focusing on new friendships, current connections and those that are important to me. Not necessarily forgiveness for hurt, but letting go and moving on. Something I’ve talked a lot about. And this time – without anger. I’m letting go of the anger too.

Crafting Projects

The pain has been too much to craft like I wanted to. But I have some crystal beads I’d like to use up and make a sun catcher that I can hang in my window. That seems like a project for later in the week.

I’ve already started my spring cleaning and have taken out most of the recycling. The parking lot has all melted and it’s safe to walk on without falling. I cannot wait, for warmer weather so I can walk without a cane or winter coat.

Pagan and Wiccan Celebrations

Thank you for reading. Do you celebrate Ostara? How do you welcome spring? I’d love to know your stories in the comments.

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Friday morning coffee thoughts

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It’s Friday and spring is in the air, but I’m having some difficulties finding motivation today. I need to clean. Do some shopping. Fix a toilet. And later, go see my dad. But meh. I’m putzing around online and wasting time – again.

The sun is shining and the birds were outside my window chirping. There are tiny little worms in my bathroom – so that means spring is nigh. The days are longer and the sun goes down around 6:30 or 7:30 pm depending on the day. And that is so nice to see. The mornings are still a bit chilly, so it’s not quite dress weather — yet.

A couple of nights ago, I was having a low night and fighting my lizard brain. Thoughts about polyamorous relationships kept me up and I had an epiphany of sorts.

It was mostly the feeling that I’m a temporary visitor when it comes to entering a poly-family. My partner is married and she has a second partner. That partner, has two other partners he is involved in.

The thought of how many people will be affected by what happens in my partnership – was quite humbling. And now, I’m treading carefully when it comes to emotions. Trying to not get too attached too early on. The relationship is still new and we’re still feeling each other out. But when you talk to someone daily and wake up to “good morning” texts – it’s difficult.

But my partner assured me yesterday morning – and this is what’s great about him. He puts up with my lizard brain and stupid thoughts that just put negative doubt in my head.

He told me, “We see you on the outside looking in, and open our doors for you.” And honestly, it was one of the sweetest things a partner has ever said. It was the reassurance, I didn’t know I needed to hear.

Blocking, unblocking is a form of manipulation and attempt to control

A former “friend” unblocked me and reblocked me this week on Fetlife. I find it hilarious and sad at once. That’s when I realized that there are a lot of manipulative people in the scene. Doing this – it’s manipulation. They’re trying to get your attention, hoping that you will reach out. And I refuse to play those games. I also refuse to keep quiet on my own experiences.

While I don’t point fingers, or say things to purposefully hurt others, I don’t hold back either.

A person doesn’t respect you, if they don’t respect your boundaries. And I learned that the hard way, once I tried imposing my own set of values and boundaries. The more firm you are with people, they just walk away, or block you all together.

I’m the type of person that doesn’t block people I cared about or thought were friends. Heck, even my ex isn’t blocked and my bff’s at the time wanted me to block him.

I just find it funny. I’m losing “friends” still — even though, I’m mostly keeping to myself. Making new connections and relationships. So, the only thing I can surmise, is what’s being said in private conversations where I’m not around to defend myself.

And so….

For Ostara and spring, I think I will be working on banishing negative energy and toxic people from my life. Not an easy task. But I have plans for spring. I want to get out more. Explore the trails more. Go for walks. Go to garage sales and flea markets.

Basically just start living again. Maybe even attend a concert, or event again. Maybe eventually, meet up with new friends in person and perhaps, even meet a local partner.

But all in good time.

It’s been a week – and I’m glad the weekend is here.

Happy Friday!

spiritual

Ostara (Spring Equinox) – March 20-21

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Excitement is in the air, as one of my favorite of the eight Pagan Sabbats to celebrate is coming up fast. March 20-21 marks the beginning of Spring Equinox which means winter will soon be over! The days are already longer here thanks to Daylights Savings Time and the sun doesn’t set until after 7 pm now. I can’t tell you what a different this makes for where I live.

What is Spring Equinox?

For those that live in the Northern Hemisphere, Spring Equinox (or vernal equinox) occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator going from south to north. The world celestial is used because the equator, is basically an imaginary line above the Earth’s equator. The word Equinox, simply means “equal night”.

What makes this day special, is that both hemispheres will receive approximately the same amounts of sunlight. Summer solstice in June marks the longest day of sunlight in the year. Spring Equinox tells us that the days will continue to get longer from here on out.

Celebrate Spring

With the longer days and eventually, warmer weather, I find this time of year my energy levels are a lot better than during winter months. What this means for me -is that March and April is the perfect time to “spring clean” and declutter my home.

With the warmer days, make sure to go outside for a walk. Explore the nature trails. Spend some time in your gardens. Connect with animals. Leave an offering for your ancestors or guides somewhere outside your home (that is safe to do so).

