The SHIFT : Aries Season + New Moon : Journey to Your Authentic Self

Aries brings forth the energy of the warrior, urging us to take action, embrace change, and embark on new beginnings. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac after all, and we can learn a thing or two from them.

The new moon in Aries may stir up feelings of restlessness, anxiety, and heightened emotions. With the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the state of our world and the feeling of helplessness many in the collective feel. It's understandable if you're feeling overwhelmed and defeated. However, instead of succumbing, we can choose to channel what we can “do” into positive and creative outlets - the collective needs you and YOUR gifts more than ever.

This new moon encourages us to reflect on who we are, who we want to become, and how we can align with our true purpose. It’s time to think about your aspirations, listen to your fears, and accept that maybe the way you have been doing things all along is not working…but WHY?

Do you even want to be doing this anymore?

Or have you gotten so caught up in proving & manifesting - you can’t acknowledge you’re unfufilled?

How has chasing the “dream” left you mentally and physically?

Aries rules the head, making us prone to headaches, sinus pressure, overthinking, and eye strain. To counteract these effects, prioritize self-care practices such as meditation, stress reduction, and limiting screen time. Acknoweldge if you are spending as much time fueling yourself and well-being as you are in chasing monetary goals and pursuits?

 As we navigate the energy of Aries season, we're reminded to stay focused on our goals while letting go of past limitations. For many of us this is our fear around money, security, destiny, or abandonment. Aries energy can prompt a need for immediate gratification, causing us to settle for the money now, while sacrificing ourselves and true dreams in the long run.

This energy is the ideal time to examine the “nodes of destiny” in your birth chart - where is fear limiting you?

How are you sabotaging yourself from behind the scenes?

This is going to be a huge theme and focus for us in this month’s SHIFT session . The new moon in Aries symbolizes a time of rebirth and renewal, marking the beginning of the astrological year. While it brings forth opportunities for growth and transformation, it also challenges us to confront our fears and insecurities. Embrace this time and sit with yourself, find your courage and know that it's through facing our vulnerabilities that we truly evolve.

 As we harness the energy of the Aries new moon, let us embrace the spirit of the warrior within us. But also let us stop fighting ourselves in the process, just long enough so we can really acknowledge where that fear lies and why. What is is trying to protect us from?

 The new moon in Aries and the season invites us to embrace change, harness our inner strength, and remeber we are all unique beings. By making friends with the energy of the warrior in us, we can navigate the collective transformative time with courage and grace. I encourage you to embrace the power of the Aries, step into your true essence and create the life of your dreams.

I hope you can join us at this month’s SHIFT Session - our online Self Care Gathering - this month we are diving into our birth charts (don’t worry I’m here to help) and if you cannot make it you can always catch the replay to continue the work on your own.

I’ve also included some of the journaling questions we will be asking ourselves in this month’s session to get you started.

 **Journal Entry 1: Exploring Self-Identity**

Who am I? What do I truly desire? Where do you need to be more courageous to live the life you desire? How do you find this courage within you?

 **Journal Entry 2: Embracing Change and Letting Go**

 What must I be willing to let go of from my past? What fears have become patterns that no longer serve me?

In what ways have I actively embraced change and stepped out of my comfort zone, aligning with the transformative energy of this lunar phase?

- In what ways have I demonstrated resilience in the face of obstacles, to navigate adversity with strength and determination?

Get Ready to Shift: Your Ultimate Guide to Rest, Reset, and Renewal

It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and overwhelm of daily life. No one feels like they have been duped more by “wanting to be an adult” than me 😅. Running from one thing to the next, trying to keep up, secretly just wanting everything on the to-do list to be done so I can sit on my couch, in my clean home, in silence, with a soft breeze caressing me, my glowing skin and freshly manicured toes, while reading that book I’ve brought on three vacations. Yup that book has been to 3 countries😩

Well, I am here to tell you that’s never gonna happen unless you hit pause on this movie that is your life, and make some room for you in the chaos of this dumpsterfire we are in. Now I’m not talking as “Nurse Donna” right now (though I can go on about how all this impacts your health)… I’m speaking as “Donna The Real Life Person” who has had more than her fair share of burnout and is COMMITTED in 2024 to keeping it out of her life like a bad ex.

The "Shift" is more than just a series of sessions—it's a commitment to yourself, a reminder that you are worthy of care and attention.

I know personally that I only keep committed to something when there are other people involved. I know that I have to consciously set out time for self-care and reflection. I also know things don’t happen overnight and small acts create larger shifts in our lives through compounding effects. I have spent a lot of time “working on myself” only to find out that the work just doesn’t end. I’m a constant work in progress and sort of like my city of NY always under construction.

