Magickal Yew

02/13/2024

You can't love someone else until you love yourself.
-an old cliche

It's not exactly true. You can very easily love someone else, even if you dislike yourself. We have all done that at some point.

But what kind of relationship does that leave us in?

Perhaps we give too much and take too little - because we're afraid to keep anything for ourselves.
Perhaps we take too much and give too little - because we're afraid of not having enough.
Perhaps we keep secrets - because we're afraid of someone seeing who we "really" are.
Perhaps we overshare - because we're afraid of being misunderstood.
Perhaps we behave jealously - because we're afraid of being left behind.
Perhaps we behave with apathy - because what we don't feel can't hurt us.

Perhaps we don't even realise we're carrying these unconscious fears with us.

A relationship based on fear will eventually become tumultuous.

But what happens when we love ourselves?

Our give and take remains in balance because we know that we cannot fill another cup if our cup is empty, and we know to only take what is offered.
Our capacity for honesty with others is heightened because we are honest with ourselves.
Our personal love satiates us, because we are no longer seeking external validation, everything we need comes from within.

And if you're reading this and thinking - I just don't know if I can love myself that way - to you, I say, it starts with the smallest of acts. There's nothing to lose by trying.

Don't forget that you are very loved.


Image text: When I love myself, everything works well for me.

02/02/2024

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
Mahatma Gandhi

It seems counterintuitive, but it's absolutely true: when you want to see a change in others, you must first look within and make those changes within yourself.

"I'll stop being argumentative when he does!"
"I'll change my attitude if she does!"
"I'll lower my voice if they do!"

Why are we all waiting? And what exactly are we waiting for? Why do we allow the behaviour of others to influence our behaviour?

It's my belief that we should behave according to our heart. In practical terms, that would mean - if I want someone to stop yelling at me, the first thing I do is stop yelling at them. If they start yelling, I refuse to be reactive and continue to speak calmly. Yes, it takes tremendous patience. I think it's worth it. I think you're worth it.

"But I'm tired of always being the bigger person! They should apologise to me, not the other way around!"

It's not about being the bigger person. It's about being true to yourself.

Could it be that you're tired of waiting for others to tell you that you're right or for another kind of external validation? Or perhaps, you're tired of being the one to "fix everything"? Or, could it be that you're so angry that you don't even know what will make you feel better?

Perhaps it's time to release all of that. The need to be right, the need to be validated, the need to constantly fix, mend, and repair. And all the resentment that comes with it.

Because if you're constantly fixing, mending, repairing, apologising, and harbouring anger and resentment... When do you get to live? When do you get to enjoy the company of your loved ones?

If our thoughts become our reality, wouldn't we want our reality to be free of all that? Wouldn't we want our reality to be joyous and beautiful?

The world is what we make it. Let's make it a place filled with grace, kindness, compassion, and empathy. A place we can be proud of. A place we love being.
Image text: the world is what we make it.

01/30/2024

When was the last time you quieted your mind enough to hear your Soul's voice?

We spend a lot of time worrying about other people. We live in a society that demands us to be on call 24/7.

Every call. Every email. Every text. Every push notification. Every appointment. Every meeting. There is a tremendous amount of pressure to perform. Someone is with you every moment of every day. We carry the world with us in our pockets and bags.

I find it ironic that in a society where everyone has access to everyone, every hour of every day, so many of us are terribly lonely. Feelings of isolation and loneliness have become a universal truth in an age when we are more connected than ever before in human history.

We're so caught up in appearances, we've forgotten why we're performing. More importantly, we've forgotten how to stop performing and simply be.

According to a quick Google search:

Slow deep breathing for five minutes has been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate in people who practice it.

And

A five minute meditation provides an opportunity to reduce stress, increase focus and productivity, and improve mindfulness — enabling us to be more fully present throughout the rest of our activities.

Are you worth spending 5 minutes of your time on?
I think so.
I hope you think so too.

Don't forget, you are loved.

Image text: When I listen to my Soul I find all the answers I need.

01/28/2024

It's not always easy to accept yourself as you are. Especially, if you, like most of us, get caught up in believing you're not living up to your potential.

We all have idealised (and demonised) versions of ourselves in our minds. Most people don't want to believe that they are capable of harm, especially towards their loved ones. But it's often our loved ones who are hurt most by our words and actions. Most suffer in silence, leaving us content to believe that our words and actions are justified. This is why self reflection is a most vital tool.

It's important to see ourselves as we truly are, warts and all. Perfection should never be our goal; it's unattainable, and we'd be setting ourselves up for failure if we tried. Instead, we should be working towards consistent self-improvement. We should be able to look in the mirror and say: I love you. And really mean it!

Accept yourself as you are today, even the unsavoury parts. Then worry about tomorrow.

Don't forget: You are whole. You are complete. You are loved.

Image text: The more I accept myself as I am, the more room I create in my heart and mind for peace.

01/27/2024

What does your path look like?

Each of us faces unique struggles, but that does not mean we have to face them alone. We are community creatures, despite the fact that we are growing further and further apart as a people.

Loneliness might make us feel as though we have no one in the world. Shame might tell us that we deserve to be alone because we're "too much" or "not enough". Independence might tell us that we don't need anyone else. Fear might tell us to push others away before they get the chance to push us away. But these are just a small section in the choir of voices we all carry within us. Our negative emotions don't have to control us. We can choose to be driven by our compassion and ambition, rather than our fears.

The truth is: you are loved and embraced by so many people. You have the ability to touch the hearts of strangers with your compassion and empathy. You have the ability to uplift your friends and family with your kindness and insight. It's human nature to forget all the good and focus on the negative.

You are filled with beauty and grace that you willingly gift. We are all so afraid of being perceived as selfish that our give and take balance is deeply skewed. Some of us give too much while our own cups are empty. And some of us take too much because we aren't able to feel and see just how full we are.

