What You Need To Know For The Rest of 2024

First, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who reached out on my birthday. Your love and support truly touched me, and I feel incredibly blessed to be part of such a nurturing community. Deep connections are essential, especially during transformative times like these, and I cherish each and every one of you.

Awakening the Wisdom Within

As we step into the final month of 2024, the cosmos invites us to reflect and recalibrate. Mercury Retrograde continues to offer a space for deep introspection, allowing us to tap into the ancient wisdom encoded within our very cells. This month is about both looking inward and preparing for renewal.

Regardless of outer appearances, we are collectively shifting into higher consciousness, and to integrate this energy fully, I encourage you to:

1. Take Quiet Time
   In the hustle and bustle, remember the power of stillness. Think of old intercom systems—first, you speak, then you listen. In the same way, allow yourself moments of silence to hear the guidance from within.

2. Finish Old Business
   Release the baggage of old stories. Picture yourself carrying empty suitcases—they weigh you down unnecessarily. It’s time to put those stories to rest and honor the growth they brought you. Remember, past patterns may have served you once, but now they must make way for your expansion. 

3. Cleanse Your Energy
   Clear your space—both physically and energetically. An energy cleanse of your home or office can refresh and recharge your surroundings, inviting in peace, prosperity, and joy as you step into 2025.

4. Call in Your Angels
   December is a sacred month to seek the support of angelic forces. Set up an altar with flowers, crystals, and some vanilla essence. Light a white candle and call in your angels for guidance in love, health, and creativity. Speak to them as you would a close friend. I recommend you do this for seven nights, build this sacred connection and feel their presence lighting your path.

PS: SHAPE YOUR DESTINY: VISION 2025 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!!!!!!
Visit the Events page to learn more and sign up.

Until next time,
Barbara

Press Pause This Thanksgiving 🕯️

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. Yet, for many years, I didn’t reflect deeply on its true essence—gratitude. That changed almost 30 years ago when my father passed away. His loss reshaped my understanding of life’s fragility, making family and meaningful connections a central focus.

This year, I’m celebrating both Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving, embracing change and creating new rituals to support the life I’m living now.

One of my favorite traditions is having each person light a candle and share what they’re grateful for. I also light a special candle to honor loved ones who are no longer with us, except in spirit. This simple ritual brings a sense of intimacy and connection, strengthening the bonds that tie us to our past and carry us into the future.

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, we often find ourselves more stressed than connected during the holidays. Our relationships—already stretched thin by busy schedules—can become even more complicated under the pressure of holiday expectations. The season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s has become less about meaning and more about material concerns—finding the perfect gifts, hosting the perfect dinner, or dressing just right.

Let’s take a step back. This Thanksgiving, I invite you to refocus on what truly matters: connection, love, and gratitude.

A Simple Ritual for Deeper Connection

• Gather your family or friends in a quiet moment.

• Have a plate with small candles on it. Pass it around, inviting each person to light a candle and share something they’re grateful for.

• Light one additional candle to honor loved ones who are no longer with you in person but remain present in spirit.

This ritual creates a sacred space for heartfelt connection and appreciation, grounding your celebration in meaning and unity.

Tips to Prevent Holiday Stress

As we head into the holiday season, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are a few tools to help you navigate this time with grace and ease:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
   If you’re grieving or far from loved ones, give yourself permission to feel your emotions. Once acknowledged, you can shift your focus. Volunteering at a local shelter or community center is a powerful way to channel your energy and find connection.

2. Be Flexible
   Life changes, and so do traditions. Embrace the flow. If a loved one can’t join in person, set up a virtual connection. If dietary preferences shift, make room for new dishes alongside the classics.

3. Avoid Overspending
   Focus on the spirit of giving rather than the cost of gifts. Homemade presents or shared experiences often carry more meaning than anything money can buy.

4. Incorporate Relaxation
   Pause to breathe, stretch, or take a brisk walk in nature. Plan moments of solitude to recharge during this busy season.

5. Set Boundaries
   Protect your energy by saying no when necessary. Delegating tasks and letting go of the need to do it all will help you stay grounded and present.

6. Find Joy in the Moment
   Laughter and play release happiness hormones, lifting your spirit and the energy of those around you.

