How To Tame Your Inner Critic

I recently received an email from a client who felt stuck and frustrated because she hadn’t lived up to the vision collage she created last year. This is someone who has shown great courage and accomplished so much in her career, yet the feeling of shame kept her from joining my recent workshop.

Her message struck a chord with me because I know this feeling all too well. When we don’t meet our own expectations, it’s easy to fall into self-blame, guilt, and shame. Our inner critic can be ruthless, making us feel like we’ve failed—not just at our goals, but at life itself.

But here’s the truth: this kind of self-judgment doesn’t serve us. It paralyzes us. It creates inertia, stuck energy, and can even lead to self-sabotaging behaviors like overeating, overspending, or withdrawing from the people who could support us.

Breaking Free from Shame & Inertia

Sometimes, things don’t go according to plan. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it just means the goal you thought you wanted may not be right for you now, or it might simply need a shift in direction. Instead of isolating yourself in shame, reach out. No one is judging you as harshly as you judge yourself.

Our brains are wired to cling to negativity like Velcro while letting positive experiences slip away like Teflon. Shifting from self-sabotage to empowerment requires building mental, emotional, and spiritual resilience so you can keep showing up for yourself and the world.

And the next time you find yourself saying, “I lost my focus,” remember you haven’t lost it—you’ve just misplaced it. And it can always be found.

A Simple Practice to Quiet Your Inner Critic

Next time that inner critic starts screaming at you, try this:

  • STOP. Take a pause.

  • Place your arms around yourself and say, “I’m sorry for being so hard on you.”

  • Take a deep breath.

  • Do one small, positive step forward. Just one.

You don’t have to do it alone. If you’re feeling stuck, reach out—I’m here to help. And if this message resonated with you, share it with someone who might need it. Let’s lift each other up.

PS: Make sure to check out our upcoming events.

With love,
Barbara

The Ancient Origins of Valentine’s Day: Love as a Ritual for Transformation ❤️

When we think of Valentine’s Day, we picture chocolates, flowers, and gifts—but did you know this day of love is rooted in ancient rituals, sacred traditions, and powerful symbols that have transcended time?

A Love Ritual from the Ancients

Long before Hallmark cards and candlelit dinners, the Romans celebrated Lupercalia, a festival honoring fertility, ancestors, and the cycle of rebirth. Single women placed their names into urns, where bachelors would draw lots to determine a match—sometimes for a night, sometimes for a year.

In medieval France and England, this practice evolved: men wore their beloved’s name on their sleeve (where we get the phrase wearing your heart on your sleeve) and pledged to care for her for a full year.

The Story of St. Valentine

One legend says that in the 3rd century, Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage, believing that unattached men made better soldiers. A compassionate Christian priest named Valentine defied this decree, secretly marrying couples. When discovered, he was imprisoned and ultimately executed on February 14th. Before his death, he sent a letter to the jailer’s daughter, signing it “From your Valentine”—a phrase we still use today.

Through the centuries, these traditions endured: handwritten love notes, heartfelt poetry, and the exchange of gifts as symbols of devotion. In the Victorian era, pressed flowers and scented letters were believed to hold the essence of the sender’s emotions. 

A Valentine’s Ritual: Love as an Act of Devotion

Whether you are in a relationship or single, love always begins within. When we nurture love within ourselves, we become a magnet for deeper, healthier relationships.

If you are in a relationship:

  • Reignite passion—reflect on what drew you together in the first place.

  • Heal miscommunication—shift the focus from criticism to appreciation.

  • Renew your vows—remind your partner what you love about them and commit to nurturing your bond.

If you are single:

  • Treat yourself as precious—love yourself the way you want to be loved.

  • Set an intention for love—what do you truly desire in a partner?

  • Indulge in self-care—buy yourself flowers, take yourself to brunch, start a creative project.

  • Know that love is everywhere—the best place to meet someone isn’t a dating app, it’s in the flow of life when you’re doing what brings you joy.

Love as a Daily Practice

Imagine how different your life would be if every day were Valentine’s Day—not about commercialized romance, but about true, deep, intentional love. Love for yourself. Love for your partner. Love for your friends, family, and community.

And let’s not forget Mother Earth—the original source of love and abundance. This Valentine’s Day, offer a rose to the earth as a token of gratitude. Let’s nurture and cherish her as we do our own hearts.

