A Banner Year!

Most years, in the past, I have come into the new year HOT. Like a comet; ready to slice through the vast magnificence of stars and dust. I am unafraid and very, very unprepared.

This year, I decided on a different approach. One of my Tarot savvy friends did a year spread for herself and was kind enough to share her wonderful spread with me! (Thank you Samantha!)

So, because this is the first time I did something so vast, I decided it would be a good idea to go through each one in the middle and then re-visit the rest of the months throughout the year. I completely encourage everyone to do the same and share it with me!

The three main cards in the middle are my themes- the middle one being my "Main" theme. The five of wands shows a bit of weakness, and how I may lack the focus and feel a bit scattered-brained. Let me tell you: this comes as no surprise. I have a terrible habit of doing too much at one time or loosing focus quickly. SO many ideas, SO little time! The second "lesser" card is the three of cups. This card is a lovely card, filled with joy and belonging. This card is celebration and friendship! It IS community! I am very excited about this card because I feel as though this is something I have been severely lacking in my life as of late. The middle card is the Father of Pentacles. My main theme looks so PROMISING! I have worked so hard in 2015 to become my own woman and work at my success and my entrepreneurial dreams and I am excited and a bit nervous on what this card will mean. The cool temperament of the Father of Pentacles combined with my scatter-brained tenancies and my call for celebration seems like complete opposite themes. In a sense, it is finally combining the creativity, support and financial stability into my life that I have been working toward. Last year was a "sword" year, for sure. All I did was mentally prepare and second guess and think, study and fuel the wheels.

This year, I am looking forward to finding the lesson in each month and I hope to learn from the ways of the father of pentacles. Grounded, calm and passionate.

XOX

      

Candid Interview with: Justin Minichelli

I have come to realize that a strong support system is so important in any field one tries to pursue. Justin, who is a very good friend of mine agreed to an interview with me. I was very much honored and excited because our journey on this spiritual path is very similar. I could not wait to sit down and pick his brain on this journey he was just beginning.

We are here with the up and coming Justin Minichelli! So, jumping right in here: Define Life Coaching and Shamanism and what it is to you. 

Justin: Hey there! Alright well, as far as the aspect of life coaching, I am brand new! I just received my certificate and I'm going to be accepting clients soon as well as a blog and a website. As far as Shamanism, I still consider myself a student. I suppose I look at myself as a student as both and I will always feel that way but Shamanism is still so very new to me. The other day I just found out that my grandmother had  aspects of Shamanism in her life- 

Oh, how cool is that! It's meant to be!

Justin: I know! It's just unfortunate because she passed away a few years ago so we weren't able to share our experiences but maybe there is a way to find answers. 

Well, yeah, it must run in the family somehow or maybe she is speaking to you by you starting your journey in shamanism, specifically. 

Justin: That is a strong possibility. She also did Tarot as well. I just found that out yesterday.

Really? Interesting! That's awesome!

So, tell me a bit about your journey. Obviously it is still so new to you and you came upon it through happenstance. 

Justin: Yes, I found it all on my own. For a long time I didn't know what I wanted to do. I was so interested in many different aspects. I wanted to do art, when I was a child I wanted to be a scientist, but, I never really knew where I fit in. Two summers ago I went on a journey to Peru to discover who I was. I wanted to know what my purpose was and what my place was and how I can contribute. 

That is very cool. Did you discover Shamanism on this trip?

Justin: Yes, the life coaching came later. Shamanism came first. I think, in a sense I always identified with Magick. I always felt there has to be something more. Through different Podcasts and Websites, I found something called Ayahuasca. It is an ancient ceremony that has been taking place for hundreds of years in South America. People go there to take on their own journeys- to find themselves or to heal themselves or to speak to their ancestors- it is range of many different things. For me, I wanted to uncover my identity; who I was and the beauty of that. I've always had a hard time with that.

Yes, self-love, man! Everyone should be on that journey or trying to get on that!

Justin: Absolutely! 

Tell me what is next for you. Are you incorporating the two? Do you plan to?

Justin: You know, it is funny how I found Life Coaching. It wasn't even a thought in my mind until someone mentioned it to me. It was actually mentioned to me by three different people within the same week! When I sat down and thought about it, it really clicked. It was a sign for sure. I've always been the advice giver and helping people. It was kind of like an "Ah-ha!" mixed with a "Duh". I found a class within a week that was starting soon and I grasped the opportunity. 

It was meant to be!! 

Justin: Yes, exactly. This is just the beginning, though. Just the initial step before I branch out. I believe Shamanism is going to play a big part in that. I honestly have no idea what is in store but I know it will play it's part. 

