Practice deep, mindful breathing to reduce stress and increase relaxation. One of favorite easy exercises is boxed breathing. Breathe in for 4, hold for 4, breathe out for 4, stay empty for 4, repeat.
Enjoy the outdoors and clear your mind with a simple walk. Even if it is freezing where you are, bundle up to stay cozy and get outside. It always helps me to get some fresh air and mingle with nature.
Write down your thoughts, feelings, or things you're grateful for. You don't even need to spring for a notebook and pen, you can simply open your notes app in your phone if it is easier.
Incorporate simple stretches to relieve tension and move energy in your body. Even if it is just for 5 min before bed or in between meetings at work. It's amazing what a little movement can do. Also, if you've never done legs up the wall - look it up! In 2023 I committed to 20 min of legs up the wall before bed (when not on period) and it was very relieving and relaxing, setting me up for better sleep.
Practice mindfulness meditation to center yourself and promote inner peace. I even have a free guided 5 min meditation to help if guided meditation is your thing! I also love the app Insight Timer for a timer that has a gentle bell at the end and lots of free meditations on the app there as well.
Create a playlist of your favorite calming or uplifting tunes. This is one of the more simple life hacks for my mental health, it changes my mood almost in an instant! Pro tip: In 2023 I made a playlist of songs with all positive lyrics and helped the brain stay optimistic.
Unplug from social media and electronic devices for a designated time. Set limits on your apps on your phone to help remind you to use them in moderation. Mornings without technology are a goal for me in 2024!
Pamper yourself with a DIY spa day using items you already have at home. Olive oil, cucumbers on the face, coconut oil, salt bath, honey mask etc. Go through your pantry and see what you can use to help you unwind for a night in.
Escape into a good book and let your mind wander. Audiobook or real book, I love using the Libby App that connects to your local library and downloads books and audio books completely free of charge! Also, this year Spotify added audiobooks as well!
Take a moment to appreciate the positive aspects of your life. I personally love using a mala bead necklace for this practice, spending a moment on each of the 108 beads to name something I am grateful for. At first 108 seems daunting but pretty soon I am naming so much stuff that I am usually just taking for granted every single day (fresh air, warm house, running water etc.) and the thought just star flowing. I am left feeling super uplifted and open.
Organize and tidy up your living space for a sense of accomplishment. No need to start with the most overwhelming part of your space, start small like a drawer or a desk top and see how it feels to make your space more beautiful.
If you don't have your home practice, follow along with free online yoga videos to promote physical and mental well-being. I personally love taking my mat outside and just moving intuitively to gentle music.
Have a dance party in your living room to uplift your mood. Even if its just for one minute to one song, dancing and movement is sure to shift your energy and your day!
Spend some time outdoors admiring the night sky. Look for New Moon dates for even better star gazing when the night sky is the darkest.
Practice positive affirmations to boost self-esteem and confidence. Simple "I am" statements are super easy and helpful. Just say the word you want to embody or feel like. "I am calm, I am relaxed, I am safe" etc.
Connect with a loved one for a chat or catch-up session. This is one of my favorite things to do along side a mindless task like organizing or folding laundry etc.
Savor each bite during your meals, focusing on the flavors and textures. See how slow you can enjoy your next meal, how many ingredients you can taste and how it makes you feel when you taste them.
Rest for a short period to recharge your energy. Aim for a nap duration of about 10 to 20 minutes. This length helps prevent entering deep sleep, avoiding sleep inertia—the groggy feeling upon waking.
Find a good spot to witness the beauty of nature. It also helps us with our circadian rhythm, helping us either wake up or wind down and sleep better!
Offer your time and skills to help others in your community. There is a great website called VolunteerMatch.Org to help you find a good fit near you. I am starting with the small goal of volunteering once a month in 2024. Helping others is sometimes the best way to help your self and change your perspective!
Express yourself through drawing, painting, or other creative outlets. Even if you've never been "good" at the art form you want to try. Just let your self play and have fun with it, no pressure.
Connect with friends or family or online for a virtual gathering. Community is such an important part of my mental health and a big reason why I hold New Moon Circles, join me for one in 2024! (at absolutely no charge if you don't have the funds)
Depending on your location, consider foraging for edible plants or herbs. You may be surprised what is growing in your own backyard! (be sure to triple check a reputable source before eating anything ◡̈)
Get creative and make something new from items you already have at home. Maybe you love avocados, start saving the pits in the freezer and make a dye to throw in old socks or kitchen towels into! Obviously natural dyeing is my favorite, but explore what other crafts you can do with things you use in your home that usually go in the trash or recycling!
I hope you find this list helpful and inspiring for the year ahead. Have any that you want to share? Drop them in the comments. Cheers to the year ahead.
This past weekend I had the huge honor of hosting a Mother's Blessing ceremony for my dear friend Karen and after feeling the impact of this ritual, I really wanted to share a How To for more people to offer this meaningful ceremony to mama's in their lives. A huge thank you to Karen for allowing me to share these photos of her sacred ceremony!
There are many ways to hold a Mother's Blessing ceremony, these are just the rituals that I offered. Always do what feels authentic + best for the mother-to-be to make it a special experience.
A mother's blessing is a special ceremony that honors and celebrates a woman as she prepares to become a mother. It is a time for family and friends to come together and offer support, love, and blessings for the mother-to-be and her baby. They can vary widely with lots of different rituals & activities.
The practice of holding mother's blessings has been around for centuries in many different cultures. In some Native American tribes, for example, a mother's blessing is known as a "blessingway" and is a sacred ceremony that honors the mother-to-be and her journey into motherhood. Similarly, in Hindu culture, there is a tradition called "Godh Bharai" that involves showering the mother-to-be with gifts and blessings before the birth of her child. In recent years, the popularity of mother's blessings has grown as more and more women seek to celebrate and honor their transition into motherhood in a meaningful way. Today, there are many different traditions and rituals that can be incorporated into a mother's blessing ceremony, making it a unique and personalized experience for each mother-to-be.
The first step in holding a mother's blessing is to plan the ceremony. This can be done by the mother-to-be or someone close to her. Consider the location, time, and guest list for the ceremony. Creating a beautiful comfy space for the ceremony is important. Similar to my moon circles, I believe in bringing in all of the elements, creating a beautiful center piece / grid made with plants or crystals or filling the altar with meaningful items that speak to the mom to be. For Karen's ceremony I knew she wanted guests in a circle on the floor so we brought lots of blankets and floor pillows. We used flowers from her garden and the land around and created a completely unique grid. We burned her favorite Copal and I made a flower crown for her to wear, just a little added touch for the guest of honor.
Before starting any ritual it is important to ground the energy of the space and everyone present. I offered a brief grounding meditation where I guided everyone into their body to feel their senses, feel the earth beneath them, to connect back to their breath and land in their heart space as we prepared to honor our friend Karen. It set a calming tone for the rest of the ceremony and I highly recommend it! Even if you don't lead a full meditation, just starting with everyone taking a big deep breath can transform the energy of a group.
The string ceremony is a beautiful ritual that symbolizes the connection between the mother-to-be and her family, friends, and the lineage of women that came before us. Although this is sometimes done with red thread, I asked Karen for her favorite color and brought along a ball of soft purple yarn. We tied it around Karen's wrist first and then asked everyone to introduce themselves, tell us how they knew Karen and asked for them to share a favorite memory with her. They then wrapped the yarn once around their wrist and passed the ball of yarn to the next person in the circle. By the end, not only were we all physically connected to one another, we also saw this beautiful web of women who support and love Karen so much. We then passed a small pair of scissors around the circle and cut the string. I invited everyone to tie their piece around their wrist to keep on as a reminder to keep Karen and her baby in our thoughts until the birth.
The foot bath ceremony is a relaxing and rejuvenating ritual that honors the mother-to-be and helps her prepare for the birth of her baby. I was so excited to surprise Karen with this! To perform the foot bath ceremony you will need to fill a basin or large bowl with warm water. Next, place all ingredients on a tray in front of the bath. (Be sure to pick and choose ingredients that are pregnancy safe) I picked epsom salts, pink salt, dead sea salt, organic coconut oil, and dried flowers.
I then invited everyone in the circle to choose a few items to place into Karen's footbath as they set an intention for her birth. Some shared their intention with the group and others whispered it to her. It was a very touching part of the ceremony. I also placed another bowl in the center of the grid and we created a bath for Karen to take postpartum, this time setting intentions for her in motherhood.
Once the string and foot bath ceremonies are complete, it's time to end the ceremony. The mother-to-be can thank her guests for their love and support and offer a blessing or wish for them in return. Guests can then share any final blessing or wishes for the mother-to-be and her baby before the ceremony comes to a close.
A mother's blessing is a beautiful and meaningful ritual that honors and celebrates the mother-to-be as she prepares to become a mother. The string and foot bath ceremonies are just two examples of the many traditions and rituals that can be incorporated into a mother's blessing ceremony. With careful planning and the love and support of family and friends, a mother's blessing can be a powerful and transformative experience for everyone involved.
Karen is not only my dear friend but also an incredibly talented Neurodynamic Breathwork facilitator, Embodiment Guide, and Yoga teacher, check out her offerings here.
]]>Cold plunges are the practice of immersing the body in cold water for a short period. This practice is believed to offer a range of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and increasing energy levels.
There is some debate on just how cold your cold plunge should be. Ice baths and cold plunges are typically between 38°F to 45°F, but some experts believe that is just too cold and you should try to keep it between 50°F to 59°F for your safety.
Studies have shown that cold water immersion can reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for people with arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Additionally, the constriction of blood vessels caused by exposure to cold water helps to improve circulation and oxygenation of the body's tissues. The stimulation of adrenaline and other hormones that increase alertness and mental clarity is also believed to boost energy levels.
Hot baths involve immersing the body in warm water, typically between 92 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This practice is known for its relaxing properties, pain relief benefits, and its ability to promote better sleep.
Hot water immersion helps to reduce stress and anxiety levels, relieve muscle tension and joint pain, and promote better sleep. The warmth of the water helps to relax the body and the mind, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Also, if you use a product (like our all natural Moon Dust bath soaks, your skin is getting the benefit of many mineralizing + nurturing ingredients, without any chemicals or synthetics!)
So, which is better for overall health: cold plunges or hot baths? The answer is that it depends on your specific health goals and needs. If you are looking to reduce inflammation, increase energy levels, and improve circulation, then cold plunges may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking to reduce stress and anxiety levels, relieve pain, and improve sleep, then hot baths may be the better choice.
In conclusion, both cold plunges and hot baths offer numerous health benefits, and the best approach is to experiment with both and see which one feels best for you. If you are interested in improving your overall health, it's worth giving both of these practices a try. Let us know what you prefer in the comments!