Worm Moon has already passed, and I gave a lot of ideas in my Mindful March post as well – I will link both below for you. So, what else can you do for Ostara?

Ways to Celebrate Ostara

Ostara officially begins on March 19th and many Pagans or fellow Witches start their preparations on the 19th or even find ways to honor Ostara all week long.

For Ostara, we honor the German goddess Eostre and the origins of the Christian celebration that we know as Easter.

If you’re a gardener and the climate is appropriate, now is the time to start planning your gardens or planting seeds.

It is also a good time to declutter your home and give it a good sweep – clean out the old, and welcome the new. Open your balcony doors, windows and curtains and let in the fresh spring air, to rid your home of the musty smells of winter.

Does your life need some refreshing? Think about your current relationships, what might need improvement, or maybe you need to work on upping your communication skills. Now is the time to let go of emotional baggage that clutters your mind as well.

Meal Preparations

  • Eggs – quiches, omelettes, or other egg dishes
  • Cheese – goat cheese, or really any kind of cheese!
  • Bread – Freshly baked sourdough bread
  • Ham -casseroles, honey glazed ham, or soup or white chicken
  • Fruits – lemon, banana, lime, berries
  • Vegetables – potatoes, spinach, green onions, spaghetti squash, leek, kale, any leafy greens

Example meal for March 21:

  • Honey glazed ham
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Baked asparagus
  • Maybe a nice side salad
  • A glass or two of white wine

Magical Correspondences

  • Colors: pastels (blues, pinks, yellows, green)
  • Gems: aquamarine, amethyst or rose quartz
  • Flowers: clover, tulips, daffodils
  • Herbs: lemon, rose, clove, sandalwood, rosemary
  • Oils: lavender, rosemary, lemon, clove, rose
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movies

Movies that make you feel like “spring”

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Spring is just around the corner and for most of March, my content will revolve around the theme of making your home (and life) feel like spring. I cannot take credit for this idea, as I’ve taken inspiration from various creators.

For today’s post, I thought I would focus on movies that I like to watch this time of year. It’s still a little too cold for being outside too long – but soon! Spring is just around the corner.

The Secret Garden (1993)

This movie is one of my favorites from the era. It’s a classic movie about an orphan that moves in with her estranged uncle and his son who is disabled and wheelchair bound.

Mary has lived in Africa all her life with her parents and the move to the dreary castle in the countryside is a bit traumatizing for her. When she discovers a secret hidden garden, everything changes and this is where the movie magic begins.

Don’t confuse this with the remake with Colin Firth – nothing holds the magic that this movie has.

Mary Poppins (1964)

Who doesn’t love this Disney classic musical about a British nanny with super powers? Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke are a hard duo to beat in this 1964 film set in London.

Julie Andrews plays a nanny who is hired for a family with two curious children. She takes the children on whimsical adventures, singing songs like Spoonful of Sugar and who doesn’t love Supercalifragilous that are classics now.

“When you’re with Mary Poppins, suddenly you’re in places you never dreamed of!”

The Sound of Music is harder for me to watch now but if you’re a Julie Andrews fan, then it’s obvious to recommend that one too.

Field of Dreams (1989)

If you’re a Kevin Costner or Yellowstone fan, then you must check out this classic movie. It’s one of my favorites with an all-star cast that hit the theatres at the end of the greatest era for movies.

Costner starred in his fair share of baseball related movies but this one really just is one of the best. Starring Kevin Costner, Ray Liotta, James Earl Jones and many more big names – the story is about a farmer who receives a message from “God” to built a baseball diamond on his property. And once he does, the magic really happens.

I’m getting goosebumps just watching the trailer, and I think I need to watch this film today.

“When you believe the impossible, the incredible comes true.”

Big Fish (2003)

This delightful and quirky movie stars the late Albert Finney (Annie), and Ewan MacGregor and follows the life of Edward Bloom – a man larger than life in personality and appetites.

His son, William doesn’t believe his father’s tales and stories and asks his father to tell him the truth. I can’t tell you more than that as it would give the ending away, but guaranteed, it will make you tear up!

The tales and scenery throughout this magical movie will make it feel like spring is in the air.

Bambi (1942)

A lot of blogs recommend watching Bambi as there are some beautiful scenes of spring rain and flowers blooming. But honestly, this movie makes me a little sad to watch at times. It is a timeless classic and the music is worth it.

If there is one thing Disney is good at – it’s pulling the heartstrings.

“If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say nothing at all.”

The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends (tv series)

This short film is right up there with Secret Garden and takes me back to a simpler time in life. It is based on the books by Beatrix Potter – books that we read in our family home and that I grew up with.

You can watch the first episode here:

Silly Symphony – Spring

And who can forget this classic short film by Disney – The Goddess of Spring – Silly Symphony from 1934. Sharing just because it’s a classic.