Don't forget that you are beautiful. Don't forget that you are here to take part in and enjoy life. Don't forget that community is a good thing. Don't forget that joy can be found in the most unexpected places. Don't forget that you are loved.

And don't forget to save some of your grace for yourself while you climb the mountain.

Image text:

“There are hundreds of paths up the mountain, all leading to the same place, so it doesn’t matter which path you take. The only person wasting time is the one who runs around the mountain, telling everyone that his or her path is wrong.’’

Hindu Proverb

01/27/2023

Today I'm using the Star Man Tarot. It's actually my first time using this deck. I received it as a gift late last year, and they've been calling to me ever since. I'm glad to say I felt a real connection to them, so you will probably be seeing them more often!

January 27th

1. The Hanged Man - You're just now seeing all your hard work coming to fruition. You've sacrificed, you've scraped, you've looked inward, and now here you are, ready to reap the benefits. There's just a little ways left to go, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. But there's some hesitation. Maybe there's a part of you that doesn't want to let go, or isn't quite ready to move on to the next stage of life. The Hanged Man wants to remind you that sometimes, one must take two steps back in order to move forward. Don't be afraid, this backward momentum doesn't last long, and soon you'll be propelling forward at break neck speed! Keep your head up - you deserve the rewards in store for you, and you'll have them.

2. Justice - Talk about Karmic Retribution. Justice says: your rewards will be a direct result of your actions. So let's make those actions meaningful! Your sense of right and wrong will guide you through to the next move that you have to make. Allow yourself to feel out all your options fully. Make lists, take notes, create vision boards. This is the time to manifest the life of your dreams! Don't forget the old adage: Justice is Blind. What actions (your own or others) have you been turning a blind eye to? Where could your focus be used more beneficially?

3. The World - Celebration is in store for you in the future! All your hard work and planning will pay off, and you will feel a perfect unity between the world within and the world without. A chapter of your life has closed, complete, and ready to face something new. Your celebration will be absolutely joyous, and all you have to do now is welcome it into your life. With the last card, Justice, we talked about planning and manifesting the life of your dreams, and this card sees that life coming to fruition. If you're not feeling quite in the celebratory mood, the World would ask: What unfinished business is preventing you from indulging in your own celebration?

This reading was unusual - it's not very often that I pull 3 Major Arcana cards for a single reading. But, with the transformative energy that 2023 is bringing, I can see why. We're all ready to put the past behind us and move forward onto something bigger and better. The best news is, it's within our reach. All you have to do now... is reach out... and touch your own greatness.

01/26/2023

General Reading for Jan 26th

1. Three of Stones (Pentacles) - teamwork makes the dream work! You've got a lot of great ideas building within you, but have you considered all the work that goes into those ideas? In steps the Three of Stones to tell you that working together is the best path towards making those dreams a reality. Your progress will certainly move faster if there are more people involved. Just be wary of disorganisation and disorder that can be caused by a lack of teamwork. Your first steps could be to share those ideas you're having with a trusted confidant and see where it goes.

2. Father (King) of Swords - it seems like you're feeling a bit of trepidation when it comes to sharing those good ideas. The Father of Swords is all about intellect, power, and truth which cuts through deceptions. Be the pillar of strength that he represents. His message is: "Power is a tool - your intention is what makes it good or evil." You might find that you've been a bit of a cruel critic to yourself lately. Allow yourself to take up those new opportunities presented to you. You owe it to yourself to try again.

3. Ace of Stones (Pentacles) - a new venture is waiting in the wings. Be alert. Don't allow yourself to watch opportunities pass you by. Don't hold yourself back anymore. You have a path of prosperity and abundance unfolding in front of you. It would be in your best interest to follow it.

Today I used the Quest Tarot deck - this is by far my most used deck. I really wish it was still in print 😭

01/24/2023

General Reading for Jan 23, 2023

Card 1: Six of Swords.

Past sorrows and slights have been occupying your mind for a while now. You have travelled a long distance from those sorrows, either physically or emotionally, but your journey isn't over yet. That place and these thoughts hold no kindness for you, but it's still hard to move on or part ways entirely. Fear not, change is on the horizon and you're shifting into an environment with tons of pleasant possibilities.

Card 2: Page of Cups.

Have you heard the knocking? Either your inner child or your subconscious is trying to get in touch with you. You'd do well to listen, because this card almost always heralds a delightful surprise. You may find that you are feeling creatively blocked or that your current environment may be pushing you towards mental escape. Try to resist... Escaping into your own mind right now would be detrimental. Be present in the moment, or you might miss that delightful surprise.

Card 3: King of Cups

Compassion, self control, and balance at its finest. If you find that you are not flourishing in your current environment, it's important to look to the King of Cups - a wise man whose greatest gift is the way in which he has mastered his emotions. He knows when and where it's appropriate and beneficial to express them, and when it could be potentially harmful. Like the King of Cups, we must look inward, and summon the courage to master our emotions as he has. If in doubt, compassion and charity should always win out. In other words - if you find yourself lacking, consider what you can be doing for others. When you focus on putting good into the world, good things will come to you.

I hope you enjoyed today's reading. For those interested, this is the Three Trees Tarot deck by Oak, Ash & Thorn. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below, or send them directly as a message. I'll be back with more soon!

01/23/2023

Hello, my dears! Did you know that Uranus went direct yesterday? What changes and opportunities are in store for you? Find out here ~>

Uranus, the side-spinning planet of sudden changes and innovation, has (finally) stationed direct after its 5 month retrograde in Ta**us. But what does that actually mean for you? Ruling over unexpected upheavals, chaos, technology, higher thinking, and ingenuity, Uranus is a complicated planet. Whe...