May this be a season of love, renewal, and transformation.

Gift yourself and your loved ones with my magical aromatherapy sprays: Of all of our 5 senses, smell is the one thing that goes directly to the brain, thereby influencing our emotions and physical health. Shop Here.

With love,
Barbara

Finding Light in Challenging Times

Lately, our world feels like a game of shock and awe—a strategy designed to overwhelm, keeping us in a constant state of reaction. When we’re in this mode, we lose touch with our inner wisdom, our power, and our deep connection to Source. We forget that, despite external chaos, we can make conscious choices every single day about how we want to live.

Shifting Perspective: The Black Dot Story

A professor once gave his students a surprise test. When they turned over their papers, they found no questions—just a single black dot in the center of the page.

“Write about what you see,” the professor instructed.

Every student described the black dot—its position, size, and meaning—but no one mentioned the vast white space surrounding it.

When all the papers were read, the professor explained:
“This is how we often live our lives. We focus only on the black dot—our worries, fears, and struggles—while ignoring the countless blessings surrounding us. But what if we shifted our attention? What if we saw the full picture?”

A Simple Tool to Shift Energy

The next time something upsets you:

  1. Stop. Pause before reacting.

  2. Press the spot between your brows and say: CANCEL, CLEAR.

  3. Visualize your heart as a radiant star, sending love and light to every cell in your body. Let this energy balance, harmonize, and restore your inner peace.

Grounding & Taking Conscious Action

Spend time in nature.

Move your body…walk, dance…exercise

Connect through prayer or meditation.

Set positive intentions—then take inspired action. Start with small structure action steps.

As we shift our focus, we not only change our personal reality, but we collectively elevate the world.

With love,
Barbara

Your Next Step: Turning Vision Into Reality

I’m still riding the high from our Vision 2025 Workshop last weekend! The energy we created together—in person in NYC and with participants joining via livestream from Hawaii, California, Canada, Boston, and beyond—was nothing short of transformative.

What I loved most was the diversity of our community. We came together—across ages, races, and sexual orientations—proving that when we unite in a shared intention, we co-create something truly magical.

VISION 2025 Transformational Weekend Workshop

Revolution and Renaissance

As astrologer Rebecca Gordon reminded us, we are living through a time of revolution and a new Renaissance. Amid the challenges, this is a birth of creativity and expansion.

And here’s the truth: we are the technology of the future.

But here’s what I also know for sure—while we can call in the Light and create a zone of manifestation, blessings, and abundance, if our energetic container isn’t strong enough to hold it, it leaks out.

So, our work is clear:
We must strengthen our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical bodies.

Negative thoughts, old patterns, and limiting beliefs shrink our ability to hold this new energy. Patterns like:

  • Fear of abandonment

  • Seeking approval

  • Not feeling supported

  • Poverty consciousness

  • Unworthiness

These are ready to be healed.

The Year of the Wood Snake: Lunar Wisdom for 2025 

As we step into the Lunar Year of the Wood Snake on Wednesday, the energy of this year calls for:

  • Reflection, growth, and personal transformation

  • Deepening your intuition and mastering timing

  • Shedding outdated habits and beliefs

  • Strategic action—making every move count

This is not about rushing or overhauling your life overnight. Instead, it’s about consistently aligning with your values and making choices that bring you closer to the life you envision.

And as you do, your definition of success may begin to shift. By walking your authentic spiritual path with practical feet, you inspire others to do the same.

What’s Next for You?
This is your moment to build a container strong enough to hold the life you’re manifesting.

With love,
Barbara

Uncertain About the Future? Let’s Shape It Together

“The best thing you can do is to get very good at being you.” — Dennis the Menace

When I graduated college, I was offered my dream job in Rome. Ten days before I was supposed to leave, the job was canceled. I was devastated, but something deep within urged me to go anyway. With the small amount of money I had, I packed my bags and embarked on a journey that changed my life. Trusting my intuition led me to incredible opportunities: working in film, meeting lifelong friends, and eventually moving to London.

What I learned from that experience is this: when we limit how we think we’ll receive, we might miss out on the unexpected gifts the Universe is offering us.