7. Release Perfectionism
   Let go of comparisons and impossible standards. Focus on authenticity and connection, rather than trying to meet others’ expectations.

This Thanksgiving let’s remember the power of gratitude, love, and connection to make each moment sacred. When we press pause to appreciate the people in our lives and the beauty of now, we create lasting memories that transcend the holiday season. Wishing you a season filled with peace, joy, and heartfelt connection!

Until next time,
Barbara

The Power of Coming Together in a Changing World

As we approach the Winter Solstice, nature calls us to rest, reflect, and renew. Yet, in our fast-paced lives, this rhythm often feels out of reach. Many of us on the spiritual path feel isolated and disconnected during this season.

Mercury retrograde (November 25–December 15) and astrological shifts for 2025 remind us that life is in flux—and we must navigate it with care and intention. (Pro Tip: Back up files, double-check appointments, and plan extra time for travel!)

And on November 19th Pluto moves into Aquarius, where it will remain until 2043. This is a big deal since it is the sign of innovation and collective ideas. Rebecca Gordon and I will be sharing more about this at our December 10th Event in NYC. (See our upcoming events to learn more).

Why We Need Community Now More Than Ever

In uncertain times, community is a vital anchor. Gathering—whether in person or virtually—provides a space to support one another, spark creativity, and share strength. By reconnecting through rituals, we tap into joy, spontaneity, and meaningful connection. When we gather, we grow stronger together. Let’s create space for clarity, purpose, and renewal.

Let’s Navigate the Journey Together

New tools are essential to navigate our ever-changing world. If you’re inspired to join one of these events—or host your own ritual—I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can step into 2025 with clarity, community, and purpose!

May you always have:
Walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
And all your heart might desire.

Irish Blessing

Until next time,
Barbara

Building Spiritual Muscles and Finding Community Are More Important Than Ever

As we close out 2024, we find ourselves in a world filled with uncertainty. Many changes are on the horizon for 2025, and now is the time to invest in ourselves, build resilience, and strengthen our communities of support.

For some, the recent election has sparked hope, while others are feeling a mix of fear and overwhelm. Wherever you find yourself on this spectrum, clarity and purpose are essential to moving forward with intention. With just 50 days left in 2024, let’s use this time to release what no longer serves us and open to the possibilities that await.

RITUAL FOR CLARITY

To support you, I’m sharing a favorite ritual from my book The Joy of Ritual. This exercise is designed to help you reconnect with your inner wisdom and creativity when clarity feels elusive.

1. Create Sacred Space: Turn off all distractions. Sit quietly, bringing your focus to your heart center. Breathe deeply, imagining your breath flowing in and out of your heart.

2. Reflect and Write: Take your journal and write each prompt below, leaving plenty of space after each one.

• I feel...

• I need...

• I want...

Allow yourself to fill in the blanks without censoring. Treat this as a personal mapping ritual—a pathway to your deepest insights.

Join Me for Rituals and Community

I’m thrilled to announce that my dear friend and renowned astrologer, Rebecca Gordon, will join me on December 10th, 2024 in NYC for an event focused on Rituals and Astrology to End the Year Consciously. Together, we’ll hold space to reflect on the past year, set intentions for 2025, and explore the cosmic energies guiding us into the new year. Visit the Events page for more details.

Until next time,
Barbara

Holding Vigil Together: Finding Calm in Uncertain Times

I recently came across a powerful piece by Alison Luterman, shared on Phyllis Cole-Dai's The Daily Boost. She compares this moment to sitting outside an operating room, waiting for news about a loved one in surgery—an excruciating stillness, holding our breath together, unsure of what’s next.

As we collectively await the outcome of this election, the tension is real. But even in this time of profound uncertainty, we can choose to nurture our spirits and stay connected to our best selves.

Here are some ways to find grounding and resilience:

Seek Joy in the Present: Notice the simple things that make you smile. Practice gratitude for what you have, however small. Speak words of harmony and kindness—negative talk only amplifies stress and anxiety.

Do Something New: Take a different path on your walk, try a new tea or coffee, listen to music from another era. Small changes stimulate the mind and build resilience, keeping you adaptable and open.

