Leo and the Lion

Book Online Session

Happy August and Happy Leo Season.

This month we have the invitation for more playfulness and more shine. What does our ego fear will happen if we take up a bit more space? Can we risk being judged in order to grow and in order to be of service? There is immense power in admitting we are powerless over how other's see us.

Where could you playfully allow yourself to be seen?

To play with this theme I have accepted a challenge by one of my mentors to post on instagram daily during August. If you aren't following me already come on over! I will be posting lots about Jungian psychology, Shadow work, relationships, Tarot and more....

BADASS LEO SPOTIFY MIX

AUGUST TAROT READING VIDEO

CLICK IMAGE BELOW...

LEARN MORE ABOUT EMBRACING THE SHADOW WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN

"One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious." Carl Jung

September's Embracing the Shadow group is full but please still apply here to be first on the list for the next one (date tbd.) Applying also lets me know that you are interested in Shadow work so that you are first to receive special Shadow content and hear about stuff you will probably be excited about....

SPOTIFY SHADOW MIX VOLUME 2

What is the Shadow?

Book Online Session

HAPPY NEW MOON IN CANCER

This is a feeling moon. What feelings are flowing in the undercurrents of life? Where do those feelings point you? Tune in to those currents as you set sail on this new cycle.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EMBRACING THE SHADOW WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN

"One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious." Carl Jung

4 WEDNESDAYS IN SEPTEMBER @ 6pm
9/2, 9/9, 9/16, 9/23

This will be a small group to ensure that everyone has ample time for personal attention and group reflection. If you would like to participate please fill out this short application here as soon as possible to grab your spot.

Our last group will be 9/23 in honor of Mabon or the Autumn Equinox when light and dark, day and night are in perfect equilibrium. This time of pause and celebration marks the transition into longer nights and the earth's shadow time of Fall and Winter. If possible we will gather outside in nature for this last group. The group will be small enough to allow for social distancing.

WHAT IS THE SHADOW?

The Shadow is a place in us that holds the balance. It is the Yin to our Yang. It's a place where hidden strengths they waiting and a place where energy pools.

One of Jung's great contributions was to create a map of the psyche and this map is why I call the Shadow "a place." It exists in relation to other constellations in the map similar to the way the planets hold each other in orbit. Specifically, the Shadow polarizes with the Persona or what we commonly refer to as "ego." Strengths, liabilities and characteristics that don't serve the ego's goals of fitting in, getting ahead and pleasing others set up camp in the Shadow. It's a bit like the Burning Man of your psyche, where the wildness goes to play. These Shadow aspects of Self may threaten our fitting in with family or society now or when we were growing up. For a developing child fitting in feels like/ is life or death. Later in life we can risk integrating these parts of Self and it may even be necessary for our mental, emotional and spiritual health. Jung said the first half of life was about developing the ego and any risky material went back into the Shadow. He explained that if we embark on a journey of Self discovery the second part of life is all about excavating the Shadow and bringing these parts into the light.

This process of owning and exploring the Shadow can create balance, wholeness, sovereignty, awakening, better relationships and passionate living. It also helps us avert the dangers of not owning our Shadow namely - anxiety, resentment, feeling stifled, powerless and having troubled relationships. Shadow work helps us own our darkness. When darkness is conscious it nourishes and enlivens, when it is unconscious it can cause harm to Self or others.

Our creativity is the key to unlocking the Shadow. Creativity allows us to court the Unconscious which is where the Shadow resides. We don't go barging in to the unconscious demanding answers - we develop a practice of courting the Unconscious. Imagine arriving on the shores of ancient Avalon, you would be respectful, reverent and probably really excited. Shadow work is similar. Art, imagery, dreamwork, Tarot, Sandtray, metaphor, fairytale and poetry are how we court the Unconscious and are good at coaxing the Shadow into awareness.

LISTEN TO SHADOW MIX ON SPOTIFY

Tarot, Movies and Books

Book Online Session

HAPPY JULY AND FULL MOON ECLIPSE

Sending my very best to you! I am finding ways to take breaks and have time to myself that are doable like taking a staycation, a walk the beach, enjoying a daytime movie. Studies show that limiting time spent on news media and especially social media can reduce stress and I am doing my best to heed this.

I recently looked up the definition of escape which reads: to break free from confinement or control.

I wonder how many of us are facing some urges to escape right now - I know I am. I think this is a very potent place to explore. I am finding out that so much of my difficulty comes from unconscious attempts to escape. Can I instead befriend the part of me that wants to escape? Can I love her? Can I stop waiting for her to change or behave? Slowly and with reminders...yes. I can love her and this means I can grow up. Growing up means living with more honesty, magic, pleasure and peace.

What are some ways you can take a break and have some time for yourself right now?