Sources:
]]>The winter solstice, also known as the shortest day of the year, is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when the Earth's North Pole is tilted furthest away from the sun. It marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. With it being the darkest day of the year, it is important to remember the light and what guides us in our life. Below you will find a history of this important day and a ritual to help you seal in its magic with a meaningful practice to honor the solstice!
In 2022, the winter solstice will occur on Wednesday, December 21st.
This date has been celebrated for centuries by many cultures around the world, and has been marked by traditions and rituals that honor the natural cycles of the Earth.
In ancient cultures, the winter solstice was seen as a time of great significance and was often celebrated with elaborate festivals and ceremonies. The ancient Egyptians, for example, marked the winter solstice with the Festival of the Re-birth of the Sun, in which they celebrated the return of the sun's warmth and light. Similarly, the ancient Romans celebrated the winter solstice with the Festival of Saturnalia, a week-long celebration in honor of the god Saturn that involved gift-giving, feasting, and other festivities.
In many Native American cultures, the winter solstice was seen as a time to honor the natural world and give thanks for the blessings of the year. The Cherokee people, for example, celebrated the winter solstice with the Green Corn Ceremony, in which they gave thanks for the crops they had harvested and prepared for the winter months ahead.
In modern times, the winter solstice is still celebrated by many cultures around the world. In the United States, people often mark the occasion with holiday traditions such as Christmas and Hanukkah, while in other parts of the world, such as in the UK, people celebrate the winter solstice with festivals like Yule and the Burning of the Clocks.
Overall, the winter solstice is a time of renewal and a celebration of the natural cycles of the Earth. It is a time to honor the past and look forward to the future, and to give thanks for all that we have been given. And as I always say, gratitude is magic!
The winter solstice is a time of reflection and gratitude, and there are many ways you can celebrate this special occasion at home. Here is a simple gratitude ritual you can try:
You can do this gratitude ritual anytime, but it can be especially meaningful on the winter solstice, as it is a time to honor the natural cycles of the Earth and give thanks for all that we have. By focusing on gratitude, we can cultivate a sense of abundance and positivity, even during the darkest days of the year.
Let me know in the comments how you will be honoring the solstice this year!
]]>Rose is absolutely one of my favorite flowers + flavors! The scent alone can open my heart and calm my nerves. It truly is a love potion, known for being an aphrodisiac & said to help balance hormones. Roses are also an excellent source of Vitamin C. Whenever I have the opportunity to order a Rose Latte at a fancy cafe you know I do! But why not treat yourself to Rose flovered anything right at home? The only ingredients you need: organic roses, sugar and water. Here are the step by step details to make your own organic rose syrup to add to all of your favorite beverages + more.
Of course you need Rose Petals - When consuming Roses make sure you are using high quality, organic, food grade roses! Never use roses from a flower shop / grocery store as they probably have pesticides and chemicals. We have some available here.
You will also need sugar, I suggest using organic, unbleached sugar. I luckily have a lot of this on hand as it is what we use for our sugar scrubs :) I am sure we could find a good substitute for this recipe if you are avoiding refined sugar in your diet - if you try maple, honey etc. please let me know!
And for the last ingredient - water. I suggest using spring water (my favorite) or filtered water.
This process is super simple - hence the name simple syrup (not sure if that's why it's called that but I like to think so!) You add all ingredients to a sauce pan or pot, turn your stovetop to low or medium and stir while it simmers. Once all of the sugar has dissolved, take off of the heat and put a lid on top. Let it steep for 15 minutes.
Last step, use a fine mesh strainer to strain the flowers out of the syrup. Be sure to store the syrup in an airtight container and keep in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 2 weeks. You can add it to any beverage you choose & turn it into a love potion- I like to use about 1 tablespoon to every 8oz of beverage. (or more, it's so tasty)
INGREDIENTS
EQUIPMENT
INSTRUCTIONS
Stay tuned for more recipes + ways to use our Organic Rose Syrup to make love potions! And please let us know if you make or modify this recipe for your needs. Would love to hear how you like it!
Xo,
Kaitee
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I grew up in Sydney, Australia and I am still here. I have travelled a little – and had spent time living in London and Miami when I was younger. Though, there is no place like home, I love Sydney.
I have been drawing since I was little. I always knew I wanted to do something creative. So I went to University to study Graphic Design, found work when I was finished my degree and have been designing full time for a while now too. My side gig, Seek Love Keep, was born from my want to share some of my personal art designs, and as a creative outlet. A dear friend convinced me to put my prints out there, I did and continue to try and share my art.
My Art has always had the elements around femininity, I have always been drawn to the female form. I find it easier to tell the story or idea, when it has the female form represented. Other elements in my work I like to play with, are balance and harmony. I also, play a lot with duality and beauty. Mostly, you will find that the Moon, Sun and Stars make an appearance along with the feminine representation. I have yet to draw a masculine figure.
I used to paint a lot when I was growing up and at university. I love Gouache painting. Though now I use mostly digital. I use the creative suite by Adobe the most, and I use Procreate on my iPad. I keep thinking I will return to paint, I hope I do.
Always stay true to your ideas/creative. You will over time meet people, who tell you your work is not right – for whatever reason they think is valid. It’s not true, as social media has shown, there are always people who will resonate with your work. You need to try and share your work – the good and bad, it needs to be out there, however that is, for someone to connect with it. I did find that part hard at the start. I still sometimes find it hard to share pieces, as I never really think that I have finished them, though over time I have learnt that my art is not for everyone, but for some. At the least, its for me.
Hmm…..so many places that’s a tough one. Probably to see my best friend in Greece! Anywhere in Greece too…its beautiful and full of history.
My alarm - ! or the kids…..or the dog…on good days, the sun shining through the window.
So many things I could list, and so many things I don’t always practice. When I am really looking after myself, it would be when mediate. Oh, and getting my nails done.
Our collaborative pocket journal above, a free gift with orders of $50 or more this month. Automatically added to your cart at check out until we run out!
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You can support Geney by following her journey on Instagram @seek.love.keep and shop her art at https://www.seeklovekeep.com.au/
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October was made even more magical with the help of Amanda C. Marino's work gracing our orders and our pocket journals. To learn more about the artist behind the artwork, please read our interview with Amanda below. So honored to be sharing her incredible paintings and creations. I also just ordered my Moon sticker on her website! Get yours here.
How long have you been creating and sharing your work?
I started sharing my work back in 2018, but have been creating since I was much younger. I remember drawing "different worlds" during 3rd grade math, and getting in a lot of trouble for it.
What is your biggest source of inspiration for your art?
My biggest inspiration is the night sky. She is my muse.
Besides your gorgeous watercolors, what other styles or mediums of art do you like to create?
I like to explore everything. I don't stick to just one medium. Currently I am having lots of fun with oil paints. And I dream of learning more about pottery eventually.
What dreams do you have for your artwork?
My biggest dream would be to one day have my work in a Museum. I could die happy knowing that I created something that many generations will get to see.
What advice do you have for someone wanting to pursue being a creative / artist?
Create. No matter what the medium is or what the environment is, just go for it. Don't overthink it. You already have everything you need to start. All of the other details will fall into place over time.
I noticed you offer workshops (so cool) how often do you hold them and any plans to offer more classes in the future?
Thank you! I like to offer them at least once a year. Normally I'll have a workshop "season" where I like to make different workshops available around the same time.
Where did you grow up and where do you currently live?
I grew up in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and I am currently living in South Florida, USA.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
Morocco. I've been dreaming of a desert getaway. Just me and the stars.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Life. I'm very thankful for the life I have. As well as, the billions of ideas that I want to see come alive as paintings.
What is your favorite act of self-care?
Alone time in nature. Honestly, alone time period. I love the people in my life, and I love being around them. But nothing brings me more peace and healing than being alone in nature.
This month our orders were made more beautiful by Kayla Reynolds, the artist behind Kay Rey Art! During this process of collaborating together, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Kayla better and have become fast friends. I obviously love her art + style and am honored to have her work on our order packaging and our free Pocket Journals this month. See below to get to know the artist behind the awesome artwork ...
I have been creating for as long as I can remember, started sharing my work about 3 years ago
Music is my fuel, I find I receive most of my visions for my pieces while listening to music
I enjoy painting and creating my illustrations through Procreate
My dream is to have a cozy art studio / gallery. I also look forward to making new connections with amazing people and touching people’s hearts with my art.
Go after it and just start. Keep your creative juices flowing and gain inspiration however you choose to as often as you can. From there, it will all flow with you.
I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and currently live in Tigard, Oregon
Sitting near the water in Santorini, Greece at sunset.. with a warm cup of mint tea in my hands.
It’s a new day I haven’t lived yet and I get to choose how I go about it, that’s a cool feeling.
There’s nothing quite like a candle-lit bubble bath playing Lana Del Rey.
Follow along @KayReyArt and shop kayreyart.com
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A guide to mining your own pocket for Clear Quartz Crystals in Arkansas! If you are not familiar with a pocket dig it is a special crystal dig where you are taken to an actual pocket where the crystals grow in the earth. Below is a guide for everything you need to know for your own pocket dig in Arkansas.
]]>Ps. I am planning another CRYSTAL MINING RETREAT very soon, be sure to sign up here to get notified first when we announce it.
Some crystal mining experiences are just searching through the tailings - this can sometimes just be piles of dirt brought up from the mine via dump trucks. If you are not familiar with a pocket dig it is a special crystal dig where you are taken to an actual pocket where the crystals grow in the earth. This is an area that is very rich in minerals and you are guaranteed to find lots of crystals growing in pockets of clay in the earth.
After a few trips to dig with Avant Mining in the past I decided to hit them up to dig an actual crystal pocket at their Fisher Mountain Mine. This mine in particular is known for producing the clearest of clear quartz in probably all of North America.
Mining your own crystals at a public mine can cost anywhere from $25 - $1000+ depending on the experience you are looking for. At Avant Mining specifically they have child & senior pricing as well for their public dig sites. You do get to keep all the crystals that you mine in the agreed upon timeframe set up by the mine.
For a pocket dig you will be dishing out the big bucks, Avant Mining has options for 2 people starting at $1000 but if you are wanting to mine the largest crystals you can look at prices all the way up to $10,000. (We are talking massive statement pieces, huge clusters and very large water clear points!) This is a full day of digging 9am-5pm, but you can stay less time if you feel you found what you came for. After your dig, they ask that you take what you find to the warehouse so they can make sure you found your moneys worth! They do insure you will find crystals worth up to $1000-2000 for a pocket dig. But on the off chance you do find crystals valued well above the $2000, you have the option to purchase them at a wholesale price. Read more about it all here.