Deepen Your Spiritual Practice: Now is the time to strengthen those inner muscles. Quiet contemplation, meditation, or any form of spiritual practice will recharge you. Without this, it’s easy to lose momentum.

Stay Connected: Reach out to friends, family, and your community. A shared moment, even virtually, can be a balm for the soul.

Treat Yourself as Precious: Recognize your inherent worth, and care for yourself as you would a beloved friend. Self-love is a powerful source of healing and strength. No matter what happens next, the world needs you to be strong, so own your power and let your voice be heard.

PS: Make sure to check out our upcoming events.

Until next time,
Barbara

New Moon, Diwali, Samhain & More: A Week of Transformation & Honoring Ancestors

This week brings powerful energies of transformation, ancestral connection, and intention-setting. As we approach the New Moon in Scorpio and the Celtic festival of Samhain, we’re invited to pause, honor our roots, and connect deeply with our own inner strength. It’s a time to center ourselves and align with our highest intentions—for personal growth, healing, and even collective peace. And the Hindu Festival of Diwali blesses us with the prosperity we all require to walk our spiritual path with practical feet.

I want to dedicate this newsletter to my dear friend Mark Musters, who recently passed. For those of you who have visited my NYC apartment or seen my videos, you may have noticed the magnificent fig tree that Mark encouraged me to buy. Every day, I’m reminded of his generous spirit and the vibrant energy he brought into my life.

This Week's Powerful Energies:

• New Moon in Scorpio: Embrace transformation and rebirth.

• Samhain: The Celtic New Year and origin of Halloween—a sacred time to honor ancestors as the veil between realms is thin.

• Día de los Muertos: A vibrant celebration of loved ones who have passed.

• Navratri: A Hindu Festival of Lights, celebrating the victory of light over darkness and the blessings of the goddess Lakshmi for prosperity.

With early voting underway in the U.S., this time also calls for us to hold steady, send peace into the world, and approach these changes with a calm, grounded spirit.PLEASE VOTE!!

Join Me for Grounding and Intention-Setting Events

Let’s come together to honor these significant energies and cultivate resilience and peace. Whether you want to honor your ancestors, set a personal intention, or align with the collective for a peaceful election, I’m offering several gatherings this week to guide you. Visit the Events page to learn more.

Until next time,
Barbara

Find Your Calm: 8 Easy Ways to Reduce Election Stress

As the U.S. election approaches and uncertainty swirls around us, I’m sensing heightened levels of stress, worry, and overwhelm. This is the perfect moment to reflect, reset, and build your spiritual resilience so you can close out 2024 feeling clear, centered, and empowered.

I’ve found that when we take the time to release what no longer serves us, we create space for something new and beautiful to enter. Below are a few powerful techniques I’ve been using with clients to help counteract stress and find balance during these challenging times.

Stress Busters: Simple Yet Powerful Tools

• Deep Breathing: Inhale through your nose to a count of four, filling your belly. Hold for two seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth to a count of four. Repeat until you feel grounded.

• Movement: Research shows that 30 minutes of exercise three times a week can be just as effective as medication for boosting mood. I personally love to combine exercise with dance — let your body move!

• Cool Water Therapy: Splash cool water on your face and hands for instant refreshment.

• Get Outside: Even a few minutes of fresh air can change your perspective and clear your mind.

• Shout It Out: Scream “KRING!” as loud as you can, at least three times — let out the pent-up energy.

• Release Your Worries: Write down your fears, rip up the paper, and burn or throw it away.

• Shift Your Focus: Spend a moment looking at the sky, ocean, or nature, allowing the vastness to remind you of the bigger picture.

• Ground Yourself: Stand barefoot on the earth, imagining you are sending any excess stress back into the ground.

PS: Make sure to check out my upcoming events.

Until next time,
Barbara

Are You Focusing on What Truly Matters?

Dear friend,

As we approach the final stretch of 2024, I want to ask you something important:

Are you focusing on what truly matters?

The world feels faster than ever, and it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily tasks, distractions, and obligations. But what if I told you that now is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and realign your priorities so you can enter 2025 with clarity, purpose, and a heart full of what’s most important?

This brings me to a story that has always grounded me during times of overwhelm...

