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Twice this week I’ve discovered messaging that centers around the idea of giving and the intention behind it. And since it’s “that time of year” for doling out presents…
The first message came from one of Aubrey’s podcasts, a recent conversation with Charles Eisenstein. They covered a lot, as usual, but I loved thinking about their thoughts around intentionality and meaning.
Like, do you say, “I’m sorry” and really mean it all of the time? Or is it habit? Something we’re taught as kiddos: “Say you’re sorry,” for example.
Charles takes what he calls an unpopular parenting approach and doesn’t make his children apologize. Rather, he hopes—with what they’ve learned from him—that they will eventually arrive at an intentional version of this on their own because they mean it, not because they’re told to.
It’s a powerful thing to contemplate: if you’re using words, but not in truth, then it’s actually a lie. An energetic lie.
When my fave fitness instructor, Shaun T jumped on Instagram this week with a little rant about gift giving, I thought of the conversation with Aubrey and Charles and being in truth.
Do we give and buy so we don’t seem like a jerk? Because we have to?
Shaun made it very clear that if you don’t know him well enough to know what he’d like, and you’re just buying something random because “it’s the holidays,” don’t bother.
Do you agree?
Can you feel the difference in energy when you give a gift because you know the person will love it, versus giving a gift because you feel you should? How can we nurture a New World where this deep rooting in consumerism and tradition shifts into more heart-centered giving and receiving?
I love finding a treasure for someone I care about and giving it to them any time of year. Sometimes I’m all in on the holidays because it feels good. Sometimes not. Traditions don’t know what’s going on in your life, after all.
But if you’re feeling depleted already, consider that shopping your butt off won’t make things much better.
What can you offer those you love with heart and intention instead of a thing from a store? Does intentionality or gift with a bow matter more?
This “requirement” to buy things and to give is a powerful shadow energy that emerges this time of year. An energy that—if it resonates—is a perfect shadow to reflect on as we cross the threshold into the darkness this season.
The Solstice is a time to examine your relationship with your shadows. It can be a time of deep healing or rest. An opportunity to emerge with the growing light of spring, renewed and healed.
Whew! With that, I’ll leave you to the cards.
Think about the shadows you embrace or avoid in your life, and what gifts they have for you.
Natalie
The cards:
Deck: Golden Art Nouveau Tarot & Lumina Tarot
Hold up!
Take a few centering breaths, then choose a card BEFORE scrolling down
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One
Five of Cups & Four of Wands, reversed
You’re so close to a space of completion, a cycle that is finishing where you can rest and celebrate.
But are you standing in your own way?
The Five of Cups reminds us that if we get too nostalgic, and look back too often, we lose our way here and now.
It’s important to appreciate where we’ve come from, especially during a season of deep tradition.
But it’s also okay to create a new tradition if the old one doesn’t fit.
It’s okay to grieve not having a nostalgic space to slip into.
And it’s okay to miss how things used to feel and be, as long as you strive to give your heart to the here and now, too.
Be here now.
Two
The World & Strength
You get to be kind to yourself while reading this. Yay!
This is a BIG, major-arcana-call for you to honor how far you’ve come. You are not the same person you were the last time you stepped into Solstice, nor will you ever be again.
You are strong. You have courage. And you’ve made it this far. You’re a survivor.
Even when it feels like you’ve taken three—or thirty—steps back, there are gifts in every single step you take. Celebrate your tenacity and YOU.
Most importantly, forgive what is stuck in you. Try this every morning or evening while looking in the mirror. Say it to yourself and mean it:
I love you. I’m sorry. Forgive me. Thank you.
Three
Maiden of Wands & Knight of Swords, reversed
This is all about balance between your ideas, inspiration, and free spirit, and making sure you’re not too impulsive or you don’t burn yourself out.
These two cards have so much energy. There is forward movement, new ideas, and opportunities.
All of this is fantastic if you’re not moving too fast through it all.
Take some time to allow your body to answer all of the questions your brain has figured out. How does it feel? Where is there a little tightness or hesitation?
Give yourself the space to just be in your life knowing that you’re supported and on the path to so many new and amazing ventures.
Don’t rush this one.