Spring Nostalgia

What movies do you watch that make you get in the spring mood? I love movies and indie films, so stay tuned for more recommendations as I get back into watching some of my favorites from my childhood.

Maybe it’s nostalgia, but I love this list!

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moonology, spiritual

Worm Moon Rituals, March 7, 2023: Replenish your energy, declutter, embrace change

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It’s morning here and I’m sitting in my recliner sipping my first cup of coffee for the day. The sun is shining but don’t let that fool you, winter has returned and we’re experiencing cold weather again. Though the upcoming weekend should be nice, which is good. I actually have to venture out into the “wilderness” and gasp, see people and stuff.

The full moon is coming up fast, and I wanted to get an early start in preparation for my monthly ritual. When it comes to ritual working, I tend to save the big ones for full moons (monthly) or for one of the eight Sabbat celebrations.

Worm Moon origins

The full moon in March is an important one, as it is the final full moon of winter. This means that the long winter days will soon be over, and thus we welcome spring – officially on March 21, 2023 for Ostara.

As the ground begins to thaw with warmer weather, casts of the earthworms start to appear, signalling the return of birds like robins that eat the worms.

In the upper Northern American regions, the Indigenous call this the Crow Moon, as the cawing of crows signalled the end of winter.

Spiritual significance

Change is the one thing that is constant in life. If you do not adapt to life changes, sometimes, life will leave you behind in the dust. The Worm Moon reminds us that now is the time to take a leap of faith into the unknown and look towards your path with renewed energy and passion.

Do not be afraid of what you don’t know. Embrace it with your heart, and welcome a new beginning. This could be in terms of your career, a move, a new project, or something smaller like starting a new hobby or making a new friend.

“Whatever happens now, is non-negotiable.”

Spiritual focus

With spring just around the corner, now is the time to concentrate on your emotions and mental wellness. Sort out any lingering feelings for past problems or situations and learn what they mean.

I like to think of spring time as the time of year where we can declutter and “deep” clean our homes. I think this is a good time of year to focus on decluttering your heart and mind as well. Purge yourself of those habits or unwanted relationships that no longer serve your life well.

Purge yourself of any baggage that may be holding you back and learn to embrace change as it comes.

In summary

For me, this might be one of the more challenging moon phases to work with. Though I’m on the right track, and entering into new relationships with renewed energy, I’m still stuck in my old ways.

I also learned that my rent is going up this year and I may have to move next spring – which is something I didn’t want to do for a few more years. I love my condo here. It’s bright, warm, welcoming and has everything I need. Shopping within walking distance, trails nearby. A pool only 5 minutes away – not that I’ve used it.

So, fear of the unknown is holding me back and I know I have to make changes soon. My focus will be on decluttering and possibly, downsizing. Getting rid of things I don’t need, so that when I have to move, there will be less. Only taking the essentials with me.

That might be the hardest task of all!

Ritual suggestions

Easy rituals that you can do from home include – writing intentions down, bottling them up in a jar or burning them safely outside. Having a ritual bath with herbs, flower petals (in a cloth tea bag), candles, and soft music in the bathroom. See the image below for instructions.

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intentions, spiritual

March 2023: Intentions “Mindful March” & Ostara Blessings

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March is already here and I can’t believe how fast this year has gone by. That means, it’s time to review how the last month went – and to set new list of intentions to work with.

February Recap and Highlights

February started off as a difficult month with a series of migraines that lasted for much of the first half of the month. The past week or so has been better and I have more energy. My sleep is basically back to normal and I’m up most mornings by 8:00 am. Sometimes I’m awake by 6:30 am, and sometimes I stay in bed to read – or until I get that “good morning” text from someone that likes to tell me to get up and drink my water.

Last month was really the first month that I decided to do monthly intention setting and the post was short. Going forward, I’d like to take things up a notch. I spent most of the afternoon in between making a delicious stew and apple loaf – designing the images you’ll see below. Canva is a nifty program, and I’m making use of the premium licensing.

Here’s a quick recap of February’s intentions:

For the most part, I stayed on track when feeling up to it last month. There were some days that all I could do was lay down in bed or read. And for that reason, I managed to read 2 books for my Good Reads Challenge. Some other highlights included:

  • Daily intentions: for the most part, I did daily Tarot readings for myself and friends on social media, even just pulling one card. I took some time each night and spent it at my altar, shuffling the cards slowly. Thinking about what I wanted to accomplish or what I needed to hear. I started eating healthier, cooking more, drinking herbal teas again, and am slowly getting back on the right track.
  • Good Reads Challenge: purchased a Kindle Reader for Kindle Unlimited books. I’ve downloaded about a dozen books I’d like to get through this year.
  • Practice selfcare daily: I slipped on this a bit with the migraines but had more relaxing baths in the last two weeks.
  • Getting crafty: I worked on digital art mostly and focused on my book which is coming along slowly.
  • Socializing and connecting with friends: while I didn’t make any new friends, writing daily helped connect me to new people online.