First, imagine a large, clear jar. Next to it, imagine a bowl of rocks (each a few inches in diameter), a bowl of small pebbles, and a bowl of fine sand.  

If you poured all the sand into the jar first; it would fill up a large portion of the jar. And if you poured the pebbles in next, the jar would fill up even more – leaving very little room leftover, if any, for the bigger rocks.

Now, imagine a different scenario: if you poured the big rocks in first?

And after that, the pebbles – shaking the jar so that they could settle into the open spaces created around the rocks. And then lastly, the sand – which would sift its way through the rocks and pebbles, settling into the remaining free space?

Now, consider that this jar can represent our life, and the time and space we have available to fill. The rocks are the most important things in our lives, and the things that are most critical and valuable to us – such as family, health, relationships, and other key values.

The pebbles represent things that matter to us, and that we use our time on – like work or school – but that are less essential than the rocks. And finally, the sand is the remaining “small stuff” and material possessions that are of lowest importance.

The Lesson of this story: If we take care of the sand first – the small, less important stuff – we will never have enough room for all the rocks and the pebbles, too. We will always run out of time and energy for the things in our life that are most important.

But if we take care of the rocks first, and pay attention to the things that are critical to living a meaningful life, then we can really make the most of our time, energy, and efforts – and we can ensure that what needs to be tended to most, is.

Take time to reflect on these questions:

What does your jar look like?
How have you been filling it?
What’s one thing you can do today to shift your priorities, tending to what is most important first, so that there is room for what is truly valuable and meaningful?

PS: Make sure to check out our upcoming events.

Until next time,
Barbara

Honoring the Divine Feminine: Rituals for Navratri 🌟

We are currently in the sacred Hindu festival of Navratri (nine nights of the Goddess), which honors Shakti, the Divine Feminine. During this time, we seek spiritual cleansing, guidance, and enlightenment from the Divine Mother. Whether you practice this traditional holiday or wish to connect with the Divine Feminine energy within you, these next few days are powerful for transformation.

Navratri Breakdown:

 We have just finished the first 3 days where we focused on the goddess Durga- inner power and strength. If you wish, take some quiet time to reflect on her ability to help you navigate daily conflicts and awaken within you the spiritual power that you require currently.

• October 7-9: Focus on Wealth, Love, and Generosity
  Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, guides us during these days. Take a moment to write down the qualities you want to embody—whether it’s kindness, abundance, or love. Select one to focus on each day and make it part of your practice. If you want to dive deeper, I will be doing a special Prosperity Activation on Tuesday, October 8th. See upcoming events.

• October 10-12: Tap into Your Inner Wisdom
  As we shift to Sarasvati, the goddess of wisdom, reflect on what teachings or insights you wish to gain. Journal, chant sacred mantras, or write poetry. Commit to taking one action each day that aligns with your spiritual goals.

Mantra for Wealth and Fulfillment:

Invoke the energy of the Divine Feminine by chanting the powerful mantra: OM KLEEM SHREEM HREEM SWAHA.

Repeat this mantra 108 times—whether broken into smaller sets or in one sitting—to call in beauty, wealth, and the fulfillment of your deepest desires.

Until next time,
Barbara

Building Resiliency in Challenging Times

This week is a time of potent renewal and introspection as we experience the New Moon solar eclipse, Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year), and Navratri (Hindu Celebration of The Nine Nights of the Goddess). Each of these significant moments offers a powerful opportunity to stop, regroup, and build spiritual resiliency as we navigate life's challenges.

Are You a Carrot, an Egg, or a Coffee Bean?
(You may never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.)

A young woman shared her struggles with her mother, unsure how she would get through them. Her mother took her to the kitchen and placed three pots of water on the stove, each filled with either carrots, eggs, or coffee beans. After boiling, the daughter observed how the carrots had softened, the eggs had hardened, but the coffee had transformed the water itself.

Each of these items faced the same adversity—boiling water—but reacted differently. The soft carrot wilted under pressure, the egg hardened, but the coffee beans transformed their surroundings, releasing fragrance and flavor.