I will be honest this sort of got me super down at one point - I’m like where’s the trophy? How come there aren’t more commas in my checking account? Why don’t I have a Rolex? But there is no end game in this…well until you die…so I gotta “play” the game of life. Instead of waiting for the final win, I have to enjoy the moments and the process in all of it. Just like someone who has a garden..they enjoy their beautiful flowers, plants, and even the actual fruits of their labor…but they enjoy the process more. The shifting of seasons, planting seeds, tending to their work, the harvest, and even the repetition of it all. A lot of them will even say gardening “Relaxes Them”…How does all that work relax you? Because it lightens mood, and lowers cortisol, and stress levels. It’s very gratifying to plant, tend to, harvest, and share your own food. Once relaxed, you're present and intentional in the entire process. Honestly, that’s what I need to do with my life.

The truth is that myself and my friends are in a shift…. physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. While I have no “instruction manual” for this shift, I spent the better part of last year creating routines for it. I saw firsthand how doing this previously in my life with my Moon Circles added to my overall well-being. By having a little moment of sanctuary for rest, reset, and renewal in my own living room kept me more grounded and focused. I need something I could do every month to prioritize my well—being and support myself on my journey of self—discovery. I also needed like-minded people - And I’m encouraging you to do the same, regardless of whether you want to join us or not.

**What to Expect**

"The Shift" is a monthly gathering for you to be with you. A little oasis where you can kick back, relax, and dive deep into some serious self-care. A safe and nurturing space where you can pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Each session will feature a carefully curated blend of activities, including guided meditation, intention-setting exercises, and transformative discussions. Drawing inspiration from the rhythms of nature and honoring celestial monthly themes we'll explore rituals of self-care, personal growth, and intentional living. Whether you're seeking clarity, inspiration, or simply a moment of pause this is the space…you might even have a breakthrough or two along the way.

**Don’t Stress**

You can join us live or catch up on your own time. These monthly sessions will be a unique blend of collective experience with individual focus. While we gather as a community to support each other, the focus remains on your personal journey. It's all about you, babe—your journey, your growth, you being the main character of your movie.

**Why "The Shift" Matters**

Whether you're craving clarity, peace, or just a little TLC - "The Shift" sessions offer a gentle reminder of the importance of slowing down and tuning into ourselves. It’s a moment where you can just BE. By taking intentional time for rest, reset, and renewal, we can cultivate greater resilience, clarity, and joy in our lives. Each session is an opportunity to honor your inner wisdom and release what no longer serves you. It's your permission slip to slow down, tune in, and be a friend to yourself for once.

**Ready to Shift?**

Registration is now open for upcoming sessions. Simply visit this link to snag your spot today. Sessions will be held monthly with limited spaces , but recordings will be available in case you miss it. I cannot wait to join you in this space.

**Or Take The First Step on Your Terms**

As we navigate these times together, it's essential to prioritize our inner well-being. "The Shift" offers a unique opportunity to slow down, tune in, and befriend ourselves. However, if you're not ready to join us just yet, I encourage you to start incorporating regular routines and rituals into your life that prioritize your overall well-being. In case you need some ideas on how to start creating wellness rituals for yourself, you can check out “Monthly Self-Care Crash Course: A Step-by-Step Guide to Prioritizing You”.

As always thank you for being a part of this community ❤❤ Donna

Can Vision Boards Work? How Do You Make A Vision Board?

If you have been following along you know by now I love vision boards - I also get a huge eye roll from my friends and people around me when I start talking about visualizations and meditating. So I set out to do some research on why vision boards work and how you can make sure they become more than just wall decor.

So if you’re tired of creating vision boards that end up gathering dust in the corner or are very skeptical about making one in the first place - this series is for you. I read a lot of journal articles and did some research on how Vision Boards Connect In with the Reticular Activating System of your brain , how sometimes we need to figure out what we do not want in life..in order to bring in what we do want and how all of this interacts with our subconscious. [Don’t worry Im listing all of the videos in this post - keep scrolling.]

From The Vision Board Brainstorm - learn more here

From my research, the main takeaways were that you need to embark on a mission with these vision boards. It’s not just a one-and-done thing you do on a weekend - it’s something that needs to be continuous. I even started keeping track of my own boards publicly on this site for accountability.