Memories from our last in-person VISION workshop

This lesson reminds me of a favorite story:


The man whispered, “God, speak to me,” and a meadowlark sang.
But the man didn’t hear.
He shouted, “God, show me a miracle!” and a life was born.
But the man didn’t notice.
He cried, “Touch me, God, and let me know you are here!”
Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man with a butterfly.
But the man brushed it away and walked on.
—Author Unknown

As we face uncertainty in our world today—politically, environmentally, and personally—this story reminds us to remain open to guidance, connection, and possibility.

This is the heart of Vision 2025: Shape Your Destiny. Learn more here.

With love,
Barbara

Saved by Intuition: My Story of Trusting the Inner Voice

I was planning an in-person Vision Workshop in Malibu for January 10th and 11th. The venue was perfect, and I had plenty of support. Everything seemed aligned—until it wasn’t.

As the date approached, I began to sense that something wasn’t flowing. A quiet but persistent voice in my mind kept urging me to postpone the workshop. At first, I resisted. How could I cancel something I had put so much effort into? But after a heartfelt conversation with my close friend Heide, I realized that this wasn’t the right time.

I trusted my intuition and canceled the event. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Had I gone ahead with my plans, I would have been in Pacific Palisades during one of the most devastating wildfires California has ever seen. The workshop in Malibu would have been canceled anyway, and I could have been in real danger.

This experience reinforced a powerful lesson: learning to trust and develop our intuition isn’t just a personal practice—it’s a vital skill.

Right now, we’re all facing so much uncertainty—mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially. It’s easy to feel unsafe or overwhelmed by the unknown. That’s why I believe it’s more important than ever to come together in community, to hold space for one another with compassion and care.

When we gather in spiritual community, we create a strong container for healing, support, and re-visioning our lives. By tending to the parts of ourselves that feel fragile and finding strength in connection, we can begin the process of moving forward. Life is precious, and we need each other now more than ever.

If your heart is calling you to reflect, heal, and reimagine your future, I invite you to join me for VISION 2025 on January 24th and 25th. You can attend in person in New York City or online via Zoom. Together, let’s create a powerful space to access the spiritual support we need to navigate these times and re-vision our lives with purpose and clarity. Visit the Events page for more information.

Until next time,
Barbara

MANAWA: Now is the Moment of Power 🌟 Your Time to Transform is NOW

Now is the Moment of Power. Your Time to Transform is NOW! When I first understood this Hawaiian principle, my life completely shifted. The past is over, the future is not yet realized, and right now is the most important moment of your life. What a gift!

Celebrate Your Wins: Every success, no matter how small, deserves praise. What you focus on grows.

Here is one of mine:

"Barbara Biziou was an absolute revelation at my first-ever Tarot event at Fresco by Scotto. From the moment she arrived, her calming presence and unparalleled spiritual wisdom set the tone for an unforgettable evening. Over 100 guests had the privilege of experiencing her insightful Tarot card readings, each one guided with care, precision, and a deep understanding of personal growth and healing.

On a personal level, Barbara has been an integral part of my own healing journey, helping me tap into inner strength I didn’t know I had. Her gift is more than just reading cards—it’s in the way she radiates wisdom, compassion, and optimism, leaving everyone she meets feeling lighter, stronger, and more focused.

Guests left our event glowing with inspiration, carrying Barbara’s empowering energy into their own lives—a truly magical way to start the new year. If you’re seeking clarity, guidance, or simply a transformative experience, Barbara is the epitome of spiritual excellence."

Release Self-Criticism: The next time you’re hard on yourself, pause. Say: "I am sorry." Give yourself a hug and declare: "Up until now, I believed that, but I am changing right now."

Be Your Number One Fan: Speak to yourself with kindness, cheer for your progress, and trust in your journey.

Repeat this mantra daily:
I AM WORTHY OF ALL BLESSINGS

I am excited to announce that you now can attend VISION 2025: Shape Your Destiny both in-person in NYC and online via Zoom. Some of my online clients are putting together Vision Parties from their homes so they can share the experience with friends and  family.

Sign up now and let’s make now your moment of power!

Until next time,
Barbara

Spiritual Practices to Close 2024 and Step into 2025 🎇

Take a deep breath as we come to the end of 2024. Think of it as a sacred pause between what was and what will be. The end of the year isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s an opportunity to reflect, recalibrate, and realign with your deepest purpose.