So, when adversity knocks, how do you respond? Are you the carrot that weakens, the egg that hardens, or the coffee bean that transforms the situation into something better? This is the question we face as we enter this season of transformation and spiritual renewal.

How Can You Build Resiliency?

In these times, it's crucial to cultivate the strength of the coffee bean—transforming our challenges into opportunities for growth. The New Moon invites new beginnings, Rosh Hashanah calls for reflection and renewal, and Navratri offers a chance to call upon the Goddess's power to bless us with resilience, strength, and grace.

Wishing all those who celebrate Shanah Tovah for this New Year!

Until next time,
Barbara

Step into the New Season with Lightness and Joy 🌟

Recently, I posted photos from the Happy Clothes documentary screening with Patricia Field, the legendary costume designer behind Sex and the City, Emily in Paris, and The Devil Wears Prada. But it wasn’t just the fashion people noticed—it was the glow radiating from me. Want to know the secret? I was truly happy!

Watching my friend Michael Selditch’s documentary reminded me how joyful life can be when you embrace your authentic self. Patricia has spent over 40 years mixing colors, patterns, and styles unapologetically. She creates her own happiness, and that’s a beautiful lesson for us all: life shines brighter when you focus on what makes you feel good.

RESET YOUR ENERGY

 We clean our homes, our closets, our bodies—so why not our energy? Feeling stuck, anxious, or sluggish often stems from stagnant energy weighing us down. Clearing that energy creates room for renewal, giving you space to recharge, reset, and invite in what truly lights you up.

As we step into this new season, it’s the perfect time to evaluate your surroundings. What in your home or office brings you joy? Where do you sense heaviness or resistance? Maybe it’s time for a personal or space clearing. And yes—don’t forget your closet!

If you’ve never experienced the power of an energy clearing, you might be surprised by the transformation it can bring. 

Here’s what two real estate professionals had to say after using my energy clearing service for their listings:

“Barbara’s beautiful energy and space clearing rituals have been game-changers for our real estate listings. Any stale, negative, or chaotic energy is gone, replaced with sparkling, supercharged energy—truly transformational when selling an apartment. On a personal note, every session we’ve had with Barbara is amazing and fun! We leave feeling calmer, lighter, and grounded. She is warm and truly wonderful, and working with her is a treat!” 

– Juliette Janssens & Allison Koffman

Ready to Step into the New Season? Together, we can clear what’s holding you back—whether it’s your personal energy or your physical space. The result is the same: you’ll feel lighter, more aligned, and ready for whatever comes next.

Until next time,
Barbara

Embrace the Eclipse – A Time for Emotional Renewal and Spiritual Clarity

Tonight's full moon lunar eclipse marks a powerful shift—ushering us into a new chapter that aligns with the balanced energy of the upcoming Equinox on the 22nd.

This can be an incredibly emotional time. The moon’s light illuminates what has been hidden or in shadow, inviting us to release illusions and old stories that no longer serve us. These stories often stem from an older, lesser light—one that we’ve outgrown.

Astrologers remind us that eclipses can bring unexpected shifts. Life may change quickly, and being flexible, staying open to fresh perspectives, is essential.

It’s the perfect time to dive deeper into your intuitive knowing, to tap into Higher Guidance, and to seek clarity.

A Spirit Walk for Fresh Energy

 This is one of my favorite rituals, especially under the influence of powerful lunar energies. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Choose your time. Whether it’s 15 minutes, an hour or an entire day,  dedicate a window just for this practice.

2. Turn off distractions. Silence your phone and allow yourself to be fully present.

3. Immerse yourself. Step outside into nature, or head somewhere that awakens your senses—a museum, bookstore, or even a playful space like a toy store.

4. Open yourself to the messages of the Universe. The Universe communicates in many ways, showing us that we have something unique to offer—even when we’re unsure of what that is. Messages might reveal how to best care for ourselves, providing the strength, clarity, and resilience needed for change.

As we navigate this eclipse season, know that you are being supported in ways you may not yet fully understand. Trust in the process.

Until next time,
Barbara

Reflecting on 9/11: Building Resilience and Seeking Comfort 🕊️

This Wednesday marks the 23rd anniversary of 9/11. Like so many of you, I vividly remember where I was that day and the feelings of shock and sadness that filled the days afterward. Yet, a new generation has grown up without personal memories of that tragic time—only hearing stories from family or seeing images on screens. They’ve inherited a world where uncertainty and violence are part of daily life.