After doing my research I realized this is where a lot of people are dropping the ball (not on purpose…it’s just happening). So I made this series of videos sharing what I learned and then decided to take it a step further for those who were serious about it and created The Vision Board Brainstorm.

So if you ever felt like your vision board was missing that secret sauce? Well, guess what? It probably was. Your boards should be more than just about pretty pictures; it's about diving deep into the science of your mind and crafting a tool that resonates with your wildest dreams. Don’t worry all the videos I made will help you sort this out.

From the Vision Board Brainstorm

Most people have an idea about their “wildest dreams” but don’t know how to take the first step. In discovering your dreams, you need to shake off what's holding you back, and ultimately allow yourself to have a transformative experience. My series of videos and The Vision Board Brainstorm guide you through exercises that not only lay out your vision board but also bulldoze the blocks standing between you and your success.

Think of it as Science meets Vision Boards, and you finally shake hands with your subconscious and become friends. These methods go way beyond the surface and help you get what you want out of life.

Unveiling Your Cosmic Potential : Scorpio New Moon Rituals For Transformation & Manifesting

The mysterious Scorpio New Moon asks us to explore the depths of what’s hidden - including the shadow components of “self”.

Scorpio, ruled by Pluto, is associated with intensity, depth, and regeneration. During this lunar phase, the cosmos encourage us to delve into our innermost layers, confronting both our light and shadow aspects.

This is a great time for shadow work and dealing with deep emotion. It’s time to channel & work with the intense Scorpio energy to further your self discovery and transformation.

You may feel Scorpio season is an inner death and rebirth specifically around some of your unresolved issues. Its time to embrace vulnerability - release and renew and step into your personal metamorphosis. This lunar phase encourages introspection, self-reflection and understanding of your emotions. It's a time to set intentions for personal transformation, harnessing the Scorpio energy to let go of what no longer serves us and emerge stronger, wiser, and more authentically aligned with our true selves.

November Self Care Themes

This month, is about confronting the shadows within, acknowledging our growth and honoring our resilience. The wellness themes under during the Scorpio New Moon :

Wellness Themes:

• Embracing Personal Transformation - Identify areas in your life where transformative change is needed and commit to the process.

• Shadow Work and Self - Discovery Confront and embrace your shadow aspects, acknowledging them as integral parts of your whole self.

• Releasing and Letting Go - Practice forgiveness, both towards others and yourself, fostering a sense of liberation.

• Sexual and Emotional Healing - Scorpio is linked to the sensual and emotional aspects of life. It’s time to foster a positive relationship with your own sensuality.

Manifesting Themes:

• Be clear and define what you want to manifest. Themes around personal growth, relationships, or any area of your life that calls for positive change.

• Scorpio is a water sign associated with deep emotions. Infuse your intentions with strong, positive emotions. Feel the emotions associated with achieving your desires as if they have already manifested - feel those feels in your body as if they have come thru.

• Challenge your growth, while being reealistic.

• Scorpio is a water sign, symbolizing emotions and intuition. Take a ritualistic bath or spend time near water during the New Moon. Visualize yourself being washed clean and renewed.

AFFIRMATION:

   "I EMBRACE MY HIDDEN STRENGTHS. LIKE A PHOENIX, I RISE FROM THE ASHES OF TRANSFORMATION.. I AM A FORCE OF REGENERATION, AND WITH EACH CHALLENGE, I EMERGE STRONGER, WISER, AND MORE ALIGNED WITH MY TRUE SELF."

Journaling:

o   IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOU BE A BETTER ARCHITECT OF YOUR DESTINY?

o   WHAT CHALLENGES FROM THE PAST WERE YOU ABLE TO RISE OUT OF THE ASHES FROM AND STEP INTO A NEW VERSION OF YOU?

o   WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFE COULD BENEFIT FROM A “DEATH & REBIRTH”?

o   WHAT EMOTIONS OR TRAITS HAVE YOU BEEN RELUCTANT TO CONFRONT?

o   WRITE A LETTER TO YOURSELF - LET GO OF ANY SHAME OR SOMETHING YOU HAVE BEEN TOO HARD ON YOURSELF FOR.

New Moon In Libra: Balance

The Libra New Moon, known for its emphasis on balance and harmony, presents an opportunity to infuse these principles into your self-care and wellness routines. It's a chance to nurture both your physical and emotional well-being.

The Libra New Moon beckons us to strike a harmonious chord between our vulnerability and inner strength.