You will be getting very dirty with iron rich, orange clay. Wear clothes and shoes that you do not care if they get stained. If you are digging in the summer months it will be very hot so a hat or beach umbrella might be good choice. Except to find lots of crystals if you’re paying for a dig! These are very mineral rich areas. It can be tiring but exciting, so you should remind yourself to take breaks even though it is so much fun to dig, pace yourself.
When we went for our pocket dig, we were told we only needed to bring ourselves but I did have a few favorite tools handy. My favorite is a large flat head screw driver for prying the crystals out of the earth. Gloves are also recommended, Avant Mining provided some for us, these crystals are very sharp and can easily cut your hands as you’re digging. I also really suggest brining an apron so you can easily put your favorite small finds in your apron pockets. (I forgot one this time and you can see in the photo above how many I fit in my shorts' pockets.)
The crystals you find will most likely have a thick clay with lots of orange iron. There are a few different methods you can try to clean this off your clear quartz crystals that I have tried. (Or you can leave the orange clay on for a more natural look!) The least invasive method is using a water gun or high pressure water hose to blast it off. For the other methods using chemicals & acid below, be sure to research each one yourself to keep yourself safe.
You could also soak them in Iron Out - a cleaning product you can find at the hardware store, usually used to clean iron build up off of a toilet bowl. Iron Out is a relatively safe chemical to use, but I do suggest gloves. You can soak your crystals in a mix of Iron Out and water for several hours and rinse with clean water. A toothbrush is also a great idea to help brush away any left over mud. This process is slower than using an acid so repeat if necessary and have patience.
The last method is by far the most intense using Oxalic Acid. This is a strong acid you can purchase online or sometimes from the mines themselves. It is used as a wood deck cleaner and has many other industrial applications. You will need to wear safety equipment like gloves and goggles and research how to dispose of the acid properly by bringing it back to a base solution instead of an acidic solution. You can leave the crystals to soak in the acid & water in either a bucket outside overnight or use a crock pot on low with lots of ventilation if you are indoors. ( Note - this will ruin your crockpot for future use with foods so I do suggest finding a used crockpot at a thrift store for this process.)
*IMPORTANT - to not crackle the inside of your clear quartz, be sure not to transport crystals from very hot water to very cold water. The difference in temperature can not only cause them to crackle on the inside but also can break your crystals into pieces.
I have checked out & reviewed a few other public mines in Arkansas over the past few years. You can learn even more about those mines and mining your own crystals here.
Be on the lookout for the crystals we found to be available for purchase on our site soon. Including a limited amount of jewelry handmade by my mama with our hand dug crystals. We are in the process of cleaning them up right now! Stay tuned. CLICK FOR OUR CRYSTAL SHOP and CLICK FOR OUR SAVED STORIES FROM THE DAY OF OUR DIG!
]]>I feel like I’ve been creating almost my entire life. As an only child, I really exercised imagination and creativity when I was younger and that just evolved from sharing art on my parent’s fridge! I always loved drawing, painting and music but struggled to determine if and how I would turn my creative interests into a career. During and after college, I worked in marketing at a small business and we had so many design needs that my boss suggested I learn a few of the Adobe programs. I had only a few digital art classes under my belt as a Studio Art minor, so that’s when I began to teach myself digital design and illustration. By the time I quit that job in 2016, I was ready to be a free-lance graphic designer, sharing my work on a broader scale. That’s how Sage Glow Studio was born!
The world of wellness, the desert, the moon and stars.
Digital art is so wonderful, but nothing can compare to the magic of paper and pencil or paint. I still and always will love the classic mediums.
I dream of helping more and more women achieve their goals by creating the supporting visuals and art to make their businesses soar.
It’s the advice that my college business professor gave me when I wanted to transfer to art school. He said, “If you’re talented, you’re talented. What you need to know is the business part - how to market and sell your art.” For me, that meant pursing a business degree, but that’s not the only path of education. There are so many resources readily available now where you can learn how to set up a business, manage your finances, market and sell effectively, build client relationships and more. And I know that when you’re creative, you might have zero interest in these topics, but it’s worth being at least familiar with them so if you hire or outsource you can tell if the job is being done correctly.
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and around age 14 because obsessed with the idea of living in California. All of the wishing and praying finally paid off in 2019 when my husband, our dog Sam and I moved. We even took Route 66 all the way from the beginning at the Art Institute in Chicago to the end at Santa Monica Pier. We now live near Joshua Tree, CA and are in the process of building our first home in the desert!
Ohh, this is a difficult one - there are so many places on my list but right now I’m craving a warm ocean, great snorkeling, an abundance of fruit and tropical vibes, so let’s go with Hawaii.
The excitement of building a creative life. Growing up, I knew I wanted to live a non-traditional life, I just didn’t know exactly what that meant. I am so grateful that God has led me to be my own boss, evolve my business however I’m called to, pursue both my design and wellness ventures and have a husband who’s willing to do crazy things too! It’s so cliché, but once you start living outside of your comfort zone and in-line with your purpose, the motivation to see what each day holds will follow.
Mindful movement, intuitive eating, celebrating feminine energy and my faith are the pillars of my self-care. So some of my favorite practices are meditation, breathwork, a daily devotional, yoga, blasting 90s pop while dancing and cooking, eating food that brings me joy (anything from a green smoothie to ice cream!), a hormone-nourishing cacao elixir, being in nature and getting lost in a good book.
See more of Brittany's work and follower her on instagram + Check out her website - https://www.sageglowstudio.com/
]]>For the month of July I am so happy to feature Keah's work aka MINDREALMS. You will see her gorgeous work on our pocket journals and making our orders more beautiful the rest of the month! I love her use of black, white and a little bit of color in her detailed and powerful drawings. Read below to learn more about the person behind the art!
How long have you been creating and sharing your work?
I've been creating things for as long as I can remember, it's been my greatest love aside from dancing since I was a child. My style & themes came to fruition when I was 15, & I've been sharing my work with the world since 2014 & following my magic ever since.
What is your biggest source of inspiration for your art?
The biggest source of inspiration for my art has always been my emotions & healing, that's why it's so deeply personal to me, it's quite literally a part of my soul & being. I use my artwork to alchemize my emotions into something visually beautiful, I've always had a vivid imagination & I usually revolve my work around themes of healing, women & femininity, nature & magic.
What other styles or mediums of art do you like to create?
I love drawing, it has always come easy to me, but I would love to get back into painting & start utilizing some of my experience with that realm of medium again as well. But dance is another realm of art that is so important to me & helps to create happiness in my life.
What dreams do you have for your artwork?
I would love for my art & words to help others on their healing journeys, that is the main reason why I share & create the work I do. I always say to everyone to 'source your own magic', that's what I do every day, & by sharing it I hope to inspire others to grow & share their own personal magic & authenticity as well.
What advice do you have for someone wanting to pursue being an artist?
Oh there's so many things I would say, for more on this I have lots of content about this on my instagram. Firstly, 'source your own magic' & develop a style that is uniquely yours. Work on believing that you can be successful as an artist, scrap the old paradigm of the starving/ broke artist & opinions that it's not a real career, it is. Push through the fear & self doubt. Don't give up & remember to keep growing, this path is nonlinear and there is no set way to be an artist, be patient with yourself & prioritize your craft. Don't be afraid to change your work, your art changes as you change & you are ever evolving.
Where did you grow up and where do you currently live?
It is important for me to acknowledge that I reside on Treaty 7 territory, ancestral Indigenous land. I grew up in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada & I'm currently dwelling near Calgary, Alberta, closer to the Rockies with my love & our big pup.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would you go?
Europe, to see my ancestral lands & just to experience everything, it's so lovely to dream about.
What your favorite act of self care?
My favorite act of self care is acknowledging exactly how I'm feeling, and acting upon how I feel. For instance, if I feel sad, I give myself extra love, I journal, dance, take baths, watch movies. If I feel happy & energized, I make plans with friends, take action on my dreams, exercise etc. I have worked hard for this process but it's truly the most important act of self care I can think of, prioritizing my mental health & wellbeing.
You can find Keah at @mindrealms or https://www.mindrealms.ca
]]>I am so excited to deep dive into one of my favorite humans that I am so luckily to have met on my path - Ciara Johnson. Her work is completely stunning, even before you realize she creates all of it without the use of a ruler or straight edge - aka Rulerless! You will find her work on our free pocket journals this month, as well as our order packaging and she even painted some unique mini canvases to include in your orders as well.
The interwoven line work really started in high school, I always found myself drawing these geometric shapes on the borders of all my homework. Then in my early twenties I created a few canvases that have since been lost to the past. But Rulerless really grew its roots when I was preparing for awake brain surgery in 2012. It was then that I became obsessed with creating my first two incredibly complicated dyptic canvases (shared right here below) and I haven’t stopped since.
I believe everyone has a talent, many talents. This talent has always lived within me, and throughout the last decade, with devotion and practice, the straight lines continue to improve. I like to think I’ve never given up on Rulerless, but the truth is, its never given up on me. This relationship continues to inspire me every day. I just can’t go the route of drawing with a straightedge, it takes away the entire meaning to me. I think when people see the work in person, they will understand the communication and relationship that really happens within.
Honestly, I’ve never met a medium that I didn’t love! I explore and create with every type of medium I can get my hands on. Acrylic, watercolor, oil mediums and charcoal tend to be my main focus. But I have so many canvases, and journals filled with poetry (poetry is my first true love), sketch books filled with soft shapes of the female form, large format canvases that dig deeper with color theory and their play on emotions, but I always find myself having this desire to keep digging deeper and find the best ways to marry Rulerless with each aspect. But I am not limited to just straight lines. Lately I find myself wanting to create more emotionally driven monochromatic watercolor portraits of woman, I find myself skewing and distorting images into a type of visual poetry, and I really want to try sculpting and ceramics.
With the exception of this last year, I was a full-time working single mother and only found time to create during the hours between 9pm and 2am, non stop, and this is not a joke, I was barely getting any sleep! I’d repeat almost every day, waking up at 6am to do it all again. Even on days “off” if I was painting and drawing, I managed to make it work even if he was crawling all over me, needing my attention. He’s taught me so much patience and to have fun with it, and if schedules allow us, I tried to include him.
Life with my sweet little has gotten so much easier with time, as he’s much more self sufficient now and truly sees and understands me as his mother and an artist, a creator. and We’ve grown together and have such a special, respectful relationship, he’s my anchor and it drives me to show him to never give up on something you truly believe in, no matter what twists and turns or distractions that life can throw at you. I actually ask for his opinions often because I know he will be brutally honest with me.