No matter your age or experiences, it’s important to pause and reflect. Allow yourself the space to process any emotions that arise and tend to your well-being. Now, more than ever, we must cultivate our spiritual resilience. Take a moment to reconnect with what grounds you, to focus on the practices that bring you strength and hope.

Today, we face many stressors: the lasting impact of COVID, school violence, ongoing racism and discrimination, and the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. These global and societal challenges often awaken past trauma and create new emotional wounds. It's completely normal to feel vulnerable, overwhelmed, or emotional during this time.

A MOMENT OF PEACE

In times like these, rituals can provide us with a sense of comfort and connection. They remind us of the small ways we can bring peace into our lives and, in turn, into the world around us.I invite you to light a candle, say a prayer, or engage in any practice that calms your heart.Together, we can hold space for healing and connection, beginning with ourselves. Let’s reflect on these words from Lao-Tse:

PRAYER FOR PEACE

 If there is to be peace in the world,
There must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations,
There must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities,
There must be peace between neighbors.
If there is to be peace between neighbors,
There must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home,
There must be peace in the heart.
—Lao-Tse

May this serve as a gentle reminder to prioritize your inner peace, even amidst the challenges of the outer world.

PS: Make sure to check out our upcoming events.

With love and light,
Barbara

This New Moon's Message: Healing and New Beginnings Await

Like many of you, my heart aches in response to the senseless violence and hatred we see in the world today. It can feel overwhelming at times, but I recently came across a simple yet powerful reminder: though our hope may be cracked, it is not broken. Together, we have the resilience to move forward and navigate the challenges that life presents.

This New Moon  carries with it a message of healing and possibility. While the suffering and trauma we witness may weigh heavily on our spirits, there is also an opportunity to reset, to shift, and to begin anew. The eclipses on the horizon promise change, as they often do, but within that change lies the potential for transformation. Even though I’m not an astrologer, I sense this energy in the air—the invitation to release what no longer serves us and to embrace the growth that awaits.

This New Moon in Virgo is a powerful time for a reset and to set intention. Let's use it to shed old, outdated patterns—especially those rooted in fear, hatred, lack, and limitation. We have the chance to create space for new energies of love, peace, and abundance to take root in our lives.

I encourage you to take some time for yourself in the coming days. Practice self-care in whatever form it takes for you. Stay grounded, nourish your body and soul, and most importantly, be gentle with yourself during this time of transition.

Journal Prompts for Reflection:

• If my work were a person, how would I describe our relationship? What changes would I like to make to ensure its healthier and more fulfilling?

• If my creative expression had a voice, what would it say about what wants to emerge? How would it like to be shared with the world?

• If my life were a person, what would it want to tell me about how I treat it? What support does it need from me to thrive?

After reflecting on these prompts, I invite you to engage in a simple ritual: take a cord or string and tie a knot for each action you commit to this month—actions that will strengthen and expand these relationships in your life. Let these knots be symbols of the love, joy, and abundance you are ready to welcome into your experience.

May this season of transformation bring you clarity, peace, and a deep sense of renewal. As always, I am here to guide you on this journey.

PS: Make sure to check out our upcoming events.

With love and light,
Barbara

Savoring Summer’s Abundance 🌻

Can you believe it's the final week of summer? While the Equinox may be the official start of Fall, for many—especially in places like NYC—Labor Day feels like the true transition into a new season.

Summer carries with it the magic of fun, freedom, celebration, and romance. It’s a time of pure joy and connection, making it my favorite season of all. So why not honor its abundance and keep that vibrant energy alive throughout the year?

Here's a simple yet meaningful ritual you can try:

Create Your Own Summer Keepsake

Craft or purchase a small bag or pouch and infuse it with summer's magic. Decorate it with shells, beads, and feathers that remind you of the season's joys: a red bead for passion, a turquoise bead for the friends you laughed with, a shell for the days spent at the beach, and a feather for the freedom of bare feet dancing in the sun.