So this transitions me into my next question! Did it really benefit you taking the life coaching class? 

Justin: Absolutely. For me, I always tried to see the best in people and going through the course helped me understand WHO a person is and helped me identify their soul and spirit. Being able to see what is beneath the surface. It really opened my eyes to that. 

Would you suggest the class to others- for those on a similar path? Do you think it would benefit others?

Justin: I think it would if you feel as though you are here to help others; even if you don't want to be a life coach. The class I took was "Coaching for transformation" located in the Open Center in New York City. It was a nine month course and you really grasp a new knowledge of yourself and others. It helps deal with obstacles in life and connections with nature and a TON of other things. You see the depth within the hardships and in turn, are able to make beneficial strides.

I know we had discussed this before but I find it interesting that it is a nine month course; kind of like a rebirth. You also mentioned that it really opened up your eyes- the first thing i thought of is that it may be helping you to open up your third eye as well. Did the course focus on intuition as well?

Justin: Intuition is a BIG part of it. One of the last few times we met together as a group, we had to work with our partners and we were suppose to turn off our brains and say whatever came to mind. To be BOLD with it and it was one of the most powerful classes we had, in my opinion. So many people came to such strong insights because of that. 

Yes, the mind is such a powerful thing. You are always going to have thoughts weave in and out but the important thing is to let them come and let them go. What might be grasped onto and what conclusions you may come to can be powerful- I can imagine. So, I know I spoke about this on my blog before and I know we had mentioned this in conversation with each other as well; having an authentic life and having an authentic business. In what ways to you incorporate life coaching and shamanism into your daily life? 

Justin: It's funny because this is something I struggled with for a long, long time. To be honest, I still do and I'm still learning but I feel its really about being yourself- down to the DNA- and it is up to the individual to bring them to life. Through finding whatever it may be, it brings out a light within and an alignment. Some people already know right off the bat what they want to be like, I want to be a baseball player or an actress!

Lucky bastards. 

Justin: I know right! Ha! With each day that follows, I try to find authenticity and how it may transition for me. It really used to be a hindrance but now I'm really listening to myself and my soul. I'm not putting up a front anymore. I'm really trying to find the buried treasure within and help others do the same. 

Yes, find the booty! (heh) 

Justin: Yep, for sure. Ha!

Are there any tools you use to bring out your authenticity? Like a mantra? 

Justin: I don't have a mantra yet! I have one that I am thinking about which is the "ho'oponopno" mantra from Hawaii. I want to read about it more though because it sounds really cool. What I use right now are my interests. I want to learn more about these things that I am attracted to and follow them one by one. You will discover new and exciting things about yourself which will lead to true authenticity. 

Yes, the journey of yourself and being who you are is what makes you authentic. That's beautiful. 

Justin: That is why I love the Lord Of The Rings movies because it's all about this "quest". So much character development and exploration and a great metaphor for life. 

Not to mention the lovely scenery and imagery that goes along with it. You just want to live there and journey with them! 

Justin: Yeah I mean, dragons and orcs suck but the rest is mystical and beautiful. I would go there in a heartbeat. 

Agreed! Ha! 

So what has been the hardest part of your journey so far? 

Justin: Looking back, it's was not being "aware". Not being aware of my potential and coming to terms with that. That was really hard because you feel so lost. It's like you're in a dark room, just trying to feel the walls on where to go. On top of that, so much is expected of you through family, friends and society- it's overwhelming to fit in. 

The pressure to feel unique and then the want to prove yourself as well. You want to be someone that will make others happy but it won't get you out of the dark. 

What would be one piece of advice who are just starting out in life coaching and/or shamanism?

Justin: Follow your excitement, follow your intuition and your gut. There is a reason why you are drawn to the subject! You may find things that you would have never thought you would find. 

What message do you want to give to your future self at this present moment? 

Justin: That's a good question. I guess it would simply be "live well" because I feel like my future self would have his shit together. Ha. I would think he would have every thing together so I would just say "keep living well". 

So, trust yourself. You never know if your future self is going to have trouble with something. We all stray from our paths once in awhile - we are all human beings after all. That kind of advice is awesome. That is the kind of thing you can look back on and say "oh yeah, I said that! "Baby me" said that! Man, I was really wise that day."  

Justin: Keep the trust and keep the faith in yourself. Absolutely. 

XO

I really just want to give a gigantic thank you to Justin for doing this interview. Once he gets his website up I will be sure to link it within the blog and I am sure we will be working together in the future! 