This year it’s been really nice carving out my creative hours (from 11ish to dinnertime) that match the natural sunlight that shines through the windows. Its a whole new feeling not having to rely on spotlights to keep me going in the wee hours of the night anymore. And I do my best to take the day with grace, if I don’t complete as much as I hoped to, I won’t beat myself up about it anymore.
I have the biggest wildest dreams I’m conjuring up right now for Rulerless! It will always be my creation, a part of me, but its transforming and growing to something so much more than that, and I want it to be something that outlives my own lifetime.
I see it more as a state of mind, a way of living better for yourself, not so much the tug and pull and distraction of society and comparisons, but really being the master of your destiny and true to yourself. In one word, its all the things that so many of us are aiming for: to be Rulerless. And I want it to become something that is relatable and empowering, and I’m aiming to create even stronger roots in sustainability, sourcing and care for the right communities.
A major focus of mine right now can also be limited to one easy word, textiles! Its been something I’ve thought about since the early stages of Rulerless, and I can’t wait to share more with you. Please stay tuned!
I wrote these two for myself years ago...
This month our featured Artist is super special, not only because her work is insanely gorgeous but because she is a real life friend! Cat Novak has been a supporter of Moon Body Soul since our inception 5 years ago! You may recognize her name and work from our first thank you cards :) Scroll down to learn more about the badass that is Cat Novak!
Since I could lift a pencil! I was fortunate enough to have teachers that encouraged scribbling.
I mostly work with watercolor & digital (Procreate on a tablet). I enjoy animating watercolors I've created the most and find that those animations receive the best response. Exploring the surreal is possible in any medium making it more interesting!
Thank you! Anyone who takes an original risk. Other creators. We have so many resources through social media, etc., I feel constantly inspired. It's impossible to start a list. My sisters inspire me to work hard and say "yes" to a challenge.
I ordered fabric samples, stay tuned! You'll be the first to know.
I am a full-time Brand Strategist and Creative Director. I specialize in branding (strategy, architecture, brand platforms, messaging and design) a clients passion or business: be it a product, service, existing business in need of a face-lift, themself, etc! Art is certainly not a hobby - it's an interest and part-time gig I get to when I find a commission (much like this one) feels right.
Take your work not yourself seriously, take nothing personally, practice religiously.
Evanston, IL (just north of Chicago!) and I currently live in New York City.
Hawaii. I'm vaxxed and have a bag packed.
My alarm clock.
See more of Cat's work on her website here and be sure to follow her Instagram @CatClaire
]]>I grew up in a small village in the Austrian Alps, but moved to Germany when I turned 18 and lived in Northern Germany and then Berlin for about 10 years. Since then I’ve pretty much been living everywhere and nowhere. I’ve been traveling around the globe the past years and don’t intend to settle down anytime soon.
I really fall for black - in any possible way. That’s just what I feel most comfortable with - just black and white. I love to keep it simple and I think that’s where this whole style comes from. Besides that women are my greatest source of inspiration. Their bodies, their minds, their strengths and weaknesses, their fears and wishes - their whole being. With my work I’m trying to reflect the complexity of the female mind and body in the most minimalist way. I used to do a lot of acrylic paintings before that tho.
For about 13 years now.
Yes, I also like to use watercolor and charcoal. Besides that I also used to do horror short films and hope that I’ll be able to do a feature film at some point.
No, I’m currently working as a creative director. Before that I used to work as a copywriter in advertising and also as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator.
Just do it. You really have to just do whatever you enjoy. You don’t necessarily need to study any of it - learning by doing was always what brought me the best results. And don’t ever get intimidated by bad comments - you won’t be liked by everyone and neither will your art, don’t let it get you down.
Anywhere in Asia. That’s my absolute favorite continent by far and every country I’ve visited so far was just stunning - the culture, the landscape, the people, the food - I adore all of it.
Coffee.
A good workout, meditation, listening to music and/or reading a book.
You can find more of her work on instagram here @ellehell and shop her designs here.
]]>...to the moon means motivation, alignment and higher consciousness for me.
I was born and raise in Montserrat.. a Caribbean island.
My mom decided to leave Montserrat to NYC because she knew I needed a much bigger county to use as my canvas
I am a full time artist. If I’m not painting I’m building sets for music videos and tv shows, fashion shoots and Pop Ups.
My favorite colab was with Beyoncé “ Black is King” because working on that project tested my my ability to create something super fast.
The coolest place my art took me is into people i never met hearts. Being able to connect with people i never meet with my art is the greatest feeling.
I feel like inspiration comes to me without me looking for it. Usually my ideas comes while I’m meditating or in my dreams.
Advice I have for anyone pursing art is to just do it. Try to do it everyday even if u just thinking of it. Once it’s constantly in your thoughts ,it will be on that canvas at some point and by that time u will notice your full alignment with it and you just have to keep at it.
Anywhere in the universe .. first place is the Moon. On earth I would like to go to Tibet.. for 2 months on a meditation retreat. Do some mandalas with some monks.
Right now my favorite self care practices are meditation, Yoga, listening to 432, 973 Hz ,yoga and lots of Abraham Hicks.
To see more of his work + shop his art:
]]>This month Annabel Emery aka Hous of Halcyon took over our packaging with her insanely beautiful artwork. I am so inspired by her simplistic designs + would love to share more of her story. While I hope one day I can sit down and podcast interview her in person, she is currently based in New Zealand. Read below to learn more about her and her work!
I grew up in Staffordshire, England and after 6 months of travelling some of Asia and Australia, I moved to Queenstown New Zealand. I have so many crazy travel stories to share - and it certainly wasn't the idyllic journey that you see on instagram! I have a blog on my website where you can read about some of my antics: www.housofhalcyon.com
Ever since I could hold a crayon! I've always been into art but it was only in the last 2 years that I began experimenting with art as a business and getting paid to create! Which has been incredible to feel valued for something I enjoy so much.
I WISH! One day my friend. I also work as a stylist and buyer for a preloved designer fashion boutique @thewalkinwardrobeqt
The world, it's people and their stories. Also in some of the trippy dreams that I have...
Oooh tough question - it can be anything from an hour to 8 hours. I don't ever sit down to create and finish it in one go. Sometimes I lose my 'mojo' and have to come back to it another day with fresh eyes. Some pieces I began drawing over a year ago and have never gone back to them! Saving it for a rainy day ;)
I love photography and this year I branched out and began collaborating with local photographers, hoping to gain some experience and learn more about the industry. I'm really into film and music, anything visual such as the theatre, dance and of course, fashion. I studied Fashion business at university and since then I've always had jobs circulating the fashion industry - though I am now heavily focused on sustainability.
Experiment until you find your niche. Mimic other artists and styles until you can fly on your own. My style at the moment is a fusion of many artists that I admire and as I've experimented with different styles, colors and mediums I've begun to develop a more unique style of my own. Secondly, UTILIZE SOCIAL MEDIA. Without instagram I would have no business - be smart and use the tools that you can operate for free in order to grow your audience.
I would love to see my family back in the UK, I miss them so much. But I am extremely lucky and happy to be where I am in New Zealand! Though once the borders open I am itching to get traveling again! Japan, South Africa, Thailand, Canada, Hawaii... Like Pocahontas, I'll go wherever the wind takes me.
Singing in the shower. How can you feel anything less than Beyonce when your body is lathered in soap and you're having a naked karaoke sesh?
What do you want to accomplish during this sequence?
The cosmos is pulling you towards new paths to move forward towards a different life. The Cardinal energy of this Moon is heavily laced with the theme of planting seeds in preparation for the year. You will need to put in the work to reap your rewards, but if you do the bounty will be plentiful. Setting intentions with the Sea Goat’s purpose of power will lead to amazing results by summertime when the Moon is then full in the same sign. (6 months from now!)
With this fresh beginning, there is optimism, capability, and prospect. With diligent Capricorn commencing this new year, you can make anything happen with equal parts discipline and hard work. The New Moon provides us a blueprint to the plan, so setting intentions and manifestations now is crucial. Where do you want to go? How do you define success? Where do you want to grow? It is in the darkness of a New Moon where you can let go and dive deeper within yourself to find it is what you truly want.
Capricorn’s power is wise and wielding, and if channeled correctly, can be used to pull wisdom from within to become empowered. Capricorn energy is omnipotent boss energy. It wants to teach, transform, and structure everything it touches. Structure can feel stifling to empaths, but it is necessary to ward the negative elements that deviate us from success. Under this black Moon you will find discipline, focus, selectivity, and patience to figure out what it is to focus on in the upcoming months.
2020 showed us that things can change in an instance, leaving us shaken, anxious, and questioning. We saw the power of Cardinal signs at their worst, but through it all we have come out wiser and carrying new lessons in our bag of tools. Now, the petty matters that used to rule our lives have fallen to the wayside leaving us with what matters most. The transformation of 2020 has gifted us with new perspective on how precious life is. Our reality has become completely reshaped, renewed, and refocused.
This New Moon is not asking you to look backwards, it is pushing you straight ahead. You are stronger and more focused now than ever before. You now know your weaknesses because you know what you are not. You now know your strengths because you know what you are. If you have felt directionless, this Moon’s medicine is exactly what the cosmos doctor ordered. Every New Moon is always in the same Zodiac sign as the Sun, and because the Sun rules self and the Moon rules emotions, this means that you will feel an incredible alignment between these two areas of your life. This New Moon in Capricorn will be specifically aligning your sense of purpose to lead you down your path of destiny which was always meant for you. Venus also joins the luminaries in Capricorn to form a beautiful trine to Mars in Taurus. The red planet of action and passion will give you the spark you need to ignite the flame, and the planet of love blesses the process with devotion and grace. The universe is encouraging you on to take those first steps. Look into the dark and open yourself up to the hope of what is yet to come.
Desiree Roby Antila of Simply Sun Signs is a self-taught astrologer who specializes in sun signs and all astrological relationships. She can be found online at simplysunsigns.com or on IG: @simplysunsigns
]]>
Today is one of the most important astrological events of the year – the New Moon and Total Solar Eclipse. New Moons signal new beginnings, but this lunation is unique because it comes with a Total Solar Eclipse at 23° Sagittarius at around 11 a.m. EST. This transit is ushering in big changes for our future. Sagittarius is the eternal seeker and student of the zodiac. Therefore, this New Moon will be asking us what we have learned and how we can apply that knowledge to become a higher version of ourselves. It is time to listen to what the universe is telling you.
The solar eclipse will be conjunct Mercury and the South Node, trine Mars, and square Neptune. Mercury will be delivering us a piece of information that we have been waiting for, and because it is conjunct the South Node, the information received will be about something that is existing – an evolving event. The trine with Mars in Aries will amplify the fiery element of this lunation making it an emotional roller coaster. This will make you want to take action, but is not the time to act but a time to reflect.