Fill the pouch with rose petals to symbolize love, corn for prosperity, and sunflower seeds for health and happiness. Hang your summer keepsake on your mirror as a beautiful reminder of the warmth and abundance of the season, wherever you go.

PS: Make sure to check out our upcoming events.

With love and light,
Barbara

Embracing Patience in the Flow of the Universe

As I sit in the airport in Burlington on this day of the Super Full Moon, my journey—like so many others this summer—has hit a delay. Planes, trains, and all manner of movement seem to be paused, as if the cosmos itself is urging us to slow down.

In moments like these, when plans change by the minute, I’m reminded that the Universe often speaks to us in subtle ways. And today, the message is clear: Patience.

With Mercury still in retrograde and the energy of this Super Full Moon at its peak, it feels like a time for reflection rather than action. Rainer Maria Rilke, in his timeless wisdom, offers a beautiful reminder:

"Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue."

Let’s embrace this cosmic pause, breathe deeply, and trust that the answers will come in their own time.

Wishing you peace and patience.

With love and light,
Barbara

Blessing Ritual for Siblings and Friends 💕

I’ve just emerged from an extraordinary experience facilitating the Rewire and Renew retreat, where a beautiful tapestry of souls, aged 28 to 87, gathered to connect, heal, and grow. This retreat reaffirmed my deep belief that we are all on this journey together. When we open our hearts to one another, we unlock the true essence of happiness and peace.

As we approach the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi, on Monday, August 19th, I invite you to reflect on its profound message. Traditionally, this festival celebrates the bond of love and protection between siblings. A sister ties a red string (raksha) on her brother’s right wrist as a symbol of affection and protection, originally made from cotton string but now ranging from sterling silver to beads and baubles. In return, the brother gives her a gift and vows to protect her. The raksha represents the strengthening of the bond between sisters and brothers.

Even if you don’t follow the Hindu tradition, I believe we can all embrace the spirit of Rakhi. Inspired by the Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore, who envisioned Rakhi as a celebration of universal kindness, let’s use this day as an opportunity to spread blessings, not just among siblings, but to all.

A Simple Ritual with Profound Impact:

This Rakhi, I encourage you to create or buy simple cotton strings, or anything that resonates with you, and offer them to your siblings, friends, and neighbors as a symbol of blessing, respect, and friendship.By taking this small step to honor one another, we fortify the bonds that hold us together and lay the groundwork for a more compassionate world.

Let’s see what happens when we open our hearts. Who says we can’t change the world, one string at a time?

With love and light,
Barbara

How To Set Intentions Under the Lionsgate Portal 💫

The Lions Gate Portal on August 8th is a time to set your intention to open your heart and unite with the quantum field of infinite possibilities and abundance. 

The ancient Egyptians celebrated the annual event when the star Sirius aligned with the Great Pyramid and Sphinx, forming a frequency receptor of celestial light transmission. During this time, light waves stream from the Great Central Sun, through the Blue Star Sirius (our spiritual sun), our Sun, and into the crystalline grid points of the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza. They believed the energy of Sirius carried highly advanced wisdom that we could tap into and utilize whenever Sirius was strong in the sky.

This is also when the Great Sphinx aligns with the Leo zodiac, and the Nile would flood, bringing abundance to the country.

In numerology, the infinity symbol '8' represents balance, union, and infinite abundance. This year, we are in 8/8/8, as 2024 adds up to 8.

Here are a few intentions to set under the Lionsgate:

• Heart Healings: The Lionsgate portal activates the heart chakra. Old or current wounds of the heart may rise for healing. We may finally feel free from any grief or sadness that has burdened our hearts.

• Third Eye Awakenings: The Lionsgate portal also activates the third eye chakra. We may feel more intuitive or learn something new about how our intuition speaks to us. You may also gain clarity regarding a situation that has been unclear.

• Higher Chakra Openings: This is an opportunity to activate higher spiritual knowledge. At this time our soul chakra is activated. 

• Psychic Downloads: Pay attention to your dreams, as well as signs and symbols you encounter in daily life. You may even receive messages from loved ones who are in spirit.

• Creativity: Lionsgate is a highly creative time and the perfect opportunity to start a new creative project or act on one you’ve been planning.