All in all, the month is finishing up strong. While I did not get out and socialize very much (or at all), I managed to keep in touch with friends often and even had a call from my new “friend” in California. We chat daily and it’s nice. I had to skip out on the February Witchery Market due to crappy weather. Here’s hoping that the spring market is better – and I even have a date for it!

Now…onto March! Here’s what’s happening in the next thirty days.

Mindful March

For March 2023 intention setting, I’d like do a little something different and work with daily intentions, gratitude and meditations. You can adapt this list and make it work for whatever your spiritual beliefs are. And if you are not a spiritual person, then feel free to just focus on the mindfulness part of it. The idea is that for the next 30 days, try and incorporate one of these rituals into your daily routine.

Start your day off with intention setting and coffee

Sit with your morning coffee or tea, meditate while you stir (counterclockwise), Soak in the delicious aromas and think about what you want to get accomplished for the day. Run through a list of plans in your head, or jot them down in a notepad (or digital notebook) – whatever medium you use.

I wrote a more in depth post the other month on How to Incorporate Mindfulness into your daily routine – read it here.

Ideas for daily mindfulness

  • Start your morning off with stretches to get the blood in your veins pumping. This will give you a boost of energy for your day.
  • Go outside, connect with nature and take stock of the beautiful things around you – pick at least 2 or 3 things. Take a picture, sketch if you’re an artist, or just take in the natural beauty that is Mother Earth.
  • Reach out to those in your life you care about and who may be struggling. Let them know you are there for them.
  • Say something nice to a random person, or to someone you know. Brighten up someone’s day to give them that dopamine hit.
  • Bullet journal and or aim to write 500-1000 words daily if you are a writer like me.
  • Work on arts and crafts, scrapbook, or garden if the weather is appropriate to do. Keep your hands and mind occupied with tasks that bring you joy.
  • Take at least one day where you can be on your own, or at least have your own time for a luxurious bath, or take a spa day.
  • Listen deeply to a friend in need, and really take in what they are saying.
  • Pause briefly, to take a moment and look up at the stars or the moon in the sky. Reflect on what the universe might be telling you.
  • Practice daily meditate, gratitude or consult your Tarot cards or runes if that’s what you’re into. Remind yourself of all the good things you have in life. And try and let go of the negative.

Stop. Deep breaths. Repeat regularly. Your anxiety will thank you.

My Personal Intentions for March

  • Get up before 8 am daily, drink water first thing, enjoy a sustaining breakfast. Think about intentions while drinking coffee. Make a list of things to achieve for the day.
  • Daily meditations, gratitude, and mindfulness techniques as listed above – I will try as many as I can. Also keep up with daily exercises and fresh air.
  • Write daily, at least 2000 words whether on this blog, journaling, or for my books. Work on graphic design, crafts and start organizing my home. Spend less time on Fetlife, and more time researching and learning.
  • Read daily and try and finish 1 book each week.
Mindfulness Planning Board – created with Canva

Mindfulness Journaling

Do you practice daily mindfulness? If so, how do you incorporate it into your daily life? Do you find that it helps lessen your anxiety? Let me know in the comments what you loved about this post and what you might carry on with you this month.

Word of advice: if you do a 30 day challenge, keep a diary or journal of what you did every day and how it made you feel – you can refer back it to every month 🙂

If you are looking for an online journal, I have a few on my Etsy store – check out the link here.

Thank you for reading!

Ostara and Spring Equinox Blessings

Ostara is just around the corner and thus marks the beginning of spring. That means the long days of darkness are soon to be over and the days will become a little longer. Already here, the sun comes out before 8 am and sets long after 6 pm.

Ostara is one of the eight Sabbats of Wicca or Pagan celebrations and one of my favorites on March 19-20-21. Celebrations are held around the world as people welcome the longer days.

This is the time people think about planting seeds for flowers and food, and also cleaning up the home – or decluttering. It’s a good time for meditation, and clearing out the clutter in your head and heart too.

Make sure to come back to this blog on March 20th, as I will be sharing my own rituals and thoughts for Ostara.

Created using Canva.

What’s happening this month spiritually?

  • March 07, 2023: Full Moon – Worm Moon
  • March 20-21, 2023: Ostara, Spring Equinox

March Correspondences

  • Astrological signs: Pisces and Aries
  • Birthstones: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
  • Colors: Go with spring colors, pastels, yellow, blues, pinks
  • Power animals: Lion, birds, grasshopper, bearded dragon
  • Wolf moon: intense dreams, start a new project, ritual, illumination and transformation

Related Information

For more information about my spiritual practices, please visit my Spirituality page. It is a work in progress, like this blog.

Spiritual Practice

Ostara Blessings

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