The square this solar eclipse forms with Neptune carries a mysterious cloudy energy. Things may not be how they appear because we are not getting the full story. We need to wait for the whole story to unfold, before making any assumptions. Take things easy and approach every situation from all angles to be on the safe side. Our judgment is hazy right now, so turn your energy inward rather than out. This Moon will dawn something fresh while easing your mind by giving you the resolution you have been waiting for. It is time to turn a page and start a new chapter.
Jupiter, the ruler of this lunation, is sextile Venus in Scorpio bringing us all luck. This is just days before Jupiter will be leaving Capricorn giving us his powerful finale can not only end up benefiting us, but also offers us a glimpse at what 2021 has in store. Once we get through the clouded confusion, we will realize that this transit’s powerful energy is moving us towards what is to come.
A total solar eclipse is what happens when the New Moon passes directly between the sun and the Earth, blocking out the sun's light completely leaving us in the dark. The energy of this eclipse will be expansive and stimulating, and we will be pulled to try something new to move away from the past. In astrology, a solar eclipse can be something of a turning point — decisions made at this point can have long lasting implications in the future. Something is coming to an end to make room for something new to emerge. This transit speaks to the possibility of a goodbye and even a loss.
Collectively we are saying goodbye to 2020, a year during which we experienced loss of a job, a loved one, a sense of security, loss of our old normal. This period may bring up some emotions around those specific costs, so take this week to practice some extra self-care and make sure you are allowing yourself the space to process the past several months. While we may be ready for a new beginning, we cannot really move forward without reflecting on the past year, which is a difficult process. Give yourself grace.
Eclipses act as a vortex, moving things that are bound to happen at an accelerated rate. Suddenly you will just know it is time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.
Desiree Roby Antila of Simply Sun Signs is a self-taught astrologer who specializes in sun signs and all astrological relationships. She can be found online at simplysunsigns.com or on IG: @simplysunsigns
]]>Side note: I may say many stones are my favorites, but at the time of writing this, I have 10 pounds of Rose Quartz surrounding my bath tub at home. So Rose Quartz is really up there + we always try to keep it in stock in our online crystal shop.
Before we get into the metaphysical meanings and many uses for Rose Quartz, let's back up and break down the properties + how & where it grows.
Rose Quartz is a member of the Quartz family, which is the second most abundant mineral in the earth's crust (behind only Feldspar). Quartz are relatively hard stones composed of silicon and oxygen, and expressed in many varieties through different inclusions.
Rose Quartz, which ranges from pale pink to deep reddish pink, gets its color from small inclusions of Titanium, Iron and Manganese. It usually grows in masses or veins, and rarely in perfect prismatic crystal formations with terminations. Rose Quartz is found all over the world, with the most abundance and quality mined in Brazil, Madagascar, and South Dakota.
Rose Quartz is noted as one of the most important heart healing stones of all time. Physiologically, it is believed to improve circulation, which can help strengthen a weak or irregular heart, and even boost kidney and adrenal function. Rose Quartz also has cooling properties, and is used to calm sunburns, rashes and bug bites.
There is evidence of Rose Quartz having been worn as a talisman in Mesopotamia as early as 8,000 BC. The Egyptians even left rose Quartz facial masks in their tombs as it was used to maintain youthful beauty and glowing skin. In Tibet and China, Rose Quartz was widely used in carvings, and early American cultures wore it to balance emotions.
Rose Quartz is a motherly, nurturing stone, and it is said that meditating with it can create an envelope of love that extends through one's self to all beings, the planet and the Universe.
Rose Quartz is believed to dissolve boundaries of isolation and promote a sense of unity, likeness and compassion. Thought to help clear and purify the emotional body, open the heart chakra to promote deep healing and inner peace, and create a lighter, higher frequency in the area it inhabits.
Rose Quartz is potent earth medicine, and it's a more affordable stone, so there really is no such thing as overdoing it with this one.
Many energy workers recommended incorporating it in every room in your home to create a cocoon of radiant loving energy. Start with a few big chunks as centerpieces for end tables, and decorate around them with other meaningful items.
I personally have experience using this stone to help with a burn! It is said to help take heat out of the skin, and I saw how it worked first hand when I burned my belly with boiling water. (Don't ask, all I'll say is do not cook pasta in a crop top!). I used a Rose Quartz sphere for this, placed it on my belly with lavender oil and witnessed the Rose Quartz take the heat from my belly & minimize my burn.
Bring Rose Quartz into your bedroom and let it be a symbol of intimacy, or line your bathtub and set the intention of loving and nurturing yourself more.
Wear Rose Quartz as jewelry, preferably around the heart as a pendant or necklace.
And keep a few small stones handy and gift them as a symbol of friendship or love.
Try it in your skincare routine with a rose facial roller.
And of course bring it into your meditation practice whenever you need the reminder that your true essence is love.
We have some Jelly Rose Quartz Palm Stones available here , and Raw Rose Quartz available here. Let us know if you're looking for other varieties of this gorgeous mineral!
]]>As more people are awakening to the harmful effects of dyes and synthetics in personal care products, the need to understand the word "natural" is more important than ever. Specifically, I want to address the word natural being associated with neon colored bath bombs, soaps, make ups, etc.
When I first started creating bath products, I spent countless hours researching the various ways to add color, and it was so overwhelming I decided to stay away from it completely. I didn't want to ruin the purity of the product, obviously, and my main goal was to make sure that every ingredient has a tangible benefit to the bather's body.
One of the things I learned through my research: there's no such thing as "natural" when it comes to most cosmetic dyes, even the ones being sold as "natural".
In short, natural means of the Earth. A plant or mineral straight from the source, pure and untampered with. That means that anything that is chemically treated or manmade is by default, synthetic.
Not every plant is safe or helpful to humans, and not everything synthetic is toxic. But is important to label things objectively.
As you may recall from our post The Truth About "Safe Synthetics" there is very little regulation in the cosmetics industry when it comes to labeling and ingredient testing. There is nothing stopping companies from putting the words "natural"and "fresh"on the front of a package, and outright listing synthetic ingredients on the back.
For example- if you look at the leading "natural" bath bomb ingredient label, there’s about 25 different items listed. There's a few natural ingredients like cocoa butter and oils, and then you'll find things like Synthetic Fluorphlogopite (aka dyed Mica), Laureth 4, Propylene Glycol, and potential toxic food dyes such as Red 28, Blue 1, and Yellow 5 - these can also be disguised as "batch certified colorants".
It's up to us as consumers to be diligent about what we choose to put on our bodies, and I feel it is my duty to share research and start a conversation about it.
In this post, we're diving into the world of natural vs synthetic coloring in bath products. Specifically, the ingredient Mica and how it is being mislabeled as natural.
Mica is a silicate mineral found in granite, crystals, and other rocks. It is naturally occurring and when found in its natural form, it is a range of earth colors mostly off-white, silver or gold(ish) in color. The composition of Mica allows it to be ground down into a fine powder-like dust, making it versatile and mutable. Mica has many uses including extending and brightening the pigmentation of car paint, thermal insulation in the electrical industry, filler in plastics, rubber and cement, and adding a shimmery effect to cosmetics and beauty products.
So... what’s the problem? Why are we talking about it and why are we adamant about never using Mica in our products?
Almost every single brightly colored bath bomb on the market that advertises being natural has Mica listed as the colorant. I wanted to know exactly what it was before I blindly put it in a bath product. I learned right away that there are two types of Mica, naturally mined Mica vs synthetically made Mica.
In both cases, I found that the main health concern for Mica exposure is pneumoconiosis, or disease of the lungs caused by inhalation of dust, and characterized by coughing, inflammation, and fibrosis. The most at risk for this are of course the miners onsite digging the mineral out of the depths of the earth, and the laborers on the factory line dropping Mica into mass produced products for 8 hours a day. Since Mica is ground into a nanoparticle, its composition allows it to penetrate through layers of skin and even seep into the lungs.
Currently, the FDA does not have legal means to require testing for the amount of Mica we can “safely” be in contact with. So when it comes to answering the question “is Mica safe for skin?” I believe the answer is - we don’t know.
It is important to remember that just because something is natural, does not necessarily mean it is safe. Plenty of toxins are “natural” and we would never dream of putting them on our skin.
When using a natural mineral like Mica, one big concern is the presence of other minerals like lead, arsenic & mercury. These can be very dangerous and many companies opt for synthetic Mica to avoid the presence of unwanted minerals.
Upon further investigation into the craze of Mica in our self care products, I was horrified to learn of the reality of the natural Mica mining industry. By far, the largest deposits of Mica in the world are in India, and specifically in the remote, impoverished states of Jharkand and Bihar in the northeastern part of the country. This region has been dubbed the “Mica belt”, and accounts for roughly 25 percent of all Mica sourced in the world.
Unfortunately, the Mica mining industry in these areas are supported by illegal child labor and the working conditions are dangerous and even fatal. Children as young as 5 are put to work deep into the crevices of the earth, hammering at unstable rock and exposing themselves to poisonous scorpions and snakes. In 2016, the death of seven children in two months caused investigation into the supply chain of Mica in the “Mica belt”. For the past 2 years, efforts have been made to legalize Mica mines to improve and regulate working conditions and mitigate child labor concerns. Enforcement of regulations are slow moving at best, and with the number of children born undocumented in northeastern India every year, we will likely never have an accurate account of what the Mica mining supply chain looks like there.
In order to avoid other dangerous trace minerals & in response to the children and communities being exploited so we can achieve a nice even shimmer, many cosmetic and personal care companies have started using Fluorphlogopite, or synthetic fluorine substituted Mica. Synthetic Mica is composed of magnesium aluminium silicate sheets (which weighs down the mineral in its natural form); then weakly bound together by potassium and produced at extremely high temperatures (1100°).
For both natural & synthetic Mica, we still have not discussed how it is being colored. This may be the most shocking part of all of my research. What if I told you that the same dyes you have been trying to avoid (Yellow 10, Blue 1, Red 28 etc.) are the exact same dyes in the bath bombs you've been soaking in, but you thought it was natural Mica? Unfortunately, this is most likely the case.
Mica is dyed to produce bright, sought after colors. As we mentioned before, its natural color ranges in earthy shades of silver, gold, even gray, brown, green, rose, and white. To produce all of the colors you see on the market, Mica is dyed with either Ultramarines, Iron Oxides or Dyes. Therefore, there are no colored Micas on the market that are 100% natural.
1. Ultramarines boast beautiful deep blue colors, originally made by grinding Lapis Lazuli. These types of dyes can NEVER be used in bath bombs, or any other product containing citric acid, as it will create a reaction producing horrid smelling sulfur.