Be aware that we are in Mercury Retrograde, so you may want to go slow or reflect on any new ideas that come through at this time. I recommend that you keep a journal close by to write down any ideas or thoughts that come to you. I personally like writing with pen and paper, but you can always jot down notes on your phone or tablet.

Make sure to check out our upcoming events.

Until next time,
Barbara

Harnessing the Energy of August Through Ritual 🌽

In the Northern Hemisphere, August is a month of lazy summer days at the beach, iced tea, fresh picked corn and luscious fruits and vegetables. Yet, we forget that our ancestors used this time to harvest the first crops of grain, wheat, and oats.

The tradition in Northern Europe was to celebrate the beginning of the harvest on or around August 1st. It is called Lammas - sometimes called Lughnasadh after the god Lugh-of craftsmanship. This was midway between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox.

It was meant to remind us to be grateful for what we have now and to acknowledge the turning of the seasons. It was a great celebration of the baking of bread from the first wheat harvest as each person participated in honoring Mother Earth. We must remember how important grains were and still are to most of the world. 

Many Native American tribes also celebrate the harvest during this time as the Corn Mother. The Green Corn Ceremony, which is tied to the ripening of the corn crops, is marked with dancing to give thanks to the Great Spirit/Mother, feasting and religious observations. Before any new corn can be eaten, there are rituals of purification and forgiveness. 

HANDFASTING

During the 15th and 16th Century, couples participated in hand-fasting ceremonies at Lammas fairs across Europe. Handfasting was a performed by a couple in front of a witness or two. They joined hands and declared themselves united, sealing it with a kiss. These were trial year- and -a day marriages and one had to renew them more often than traditional wedding vows. If at the end of the trial the couple felt it was not right, they were free to go their separate ways.

LAMMAS RITUAL

I want to share a ritual that my soul-sister Deborah Roth and I did in central park pre-covid. You will need some corn husks, corn kernels, raffia, or string.

1.Take some time to reflect and journal on what you have harvested this season since the Spring Equinox.

Based on fears being transformed, what are your hopes for this harvest? What are your gifts and skills to support those hopes? Where do you need help?

2. Write your harvest intention on a husk with a permanent marker and pick as many corn kernels as you need to represent your hopes/skills/gifts. Then wrap them in the corn husk and tie with raffia or string—each knot represents support, what you need to ask for/do to manifest intention. When you are finished, find a place in nature and offer it to Mother Nature. 

Have Fun, Give Thanks and Be conscious of how you treat our Planet!

Make sure to check out upcoming events.

Until next time,
Barbara

The Energy and Insights of the Full Moon 🌝✨

In a recent online search, my friend Ellen came across a 1991 article in The Standard Star featuring a workshop taught by her cousin, Aviva Gershweir, on “Painting from the Source.” To Ellen’s surprise, the article also mentioned a workshop I was conducting at Wainwright House on “Women and Success: Female Creativity in the Workplace.”

Back then, this workshop, co-facilitated by Allie Roth and myself, was groundbreaking. We introduced a model that integrated logic with intuition—a concept that was quite radical for the business community at the time (and still is for some). I even did a fire release ceremony, which was very out of the box for many of the participants and they loved it!

The Power of integrating the Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine

 The recent Full Moon has invited us to reflect on the balance between our logical and emotional/intuitive minds. It’s a reminder to take positive steps toward integrating both aspects of our brain. Honoring and claiming both the masculine and feminine qualities.

Re-animate, Re-invigorate, Re-imagine

Now is the perfect time to breathe new life into your deepest dreams. We are called to make conscious, positive changes in our lives and in the world. Achieving this requires a heart-centered vision and a grounded structure to bring these dreams into reality. 

As you know, ritual have always been key for me. Rituals often mark doorway moments when we pass from one stage of life to another. They acknowledge that these passages are not just external changes but involve internal transformation.

Your Personal Reflection

Consider the advice you’ve been giving to others. Are you applying it to your own life?
Imagine speaking to someone who is living a life identical to yours.
What advice would you give them? Now, follow that advice yourself.

Take a moment to journal your thoughts and see what insights arise. 

PS: Make sure to visit our upcoming events.

Until next time,
Barbara