Release and Let Go: Cultures around the world end the year by purifying with water, fire, air, and earth. On a piece of paper, take the time to write down your feelings of anger, disappointment, fear, and frustration. Then burn baby burn! Or do a purification bath in sea salt, bury a symbol of what you want to release in the earth or shout out your feelings in a song or chant.

Purify your Space: Open your windows and walk around your home and ring a bell to break up any stuck energy. Then light a smudge bundle (cedar and sage) or some of my Space Spray or fresh lemon in spring water and walk around a second time purifying the space. 

Forgive Forgive Forgive: Let go of grudges and unresolved anger. The month of January was named after a mythical king by the name of Janus - a 2-faced god associated with transitions and new beginnings. He was also believed to be a forgiving deity so one of the customs of the time was to ask forgiveness to anyone you had caused harm to. I recommend that we all do this and include ourselves in the mix. Open your heart to yourself and others.

Rituals to Start off the New Year

Rituals to Start off the New Year

Set Intention to Spread the Light:

Take a candle and carve the word UNITY on it. Sit for a moment and think of what that means to you. Can you imagine a world where caring for each other was the norm? What would it be like if each person’s main job was simply to share his/her/their unique gifts and talents?

Light the candle and imagine this light going out into the world. As you add your light to the world, know that we are each custodians for the planet and each other.

Wear Special Colors to amplify your intentions:

  • Red: Calls in and amplifies love in your life.

  • Yellow: Associated with wealth and prosperity. 

  • Green: Associated with luck, nature, life, and adventure. 

  • Blue: Associated with health, wellness, and prioritizing your health. 

  • Black: Associated with power, taking charge, and regaining control. 

  • Pink: Associated with love, friendships, and fostering a harmonious atmosphere. 

  • White: Associated with happiness, peace, and joy. 

  • Purple: Associated with power. 

  • Gold, bronze, and silver: Associated with being bold and shining.

Barbara’s Favorite Prosperity Ritual 

For good luck and prosperity in the coming year, some cultures throw money into the house the first time that they enter after the New Year has begun. If you are staying home, go to your front door any time after 12:01 and throw coins into the front door. Imagine that each coin holds an intention for the year: prosperity, health, love, a new project.

You can also do this for your office. When I plan on going out for New Year’s Eve, I usually leave a bowl of coins outside my front door to remind me to do this ritual. Watch Video Here.

Wishing you all a New Year filled with peace, prosperity, joy, love, health and all good things!

REMEMBER:
SOMEONE OUT THERE NEEDS YOU
SO LIVE  YOUR LIFE SO THAT THEY CAN FIND YOU.

Until next time,
Barbara

Embracing Flexibility and Light This Holiday Season ✨

Did you ever ask an oracle for an answer, only to dislike it and feel tempted to pull another card? That’s exactly how I’ve been feeling lately. I had a persistent intuition nudging me in one direction, yet I ignored it and pressed on.

There’s a story about Gandhi calling thousands of people to leave their homes and march with him. They came. Then, he told them to go back home—the timing wasn’t right. Confused and frustrated, they asked, “But you said it was important to show up now!” Gandhi replied, “My commitment is to the truth as I see it in the moment, not to consistency.”

Whether this story is fact or folklore, its lesson remains powerful: We must learn to listen and trust our higher guidance as it arrives in the moment. In times of rapid change, being adaptable isn’t just wise—it’s essential.

While it’s admirable to stay committed to relationships and projects we’ve nurtured, it’s equally important to recognize when shifts are necessary. Sometimes, breakdowns are the breakthroughs we need to create something even better.

Much like the Egyptian goddess Isis, we are all capable of embracing multiple roles with grace. The key lies in trusting our intuition, honoring our divine purpose, and staying true to ourselves as we navigate change.

With this theme in mind, I’ve decided to postpone Vision 2025 in LA and focus on our NYC event instead. For those unable to join us in person, a Zoom option will be available. Details to follow soon.

This week, for the first time in many years, Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanzaa overlap—a beautiful convergence being called Chrismahanukwanzakah. These holidays all celebrate the birth of Light and the honoring of the Divine in unique ways.