2. Iron Oxides may be deemed safe for cosmetic use, but they are only safe for external use. Many are not safe for lips or eyes. Because the nature of a bath bomb & soaking your entire body in it, these are generally deemed not safe for use in bath bombs by the FDA.
3. FD&C Dyes aka Food coloring... usually called Yellow 10, Blue 1, Red 40, etc. These dyes are derived from petroleum, like crude oil or coal, and are banned in many countries due to their potential link to cancer and contamination with toxic substances. There is a lot of concern around these dyes, but the one thing we can agree on, many are interfering with childhood development & linked to hyperactivity. And many can agree more research needs to be done.
Information on FDA regulations and dyes can be found here and here. You may see why I was so confused to start. The research on the safety of synthetic dyes is controversial at best, with no hard evidence either direction. I haven't even mentioned the fact that when these dyes are used another chemical ingredient needs to be added - Polysorbate. The biggest concerns with polysorbates are the potential presence of carcinogens including ethylene oxide and 1,4 dioxane.
So here's my take on it:
These dyes are created and used with the sole intention of adding vibrant color. They offer no benefit, and even after decades of testing we still have no idea just how bad they are for human consumption. You are also putting all of the trust in the company producing the product to research and know all of regulations for the colors they use, and as we mentioned before, there is little to no accountability in enforcing these regulations. Lastly, when it comes to testing if these colors are safe, all of that testing is on animals. Just because the final product you buy wasn't tested on animals doesn't mean that each ingredient wasn't.
Simply put, I believe plants are the best, natural way to color food and cosmetics. Nature provides in abundance all that we need to thrive, and it's a beautifully colorful place if we are willing to spend the time and energy to source our life from it.
The brilliant blue in our Blue Moon Ball & Dust is derived from organic Spirulina, a cyanobacteria filled with phytonutrients & carotenoids, which is said to help fight free radicals & help repair skin by increasing the creation of new skin cells.
The green hue in our High Moon Ball is from organic Matcha tea, which offers an uplifting and energizing effect to balance the cannabis essential oil. It is made by grinding the entire tea leaf & is filled with antioxidants like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is helpful in reducing inflammation and improves skin elasticity.
Less is more when it comes to anything you're putting on your body. Every ingredient should serve a clear health purpose. It may seem confusing with so many products & ingredients being marketed as natural. Begin where you are, examine what you are using without judgment and start to make better, more informed choices for your own body.
]]>What you will need:
a white pillar candle
sharpies or markers
tissue paper
wax paper
heat gun or blow dryer
tape
scissors
Decide your intention & design
This may be the most important step in the process. Sit with yourself in meditation or grab your journal if free writing is your thing. Ask yourself, is there something you are trying to cultivate right now? Is there a limiting belief you want to break free from? Is there something you are trying to embody? Maybe it's a mantra you are currently using or another phrase that touches your heart. Decide what words or design you would like for the candle, there really are no rules here, just some suggestions!
Draw it out on tissue paper & cut
Use the sharpies or markers to write out your intention or design on the tissue paper. Once you have it, cut it out as close to the edges as you can, if you are wanting to use multiple words or symbols, cut them out separately to have as little white space of the tissue paper as possible.
Place your design on the candle
Once you have your design resting on the candle, wrap wax paper around it and add a piece of tape to hold it tight. I suggest starting small with a tiny symbol or word to test it!
Apply heat
Watch your design through the wax paper as you apply heat with a heat gun, you will notice it begins to look darker in color or as if its stuck to the wax paper. This is a subtle thing, but the moment you notice it turn off the heat.
If you have access to a heat gun I suggest using it over a blow dryer, as I found the blow dryer did not get as hot as I would have liked. But do know, if you over heat the candle, it will have a little texture or melted wax on the sides - so patience is key. :) Below you can see on the sides I heated it up a little too much.
Reveal your design!
Slowly peel away the wax paper and voilà - you have an intention candle!
Not only are these great for placing on your altar and using as a ritual, they can also make great gifts for your loved ones this holiday season.
I hope you enjoyed this project! Please do share with me your candle if you create one.
]]>Below is a little more info about our conversation + some important resources / links that expand on what we discussed!
What is a death doula?
In Anita's words -
An End-of-Life Doula (also Death Doula, Death Midwife) is a non-medical professional typically trained to provide a holistic, hands-on approach to the fundamentally natural process of dying, to care for a terminally ill person’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs during the death process.
The work of a death doula is primarily about presence, comfort and advocacy for the person dying in their final transition and release from their physical body. One of the most important things that a Death Doula does is to actively engage the dying individual during the entire process. Doulas often ask a lot of who, what, how, and where questions. Who do you want at your bedside as you are dying? What music would you like to hear? What type of bed would you like to be in, hospital or your own? Where would you like the bed? Do you want the window open? Do you want people to take their shoes off before entering? Doulas ask a lot of questions but more importantly they listen to what the dying want and need and do whatever they can to fulfill their requests.
You can find more info on Anita's website - https://guidedbyflowers.com/
Find her on Instagram: @guidedbyflowers
**If you are in the Los Angeles area please consider donating any left over flowers from events, weddings, etc. to Guided by Flowers! Contact Anita by emailing anita@guidedbyflowers.com
Here are some of the mentioned resources with links :
Book recommendation - Caring For The Dying, A Doula's Approach To A Meaningful Death
Tibetan Book of The Dead - Documentary on YouTube
Jill Schock
Death Doula LA- Death planning services, Death Doula education events
Instagram: @deathdoulala
Emily Cross
Steady Waves EOL- Living Funeral Ceremonies
Instagram: @steady_waves_eol
Barbara Karnes
End of Life Education Materials for Families & Professionals
National Home Funeral Alliance (NHFA)
https://www.homefuneralalliance.org/
Undertaking LA – Funeral Home & Cremations
]]>
Selenite is a variety of crystallized gypsum that forms as an evaporate in clay beds, salt flats, hot springs and caves. It is found on every continent, with rich deposits in Morocco, Australia, Greece, the United States (you can even mine Hourglass Selenite in Oklahoma!), and most notably the Naica Mine's Cave in Chihuahua, Mexico.
It is often grouped together with other gypsum varieties such as desert rose, gypsum flower, satin spar, and alabaster; but Selenite is recognizable by the tabular or columnar shape it typically grows in and striations running the length of the crystal.
This crystal structure is known as Monoclinic - meaning it forms a rectangular prism with a parallelogram shape as its base.
Selenite is generally white, gray, colorless, or even presents as iridescent shades of blue and green sometimes. It is a soft stone (2 on Mohs hardness scale), and one that should be treated with extreme care near other crystals, water and sharp objects. Learn more about caring for crystals and minerals here.
It is said that the ancient Greeks used Selenite minerals as windows to amplify the moonlight so they could see more clearly, which are still common uses for Selenite today.
Selenite is thought to offer protection of one's aura, energy and environment, and to cleanse blockages in meditation, aiding to lift one's awareness to higher planes of inner experience.
Selenite is known as an energy amplifier, and is commonly used to magnify the energy of other crystals, either in a grid or as a charging plate.
Selenite is often seen in a wand shape, and is one of the most popular crystals used by healers to activate the third eye and crown chakras.
Incorporate Selenite wands and palm stones in a crystal grid, bring a chunk into your favorite room to add a natural "moon glow" to the space, line your shared walls / windows of your home to add a layer of energetic protection. (We always enclose our New Moon Circle with large selenite rods!)
"A Selenite wand pointed at the third eye sends energy that can feel like a gust of wind going through the forehead and out the top of the head." - Robert Simmons, The Book Of Stones
Check out our current Selenite stock:
Selenite Circle Charging Plate
Below my mama has given us a list of her favorite Moon Body Soul products with a little bit of insight on why they made the list. You will also find that all of these products are on SALE for the holiday - So grab one for yourself or a mama on your list.
In no particular order I give you my mom's favorite Moon Body Soul products...
"This scrub is so beautiful! Each jar is topped with its very own rosebud on top (and small petals throughout). It's a lovely gift to treat yourself"
"This is my go to bath when I want to RELAX. I usually listen to a meditation on Insight Timer app and let the HMB do its magic"
"Not only does it smell great, it has helped the pain I had due to a frozen shoulder. I'll never be with out it!"
"This scrub is Luscious smelling & my skin is incredibly soft after using it. Particularly good for after having spent too much time in the sun, helps my skin to not peel"
The Blue Moon Ball & Blue Moon Dust
"I love the color of the water when using the Blue Moon Ball or Dust, it looks like the ocean."
There you have it - my mom + her favorite things. Stay tuned for a special Mother's Day podcast featuring this lovely woman + more jewelry coming to the site soon. In the meantime go check out her page @for.the.love.of.violet + her beautiful handmade gemstone malas.
Thank you so much, Mom - I Love You!
*Not mentioned but also on special - the Mama Moon Gift Set.
Xo,Kaitee
]]>What is your relationship to your self like?
Honestly, do you like the way you treat & talk to yourself on a daily basis?
Do you give yourself enough time to understand your own needs & wants?
Do you trust your own opinion & instinct of what you should do to move forward in situations?
Do you know how to comfort & soothe yourself when the world feels heavy & you’ve had a hard day?
Do you know what triggers you & what emotions or story lines may be on repeat in the back of your mind?
Have you ever had a sit down conversation with yourself to understand the ways in which you are falling short caring & supporting this very special person?
It seems we have no problem pouring our energy into other people's lives and ideas... our partner, friends, family, coworkers, community, children, our business. We learn what upsets the people we're closest to and how we can best offer our support. We memorize how to make others smile, and we spend time nurturing relationships and working hard to get ahead.
Why do we lose our touch then when it comes to our relationship with ourselves? Any gap of free time that could be spent on an expedition inward we fill by accepting invitations to activities we're indifferent to and now with the invention of social media we spend hours mindlessly watching other people live, scrolling through curated photos & videos.
There is no doubt that the relationship with ourself is the longest & most important relationship we will ever have. It is also the foundation from which every other relationship is formed. The way you view & understand yourself is how you show up for others. The best way to improve EVERY relationship with another is to make sure you feel 100% secure & happy with your deepest self. This is truly a great responsibility that most people do not understand.
Being in a solid relationship with yourself will relieve the pressure in all of your relationships to others - there is no need for anyone else to fulfill or fix something within you. Instead you can show up fully and present, ready to extend your entire awareness & heart to another, while feeling secure & supported within yourself. You can make your decisions & actions from a place of clarity, fullness & knowing, instead of falling into the same unsupportive patterns or repeatedly seeking outside validation or advice.