"One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious." Carl Jung

EMBRACING THE SHADOW WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN

JULY TAROT READING

Center: Us right now ~ 2 OF CUPS

Left: The recent past. STRENGTH

Right: The near future. ACE OF SWORDS

Above:The conscious material at play. 4 OF WANDS

Below:The unconscious material at play. 10 OF CUPS

We are facing ourselves as never before. The alchemical marriage is alchemizing. We are integrating all aspects of our Self in order to meet our Selves as whole human beings. Staying home and slowing down has given us the opportunity to get to know ourselves better. It has given us the chance to get to know our loved ones better. Anything that needed to be brought out into the open and dealt with has been given that chance. If some of it has been unpleasant we would do well to remember that pain is often the touchstone of spiritual growth.

The recent past may have been challenging due to these factors and due to the fact that the collective is facing it's collective shadow. This work of making conscious what was unconscious has catalyzed this current state of integration and healing. If we had some fight or flight chemistry that is understandable and tolerating it and being compassionate with it has helped us grow.

We are learning to communicate and grow up. When we learn to comment on our process rather than act it out we become relational. For example, "I notice that I have some fight or flight chemistry going and I need to take a break. I am going to get some fresh air and check back with you in a little bit."

Being compassionate with ourselves like this allows us to drink the nectar of wisdom and compassion and move forward with new purpose. We have tremendous potential. New ways of thinking and new perspectives are here. This aha moment is a gift but we worked and have made ourselves ready to receive it.

This month there is an opportunity to examine our commitments. Through careful discernment and spontaneous inspiration we can release commitments that no longer serve us and deepen commitments to what is lasting, sustainable and reflective of our deepest values.

We may be learning that emotional fulfillment is not what we thought it was. It is not looking good in other peoples eyes or being happy all the time. We may be learning that it is the satisfaction that comes from embracing our humanity and finding gratitude for the whole wild and wonderful ride.

Paradoxically emotional fulfillment comes with the ability to take a step back from emotions and practice healthy detachment. If we can take that step back and observe the whole spectrum of our emotions we are no longer compelled to act destructively due to the seemingly unpleasant ones. From this observer place we can live free of complaining and controlling and make friends with reality instead. This practice gives us energy for the process of growing up and being of service.

Journaling/Dialoguing Prompts:

You can gaze at the card noted while you do some free writing on the following questions…

What difficulties did I face compassionately last month? (Strength)

How am I communicating my needs and my feelings to others? (2 of Cups)
How can I share my truth without resorting to complaining or controlling? (2 of Cups)
What am I inspired by right now? (Ace of Swords)

What commitments am I releasing and what commitments am I my deepening? (4 of Wands)
What helps me take a step back and practice healthy detachment/compassion? (10 of Cups)

Favorite Book

Understanding the Thoth Tarot by Milo DuQette

The Thoth Tarot deck was the first tarot deck ever gifted to me by my dear husband. I am partial to its potent magic and symbology. The artwork of Lady Freida Harris somehow sings the fabric of the universe through color, shape and symbol. The Thoth Tarot deck is the result of collaboration between Lady Frieda Harris and Alastair Crowley. Anyone who has tried to read Alastair Crowley knows his writing can be very esoteric and challenging. DuQuette's book brings to light all the background you need to unlock the many doors of understanding and insight contained in the Thoth deck. His book takes some very deep wisdom and makes it accessible, digestible and readable. The book also contains some history about Alastair Crowley and the circle of British occultists at the turn-of-the-century that I find fascinating.

Psychology in the Movies

Dr Sleep

Dr Sleep is a psychological thriller directed by Mike Flanagan. It is the sequel to The Shining and so has been much anticipated by Stephen King fans and lovers of the horror genre. I enjoyed the directors cut which is streaming on HBO. I love a good psychological thriller and this is my favorite one so far this year. I know scary movies aren't for everyone so sit this out if you are not a fan. Pro tip: I like to watch scary movies in the daytime because not only does it feel deliciously decadent but I can relax and enjoy the film without getting too scared and I have time to digest the material before bed.

I love this film because it is ultimately about recovery from addiction and trauma. I love this film because it is about paying recovery forward. I love this film because it takes some heavy duty topics and weaves them into myth and image. Films that do this well help me cultivate my inner observer: the part of me that can sit with and face some heavy shit.

I am not the only person who really liked this film. Stephen King says "Everything that I ever disliked about the Kubrick version of The Shining is redeemed for me here.” Stephen King is an outspoken critic of the Stanley Kubrick adaptation of his novel. After having seen Dr. Sleep I understand more what was missing from Kubrick's rendition. That film is visually gorgeous and the characters absolutely archetypal. I love Kubrick's The Shining. However, the film does not capture the depth of humanity that is so prevalent in Dr. Sleep. King's insights into addiction, family trauma and recovery come through Flanagan's film. Stephen King is in recovery and I always enjoy his allusions to the 12 step process and to spirituality. 12 step references are notoriously bad in films and it is so refreshing to see them woven so seamlessly into Danny's story and into Dr. Sleep.