Thanks to all who took the time to read all about following ones path and I hope this helps one way or another. Much love!!! <3        

  

When insomnia hits...

...it is much like a ton of bricks. Most of the time it's because I feel like I wasted my day. A whole twenty-four hours gone unnoticed because of the simple fact that I was unmotivated or lazy.

Ultimately I have come to realize that the most harmful person to be in a room alone with is myself. Not everyday but I know for a fact I am extremely hard on myself- especially when it comes to my future plans.

I am sure most can relate to this. The constant hounding of "I'm not good enough" and all the "what if's.." one may have to deal with on a daily basis. The most harmful thoughts lie in wait, in the back of my mind and decide to come out and play when I am the most relaxed and about to go on a journey into slumber land. I know, for myself that this is the cause of creative constipation (and believe me, it's as uncomfortable and icky as it sounds). This is when I feel restless, that things need to be done and I have the ideas and the plans to bring them into fruition but something is holding me back.

Maybe it is because all the ideas have piled on top of each other and I have no idea where to begin.
-Then I doubt myself
-Then I frighten myself
-Then I become incredibly hard on myself
-Rinse and repeat

The fact is that I am a creative ball of sunshine but think about it WAY too much.
I back myself up and then go searching for a creative enema.


(Apparently, I'm big with the poop analogy tonight as well.)

I have no answer for this; I only know what works in the moment or for a period of time. This has been Tibetan Singing bowl music and a whole lotta smudging. Some quiet, uninterrupted tarot time and calming methods. Realizing I am not perfect and that is perfectly alright with me.

Someone once told me that every painting I paint can't be a masterpiece.
Every day can't be productive as fuck. After all Rome wasn't built in a day and neither is a business or good character. Or good habits.
Or the truest of love.
The journey is worth the time, even the "unimportant" in-between. Even the insomnia.




Thanks for your eyes and your time <3

Help or Hinder?

My, my it has been a long while! 


As Yule approaches quickly in this December month, I can only think to give myself the gift of time. Time for the exploration of self and others. One thing I have come across time and time again is hiding my true spirituality from others that may think it too queer. Hiding yet showing it in bits and pieces, allowing it to come out slowly in hopes not to startle anyone while doing so. As I quietly tip toe around family members and their "comfort zone", I have been making earth-quaking strides with my friends and other spiritual conquistadors. Networking in this field, (in person) is a task in itself. In my area, I believe there are three whole people (including myself) that explore the witchy-wyrd-wiles of the spiritual self. We are all different yet, the same and it is completely comfortable and gorgeous. Family seems to be the theme with all of us. One of my close friends really wants to help his family work through a difficult transition and break the patterns that they have grown so accustomed to.

So, that is it. How can we possible share our growth and wonderful spirituality that has helped us so much if others choose a different path?

More so, how can we possibly help the ones closest to us if they just refuse to listen?

The things I have come to discover with family is this: Sometimes you have to allow them to lead their own path. It hurts to see them hurt and it drives you mad when you have all these tools to help and you can't do anything about it. As much as it hurts, you have to allow others to make their own mistakes, learn from them and move on. The worst part about this: coming to terms with what may never come to fruition. I have had this happen to me my entire life and not just with family. Coming to terms that some people just make the same mistakes over and over and never learn from them as long as they live. It is extremely sad and painful to watch but there is only so much you can give as a person. Your boundaries are your own and the best thing you can do for both parties is set them in a clear, concise place. This does NOT mean you stop help altogether. Approach your family as a family MEMBER and tell it to them straight. Or find another solution and attempt to approach them about it in another angle. I know.... easier said than done.


Boundaries are super important here because sometimes the help you want to give will only exacerbate the problems and then it is time to let go. Allow them to journey on their own accord and know that it is their path, not yours. Their choices are not a result on you and you cannot take responsibility for someone's life.

Utilizing Tarot, I will often get asked by family members (those whom I have 'come out' to) to give them a reading. I will often say no and it is not because I don't need the practice! I say no because I have to listen to myself and my intuition. I say to myself: "Self, you WILL be biased during this reading. It will NOT be AUTHENTIC and you will regret it." Listen to that voice. As much as you may want the time in or the hours or the practice, think twice. By setting boundaries with yourself, you are learning to be a beautiful, caring person whom others can count on as a professional.

I am not saying "never give your family members your insightful readings" or "Never use your tools you have acquired on them". I am saying choose wisely. Think first: Will this help or hinder? Your tools and approaches works for you but that doesn't mean they will work for everyone. Understand that! Accept that and fill yourself with love.


All the gratitude for reading and much love <3