This New Moon encourages us to find a harmonious balance between our vulnerability and inner strength. It's an ideal time to incorporate practices promoting inner peace, such as yoga and meditation, helping you center your thoughts and emotions. Simultaneously, consider striking a balance between nutrition and exercise for the well-rounded nourishment of your body, offering energy and cellular healing. Remember that wellness encompasses not only your physical health but also your daily routines, state of mind, entertainment choices, information consumption, conversations, and social connections.

This Libra New Moon encourages us to find equilibrium between our personal desires and our relationships with others.

Want to take your monthly manifesting deeper?

The Libra New Moon invites us to seek equilibrium between our personal desires and our interactions with others. During this lunar phase, introspection plays a pivotal role. It prompts a thorough evaluation of your relationships and the overall harmony in your life. This moment calls for recalibration, making amends, and realigning your energies to foster a more balanced existence.

• Relationships: Set intentions for improving communication, strengthening existing relationships, or attracting new, harmonious connections.

• Balance: Focus on setting intentions to restore balance in areas of your life where you feel out of sync, whether it's work-life balance, emotional equilibrium, or physical well-being.

Manifestation Themes:

• Visualize Balance: Use this time to visualize and meditate on the harmony you wish to create in your life.

• Balanced Lifestyle Wellness Rituals: Incorporate self-care practices that promote both physical and emotional balance. Consider yoga, meditation, journaling, and mindful breathing exercises. Rituals that balance the body and the mind. Indulge in activities that uplift you such as enjoying art and music.

• Themes: Harmony, Love, Justice, and finding the balance that has been lost. Nurturing both your physical & emotional while finding the relationship push/pull between each.

• AFFIRMATION:

  • i am balanced in all areas of my life

• Journal:

  • What aspects of my life feel out of balance right now? How can I work towards restoring equilibrium?

  • How do I currently nurture my own well-being, both physically and emotionally?

  • What is my idea of inner and outer beauty, and how do I integrate these ideals into my daily life?

  • How can I incorporate more mindfulness and self-care practices into my daily routine to enhance my sense of balance and harmony?

  • Reflect on the concept of compromise. Are there areas of your life where you need to find middle ground or negotiate better?

  • Consider the idea of giving and receiving. Are there areas where you feel you give too much or receive too little? How can you adjust this balance?

New Moon In Virgo : Ground, Lay Foundations or Restructure

This moon is about being practical, grounded, and building and advancing areas of your life that you have laid the groundwork for. Foundations, restructuring, and Iterations are the energies we will be surrounded by and should be taking advantage of.

This earth sign brings with it grounded energy that gives us the confidence and vision to try something new or restructure something we have already begun on…we might be putting an end to old ways, family “traditions” that do not mesh with us, healing our ancestral cycles or breaking them. For many of us, the generational patterns that no longer serve are ending with us, and while this shift can be powerful, it can feel exhausting, uneasy, and chaotic.

There is a lot of self-awareness under this new moon so turn those eyes and ears on yourself as well, have you been listening to that inner voice? Seeing the whole picture, or paying attention to the details? This moon energy is ripe for tailoring and refining our jobs, careers, health, wellness, and self-care routines. What did you do for you this week?

Want to take your monthly manifesting deeper?

It’s time to organize and put personal systems in place that will bring less stress down the road. This is major WORK IT energy but don’t get too in your head or overly analytical that it gets you stuck.

Work routines, daily routine and health can also be tackled at this time, showing us once again what needs to be balanced, what we have neglected or haven’t learned, and reminding us balance is everything.

Virgo energy is about details, processing, work, and discipline.

It's time to come up with an action plan and create strategies for your best life. This is "no time for bullshit" type of energy, everything can be yours if you stay focused and disciplined.

What is important to you and what you hold sacred should be your top priority right now

What do you want as an individual? What do you need? Not the things society and advertising and everyone with an opinion tells you that you need. What do you actually need? What makes you happy? How can you be a better human to society by filling your cup? Boundaries? Better Routines? Letting go of bad habits that hold you back.... but are, oh so familiar? This month it’s time to ask yourself how is your relationship to yourself ? Do you hold that relationship as sacred as you do to others?

• TASK:
  Buy flowers for your home or office. Treat yourself to a good home cooked meal (or order in some food that reminds you of your fav childhood meal) - Virgo rules the digestive system.

• Write down 3 goals (both long-term and short-term)

• Mantra:

  • "I promise to be kind and gentle with myself and let go of anything that does not allow love to live in me.”

• Journal:

  • What can I give myself space to heal from so I don’t feel stuck and can move forward with all the things I want for my life? What have I overcome? What do I need to over come? What are my intentions for the next six months?