Step 1: Forgive
The best part about mending & caring for our relationship with ourself is that it isn’t going anywhere. You can start any time & the best time is right now. Step one, forgive yourself for not doing this work sooner. Forgive yourself for not listening to your body & soul when they tried to speak up in the past. Forgive yourself for putting your wellbeing or happiness in the hands of anyone outside of yourself. Forgive yourself for looking for validation & answers in every other place than right within your own being. Forgive yourself. Forgive yourself. Forgive yourself again and again. As you continue to do this work there will be times where you will mess up, you won't consult yourself, you won’t listen to yourself, you won’t do whats best for yourself. Forgive yourself, again.
There are many ways to practice forgiveness, but one of the most powerful ways in which I have learned to forgive (not only myself, but also others) is to repeat the Hawaiian forgiveness prayer Ho’oponopono. It is a simple practice of repeating the following prayer: I love you, I am sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you.
Say these 4 simple phrases to yourself repeatedly until you feel a shift in your body. Allow it to move & change your energy, allow it to bring up what needs to be brought up.
Step 2: Commit
Just like every relationship, there are ways in which you can understand yourself better; by having conversations, asking questions and spending quality time with yourself. You can practice self inquiry at any moment by pausing and asking yourself what you think about a situation. Sometimes this process is easier by putting pen to paper & free writing, other times meditation & silence helps. My best conversations with myself really do come from the bathtub or shower.
This is a personal practice, so practice all the ways in which you can talk to yourself, see what you like best and try to come back to it day in and day out. Allow it to be a time where you can be honest with yourself about what you truly desire, what you need to feel full, supported, listened to & held.
Step 3: Support
At the beginning of this article you were asked - Do you know how to comfort & soothe yourself when the world feels heavy & you’ve had a hard day? This is a very important question because things are going to come up in your life that appear to push you down or knock you off your balance. When you are in that place it may be hard to understand what truly comforts you; instead you may reach for something that isn’t in your best interest, provides you with a sense of guilt once its over, or feeds a bad habit. (i.e. drugs, alcohol, meaningless sex, binge eating, over spending, over exercising etc.) Establishing some ways in which you can truly care for yourself now will help you to make an easy & more supportive decision in the future. It may help to even save a personal list to your phone that you can reference and come back to when you feel lost.
11 Possible Ways To Care For Yourself + Self-Soothe
Below are 11 ideas that you can pull from to help you better connect, understand, soothe & comfort yourself. Notice which ones jump out to you & make a commitment to yourself to try new ones out!
Do understand that everyone is so different, what is suggested to support one person, may be feeding another person's bad habit. Ask yourself if it would be a supportive activity.
1. Observe Silence. Never underestimate the power of a 5-minute timeout to recenter and recalibrate. When we are constantly moving throughout our days, we are essentially bathing in other people's energy. Taking 5 minutes to simply shake off all emotions, thoughts, fears and other energy that does not belong to us is one of the best ways to keep our well-being at the forefront of our mind.
2. Exercise. Emotion = energy in motion. And when we're upset, excited, angry, anxious... energy needs to MOVE. Go on a walk, practice yoga, dance, jump up and down, take a hardcore kickboxing class. Learn how to observe what is present inside you and how you can move and shift it rather allowing it to take up residence in your body.
3. Take A Bath Or Shower. We've all experienced a life-changing bathing moment, where we come out a different and much more clear, healthy version of ourselves. A hot bath or shower is shown to calm anxiety by increasing oxytocin levels and helping to rid the body of toxins and foreign substance. Next time you are bathing, pay attention to each part of your body as you wash it, and express gratitude for its health. Or simply practice deep breathing, notice how your body floats as you inhale & sinks as you exhale. Letting go more with each breath out.
4. Connect With Nature. Put your feet in the dirt or sand, climb a tree, go on a hike, anything in the great outdoors. This may seem simple, but sometimes the simplest option is the best one. Go home to your Mother!
5. Practice Mantra. We talk to ourselves a lot. Like, all day every day for our entire lives. Notice what you say to yourself. Are you nice? What kind of labels and limitations have you subconsciously placed on yourself over the years? Are you open to rewiring your subconscious mind so that its self-perpetuating habits are more positive? Create a simple mantra that will keep you on track and repeat it to yourself whenever external forces try to take your peace.
6. Cook For Yourself. Taking the time to cook a meal for yourself is one of the deepest acts of self love in my book. It might feel weird at first, but preparing nourishing food to sustain your life force energy is a big sign to your body and mind that "I see you, and I hear what you need, and I'm taking care of you."
7. Journal. Every evening take 5 minutes to download anything about your day. Think of it as taking out the trash. Process whatever rubbed you the wrong way and express gratitude for the experiences and people who brought you joy. As you continue this practice you will automatically begin to see and understand your triggers and habits with much more clarity.
8. Open Your Mind To New Ideas. Get lost in a book, hit play on a podcast or recorded talk by someone you admire. It doesn't even have to be self help related, anything that can put your mind at ease & open it up to think about something else.
9. Go On A Solo Trip. The best way to get to know yourself is on a solo trip. Even if its just a road trip to a nearby town. Watch how you connect with strangers and make your way through another culture, and you will feel more connected and confident in yourself than ever before.
10. Receive Body Work. True healers know how to receive. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Take time to allow others to care for you, in whatever way you need. Massage, acupuncture, sound healing. Invest in your well being!
11. Try Something New. Get up and take yourself out on a date. Change your surroundings. Go do something you've never done before. Go to a new cafe, hike a new trail, take a class that's way out of your comfort zone; find a way to break inertia and watch life force energy come surging in new ways.
If there are any activities or techniques we have left out above that help you connect back to yourself, please share them below!
]]>My most recent mining trip was to the Pala Chief Mine in Pala, California, just about a 45 minute drive outside of San Diego. I brought a whole Moon Body Squad & family with me. There were 7 of us and yes we had matching aprons, not just for looks but read more to know why they are so important to bring! We dug the mountainside in search of gems like Kunzite, Morganite, Tourmaline, Aquamarine, Garnet, Lepidolite and even some Crystal Quartz.
If you live in Southern California, the Pala Chief Mine is open to the public two Sundays per month. Here's everything you need to know before going!
The Pala Chief Mine costs $75 per person to dig for 4 hours from 9am to 1pm, with an 8 am arrival time. Reservations are required and they recommend to book 48 hours in advance / the earlier the better. Book your dig here.
The entry fee gives you access to many mine dumps, some dating back to the early 1900s, and deposit-rich sites on the mountainside.
The gem deposits in this area were first discovered in 1903 and it is home to some of the best quality Kunzite in the world. There's a variety of Tourmalines, Quartz, Aquamarine, Morganite, Feldspar, Garnet, Lepidolite and more.
This is considered a freestyle dig, which means you bring your own tools and dig your own way. We came armed with quite a bit of tools that we had from other digs that we didn't end up really using. I recommend bringing a hand shovel and hand rake, and something to pry with (we used screwdrivers).
We also found our 97 cent aprons handy for holding onto pieces we wanted to keep without having to get out of the hole or off the mountainside.
Gloves are recommended, however, they do take away from your ability to grip, so we suggest using garden gloves or kitchen gloves that have a nice gripping ability.
You can fill two 5-gallon buckets of leftover dump to take with you and sort through on your own too.
You are digging in a somewhat vast mountain area for tiny gemstones. While there are tons of colorful rocks and mineral-rich soil creating an awesome earthy environment, know that it's tough to uncover larger quality specimens here.
Our group went after a good rain, which was definitely helpful as it washes stones toward the surface and they stand out better in mud than dirt.
The host Steve provided a little direction in where to find Tourmaline, and they dug up a promising spot for us toward the end of the dig which was nice. If you need any help or have questions, just ask!
Jacobie, who helps me in the kitchen making our products, must have the grounding touch when it comes to working with her hands because she had the best finds of the day, scoring a super large rare Morganite with tourmaline inclusions.
My sister also found quite a variety of stones! This is her loot after giving them a nice rinse.
Overall, know that you will need to be patient in searching, don't be afraid to ask for help in what you're looking to mine, and I encourage you to go for the experience and with non-attachment to what you want to find.
We found one of the best ways to find great pieces was to simply walk the area looking for something sparkly to catch your eye on the surface. Again, we had the help of a good rain. But be mindful that there is a lot of Mica in the area, so sometime it tricks you & you end up picking up just tiny little flecks of foil like mica.
I overheard someone say "it's like fishing, you can be in the right conditions but some days there's just nothing biting".
]]>Have you ever caught yourself staring up at the clear night sky, lost in the constellations of stars and the wonder of Mama Moon and thought "what's beyond me?"
Orbiting Earth, the Moon acts as our planet's natural satellite; and just as it affects the tides of the ocean, so too does it govern human emotions. It takes 29.5 days to complete one full cycle, almost the same as our calendar month.
Getting attuned to the Moon is like creating a personal road map to control and optimize energy (yes, your actual energy- like what you use to get all of your shit done!)
Everything around us, from people and lifestyle choices to subtleties in nature, have an effect on the sensations within us; and the Moon, Sun, stars and planets are no different. Many ancient civilizations observed the activity of the night sky and created sophisticated tracking systems to better understand its cycles and effects on human behavior. From this, we have the fields of astronomy and astrology, as well as the 365 day calendar.
Since the dawn of time, women have had a profound connection to the Moon, as Her phases offered insight into one's personal cycle. As such, it is said that the Moon represents the divine feminine, and just as she has Her phases, it is in a woman's nature to experience emotional fluctuations with the cosmos.
The natural time of menstruation is in correlation with the New Moon, and before the advent of birth control, virtually all women menstruated together. The New Moon was considered a sacred time that lifted the veil between the conscious and subconscious and enhanced a woman's spiritual powers and access to intuition.
The New Moon is the symbol of new beginnings. It is a time to retreat inward, rest and avoid intense activity. It is a time to embrace being alone, soak in one's own energy to reset and recalibrate. This is a time when we are unable to see it in our sky, but don't worry, she's still up there, just traveling with the Sun.
The Waxing Moon begins to illuminate the sky and we are called to take action on our goals and ambitions that have stemmed from the quiet and clarity of the New Moon. As the Moon becomes more full, we are invited to refine and dwell in the details.
The Full Moon occurs when the Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of the Earth. They are also in opposite constellations, which can cause friction and tension. If you've ever heard or felt emotions running high during a Full Moon, this is the short explanation of why. In nature, conflicting energy results in the creation of something new. I like to use this time to revisit & refine my intentions, as well as connect with others in social settings, as this time of the month supports it energetically.
The Waning Moon represents clarity arising from the tension of the Full Moon. Energetically, we feel called to celebrate our hard work with those closest to us. Themes of gratitude and abundance are present.