Wishing you a holiday week filled with light, love, and adaptability!

I will be sending out 12 free meditations to start off your New Year beginning on January 1st to everyone on my newsletter list, so please have your friends sign up now so that they will receive this gift.

PSST: Need a last minute gift? Digital Gift Cards are available for any amount.

With gratitude,
Barbara

The Quote That Changed Everything + A Ritual to Transform Your Day

This morning, I woke up with some aches and pains. My first instinct was to complain—until I remembered something profound I read recently:

“Instead of lamenting that your body is no longer what it was at 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60, imagine you’re visiting from the future and appreciate your ‘younger body’ as it is today.”

Wow. You will never be as young as you are right now. So why not cherish this moment?

This small shift cracked open my perspective, reminding me to view the ordinary as extraordinary—something Maria Popova so beautifully wrote about in The Marginalian. She shared a reflection on casting a spell against indifference—and you all know how much I love a good ritual!

So today, I want to share a simple yet profound practice I learned in Hawaii over 30 years ago.

The Gratitude Walk

How to Begin:

Decide how much time you’d like to spend on this ritual—5 minutes, an hour, or even an entire day.

The Practice:

  • As you walk, bless everything and everyone you encounter.

  • Bless your shoes for carrying you comfortably.

  • Bless the flowers for their beauty and fragrance.

  • Bless your clothes for their protection.

  • Bless the birds for their songs, the dogs for their loyalty, the trees for their quiet strength.

  • Bless strangers as they pass—send silent well-wishes to each one.

And if you happen to see someone you don’t particularly like? Bless them too. As my shaman friend once said, “Bless them for exhaling carbon dioxide that feeds the plants.”

Why It Works:

As we bless others, we elevate our own energy. Gratitude is a powerful antidote to indifference, transforming how we see and experience the world.

I’d love to hear what you’re grateful for this week. Drop me a note or share your own blessings on social media!

Winter Solstice: A Time for Magic

This week, we step into the sacred portal of the Winter Solstice—when the longest night gives way to growing light in the Northern Hemisphere. This ancient turning point is a reminder: even in darkness, new energy is born.

Stay tuned for a special Winter Solstice Ritual on my Facebook and Instagram this Friday.

Let’s walk into this season with open hearts, eyes full of wonder, and a renewed appreciation for life’s simple miracles.

With gratitude,
Barbara

From Fear to Freedom: Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet

One thing I have always wanted to do was experience a “flying trapeze”. When I think of it, I am reminded of an article I read many years ago called Fear of Transformation from the book of Essenes. 

To paraphrase, most of us spend our lives hanging on for dear life to the old until something calls us to let go and take a leap of faith into the unknown. It can be terrifying, yet we know we must release our hold on the past (the old trapeze bar) and soar across the vast void of unknowing to reach the new one.  

We may feel scared, excited, vulnerable, unsure of ourselves, confused, or disoriented, but this is where the real change happens… When feeling unsure of ourselves, we can reject our rigid thinking and make new choices that may bring unexpected benefits. As we give ourselves permission to hang out in this transition between trapeze bars, we learn to fly! 

A good affirmation to say each day is “My life is filled with new opportunities, and it is safe for me to learn new things.”

As we move into the last few weeks of 2024 I invite you to spend some time looking back on what 2024 was about for you. Just BE present with what is. We are moving into 2025-a year of major change, right now we are in the growing pains of this shift of consciousness.

““We are each of us angels with only one wing and we can only fly embracing each other.””
— Luciano De Crescenzo

That is why I have created VISION 2025: Shape Your Destiny. And I will be doing it live in Malibu, CA and NYC. Together we are stronger. Together we are more creative. Together we can build the structures necessary for true manifestation. And together we bring in more love, joy, and success. Maybe this will be the year you find your love relationship, bring in a baby, create your dream project, travel to a far-off land, buy a home, boost your health, reclaim your old dreams  and discover a sense of magic and excitement.

"Barbara’s class resets me for the year ahead. With her gentle yet powerful hand, she masterly reminds you of your dreams and goals allowing you to create the perfect blueprint for success.''
- Heide Banks

VISION 2025 ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN! VISIT THE EVENTS PAGE FOR DETAILS. 

Until next time,
Barbara

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