The Dark Moon we begin the journey inward, as she reaches a thin waning crescent, until we meet in the silence of the New Moon once again. This has been said to be a great time to work with dreams & sleep.
The best way to harness her power is to create rituals around Her phases. Make it a point to go outside and Moon gaze in each of Her phases and journal when She changes signs.
Allow yourself to stay in & care for yourself as She retreats & as She grows, extend your extra energy to your loved ones. (Read about our Full Moon bath ritual on our blog here.)
Use the New Moon or Full Moon to gather with other women to set intentions & celebrate each other. (Learn how to host your own New Moon Circle by reading our blog here.)
With consistency, we begin to develop sensitivity to subtle energy shifts, and can control and harness our energy based on the frequency around us.
Another way to harness Her energy is to observe one's own physical and emotional wellbeing in relation to the Moon's journey through the constellations. Just like the Sun changes zodiac signs every 31 days, the Moon spends just 2.5 days in each sign, & spends some time out of a sign (called Void of Course).
If you're thirsty for more knowledge, I suggest The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need for an easy to digest overview on each sign and their energetic flavorings, this website to get a copy of your free chart, or Time Passages app for a personalized download of your own chart and the positioning of the sky each day.
Of course the best way to track your journey with the Moon is with a beautiful calendar you will see every day. I am so excited to announce our 2019 Moon Phase Wall Calendar is finally available. Watch her in all phases as She waxes and wanes, and know when the astrological seasons shift with symbols denoting the day the Sun enters a new constellation, with a beautiful astrological key at the bottom.
A customer gave us an awesome idea, use a marker to fill in the days of your own cycle to track as it changes throughout the year.
We will also be using the Many Moons 2019 planner to keep our Lunar studies top of mind + Soul! (Modern Women, the maker, has sold out but it is currently available at some retailers listed at the bottom of the page.)
Do you have your own Moon Rituals that you practice or would you like any additional information on the info above? Please share & let us know in the comments!
**Featured image artist is unknown, please let us know if you know so we can credit!
]]>From Jessica's own about page - Wild Harvest Studio is the story of one woman's friendship with the Earth and all the beautiful creatures that share it. From Indigo plants to honey bees, all pieces are a celebration of the Earth's bounty and a dedication to honor all the intricate diversity within our ecosystem. Each piece is small batch, handmade and one of a kind, crafted amongst the trees on an organic farm in the Hudson Valley. I personally own several pieces & cherish each one. Usually you can see me wearing them to my New Moon circles as they are so sacred to me.
Shop her line here.
Similar to the Many Moons Workbooks, the author and editor, Sarah Faith Gottesdiener, is joined by a wonderfully diverse collective of experienced practitioners of various modalities. They have commissioned 13 different witches, Tarot readers, astrologers, and herbalists to write an exclusive piece on how to harness the energy of each Full Moon.
Each Full Moon comes with a custom spell, Tarot pull, ritual, or journaling exercise. The contributors are: Jessyka Winston of Haus of Hoodoo, Elise of La Mystica Tarot, Brandie of Magic Hour Astrology, Asali Earthwork, Dori Midnight, Rebekah Erev, Alejandra of Lioness Oracle, Lise Gomez of Sacred Knots, Paulette of Bad Mamma Jamma, Naimonu James, Rashunda Tremble of Stay Woke, Milla Prince of Fireweed and Nettle, and Alexis J. Cunningfolk.
I am so excited to work with my own copy all year! They are sold out on the Modern Women website, but you can still snag one from Other Wild here.
Bohindie Stream was founded by sweet Bri, who created this line wile she was still in college as she wanted to wear unique whimsical jewelry and wasn't having luck finding any handcrafted that were sourced ethically as well. she hand makes all of her pieces with unique designs, and several of them feature Moons. I am currently crushing on these Lunatic earrings with opals! Shop them here & follow Bohindie Stream on Instagram for daily photos of her gorgeous line.
Canadian based Katelyn Morse has been painting Moons since 2014. I first found her via Instagram a couple years ago and have been obsessed with her work ever since (& her cute little cats & plants she shares). Not only is she inspired by the Moon, but her work also includes gorgeous nature pieces like mountain scenes, plants & flowers.
Her hope is that her work will inspire your thoughts to become soft & remind you to connect with your beautiful, delicate Earth. Kate's Moon prints can be purchased on her Etsy store Birch Bliss here. She also sells original paintings via her website here and is available for custom orders as well.
Iowa City based artist, Allison Fretheim has been creating unique ceramic pieces for the past 6 years. Her passion is creating celestial & spiritual designs, and working directly with the Earth, transforming it into something tangible for someone to hold & use in their sacred space. Each piece is thrown with a low-fire cream earthenware, decorated with slip inlay or sgraffito on black slip, clear glazed and finished with gold accents.
I personally love this little moon dish for my palo santo. You can purchase her incredible pieces via her Etsy shop here (updated monthly) & find more info via her website here. She is also launching a new physical store in downtown Iowa City early next year called Heim, where she will have her work, handpicked crystals & more magical things!
You may recognize Claggie from past Moon Lovers Gift Guides where we featured her Moon paintings. She's back this year with all natural fragrances. Each roller includes carefully thought out blends of essential oils in fractionated coconut oil. These include: No 1. made with Cedar-wood, Vetiver, Vanilla & Black Pepper | No 2. made with Sandalwood, Rose, Palo Santo, Lemon & Sage (my personal favorite!) | No 3. made with Vetiver, Myrrh, Sage & Lavender. She also has beautiful tote bags with her original Full Moon art, postcards, prints & original paintings. You can find her work at pop up shops in LA or purchase via her website here.
This past year I met & became friends with Cin, of Lucin Candle Studios. She has created an incredible smelling set of Lunar candles, with formulated natural scents for both the Full & New Moon.
I absolutely love both of these blends as they help me ground down, & all of her candles are made with cotton wicks & coconut wax. You can find the set on her website here along with other amazing candles made with intention.
This is a complete dream gift for me. I have been following artist Havoc Hendricks on Instagram for many many Moons & became obsessed with his gigantic Moon paintings (we're talking like 4 ft!). I dream of hanging one over my bed one day. He says he is inspired by minimalism, both as a way of life & aesthetically. Check out his work here & his Instagram here.
Of course I have to wrap up this guide with our own Moon inspired creations! All of our products are handmade 100% natural. We suggest gifting a Bath in a Box gift set for the ultimate bathing experience, including our Moon Dust, Half Moon Konjac Sponge, Scrub sample set & natural unscented soy candles.
Our Sacred Smudge sets feature Palo Santo bundles from Peru, and they make the perfect little addition to any gift! It is also known as Holy Wood and has been used for centuries to remove negative energy, disinfect the air, relax the mind & body, and even helps to drive away mosquitos and insects. It also smells incredible & I love burning it during meditation. Palo Santo wood is 100% natural, no trees or forest are harmed to gather these fallen sticks. Each stick measures ~4 inches & your batch will include hand stamped Moon phases. You can also include an imitation eagle feather to help direct the smoke & fan the flame. Shop here.
Know exactly what Moon phase & astrology Sun sign we are in with our 2019 Lunar Calendar. Watch the phases as she waxes and wanes every day in a beautiful spiral. Includes an astrological key across the bottom. This poster measures 13 X 24 inches and is printed on high quality matte paper. Available for preorder here.
We hope you loved this year's Moon Lover's Gift Guide! Please let us know your favorites in the comments or share another Moon inspired maker that you adore!
]]>Our skin is our largest organ, and although it seems to be a great barrier to the outside world, its extremely porous. More and more research is showing just how chemicals & toxins seep into our bloodstream through the skin - especially when soaking in them. What we put on bodies matters just as much as what we put inside.
In short, that's why Moon Body Soul was born. There were no completely natural options out there. Believe it or not, Mother Nature's palette is colorful but not electric, and scents like strawberries are truly reserved for fresh strawberries!
It was challenging to create a recipe without fillers, dyes & preservatives, but I'm here to tell you it can be done. Every ingredient serves a purpose and that purpose is to solely nourish your body & ease your mind.
Today we are focusing on our beloved Blue Moon baths.
What are the differences?
]]>The Moon Body Balm is a personal story of love and intuition, and one of my most prized creations yet. After a car accident, my boyfriend had lingering neck pain for weeks, and with a little African Shea Butter as my base and a small bottle of steam-distilled Hemp essential oil, I set to work on the most healing recipe I could dream up.
With 100% transparency & education as our main goal, we'll be using this blog to share more about the ingredients we use in our products, and today we're starting with our famous Moon Body Balm.
This concoction is alchemized out of just five ingredients, each with healing properties in their own right. When activated together, the result is pure magic.
As always, we only use REAL ingredients straight from Mother Nature in all of our products. No colors, no preservatives; no "safe" synthetics. I'm also a big believer in every ingredient serving a purpose, so you'll never see any fillers that you can't pronounce around here ✋
Shea butter has been used in Africa for centuries for its moisturizing properties. It is made from the kernel of the shea tree's fruit & is naturally rich in Vitamins A & E, as well as essential fatty acids and other minerals. We use unrefined butter as it has not been through a chemical process, keeping all of its healing properties & the full aroma. It nourishes the skin but also allows it to breathe, unlike products that use petroleum jelly bases. A little goes a long way when it comes to this stuff. Shea butter is super rich and creamy, leaving a smooth, non-oily feel.
Vitamin E oil is loaded with antioxidants that help repair damaged skin cells and fight against free radicals. Its not only great for the appearance of skin, it also joins forces with the Shea Butter to deeply nourish and hydrate your skin from the inside out.
Eucalyptus oil has a range of topical benefits, including use as an anti-inflammatory which can be therapeutic for sore muscles and achy joints. The plant also has anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, making it a common choice for calming outbreaks of many skin conditions including acne, eczema, cold sores and more.
Rosemary is one of the most popular medicinal plants in the world and it has long been used as a mild pain reliever. It also is known to promote better blood circulation and reduce feelings of anxiety by lowering cortisol levels.
The not so secret ingredient, but perhaps a confusing one to many. Our balm is made from steam-distilled hemp leaves. This process naturally extracts non-psychoactive terpenes known for their powerful pain relieving and mood boosting effects. The most active components are myrcene and beta-caryophyllene, which are packed with the anti-inflammatory properties. No, it won't get you high (or put THC in your system as it is the made from the Hemp plant), but it can help you feel amazing.
If there's one thing we want you to take away from these posts, it's that Mother Nature provides in abundance all that we need to heal our bodies. Why use petroleum-based, synthetic balms & creams when you can soak in Pachamama?!
But don't take it from me.... check out just some of its latest raving reviews.
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