The film follows Danny Torrence who has grown up and developed some very unhealthy although effective coping mechanisms. The coping mechanisms keep the trauma at bay but also thwart the gifts (The Shining). Danny learns to compartmentalize his trauma and to dull his sensitivity. Both of these tactics work for a time until Danny finds he cannot run from himself any more. He then finds a spiritual community through synchronous good fortune and he begins to heal.

In recovery terms, Danny learns that his dark past becomes his greatest asset when he is in service of another.

How different people deal with trauma and addiction is a major theme in the film. Rose the Hat has made a religion out of it. Snakebite Andi's unresolved trauma turned her poisonous. Danny's father Jack most infamously lost the battle with addiction.

I find the scariest character in the film to be Mrs. Massey aka the lady in the bathtub. I see her as representing addiction. In the first Shining Jack Nicholson's character is seduced by her beauty and it is only once he is in her embrace does he realize the dark truth. How like addiction this is. In the King novels Mrs. Massey represents the seductive power of evil (addiction). Both Danny and Abra Stone (the amazing Kick-ass heroine of Dr. Sleep) have to learn to live with this part of themselves. They must find peace with addiction. Danny tried running from his problems and this only made his addictions worse. Abra has learned from Danny and faces what she fears head on. Watch the last scene to see what I mean.

Shine on...

The Inner Twin

Book Online Session

HAPPY NEW MOON

Happy Juneteenth. This is a special weekend, it is the summer solstice and a new moon. I am hoping all of you have some time to rest, rejuvenate and recenter. I honor all the ways you are soul searching, healing and bringing shadows into light. May all your efforts bear fruit!

I am really excited about the intersection of commitment and surrender. How does one practice committed surrender and surrendered commitment? Can we deeply commit without attachment or a death-grip on the outcome? Can we deeply surrender and recognize the limits of our control while still being steadfast in our integrity and values? Each of us must find our own balance and this involves lots of "mistakes" as the pendulum swings from side to side and we slip out of balance... too far in one direction or the other.

The pendulum always settles if we can let go and let it swing. Where surrender and commitment cross on the axis is the transformational place, the magic place. May we each find our balance and our unique intersection of the two....one day at a time.

We explore balance and much much more in this new and still coagulating offering...
EMBRACING THE SHADOW WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN

GUIDED IMAGINATION

This guided imagination honors gemini season and is an invitation to dialogue with the inner twin. Think the lovers card in Tarot ~ the inner marriage between our light and dark, our masculine and feminine, our tame and our wild side. Jungian depth therapy creates a container for this inner marriage and often utilizes active imagination as a way to get the internal dialogue going. After all if inner marriage is to occur, we better start with introductions, chatting, likes, dislikes, etc. Think courting....

Our inner others are the complement to our conscious ego and help us to stay balanced. Our inner others are often different that what we show the world. When we become more consciously aware of the balance this creates we become more confident, whole and in integrity.

Once you get relaxed and listen to the guided imagination here are some journaling prompts to help you dialogue with the inner other. Remember with guided imagination you are completely in charge. If you are feeling uneasy or disturbed you can stop any time. Try to hold guided imagination lightly and not take things too seriously, this helps us to be creative and go with the flow.

LISTEN TO THE GUIDED IMAGINATION HERE

Journaling/Dialoguing Prompts:

Asking the Inner Other and answering as the Inner Other:

What do you want me to know about you?

What do I misunderstand about you?

What are you really good at?

How do you want to help me?

What do I need to do to be in balance?

What would delight you?

What makes you powerful?

How can you help me in my relationships?

What is your dearest wish for me?

Favorite Book

How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

As a depth therapist I am focussed on wholeness, in acknowledging the both the conscious and the unconscious, the light and the dark. The business of devaluing the unconscious and valorizing the conscious fuels psychopathology and soul sickness. This same mechanism of devaluing and valorizing fuels racism, sexism and every other systemic pathology. As Kendi points out "denial is the heartbeat of racism." His book is skillfully supporting me to soften my defenses, face my own denial and see where I am caught in blindly devaluing and valorizing. I learned from my Gestalt teachers that "where there is awareness there is choice." This book is is miracle grow for my awareness and is helping me face where I am perpetuating racist ideas and perspectives.

MUSIC

Witches New Moon Mix - Enjoy xo

PLAYLIST FROM HEARTSNACKS

Psychology in the Movies

Melancholia is a (melancholy) and beautiful film written and directed by Lars Von Trier. This is dark moon viewing at its best. I just rewatched the film after some years and was deeply impacted again. The psychologically minded viewer will appreciate the heartbreakingly poignant depiction of depression as well as the razor sharp portrayal of codependence and family dysfunction.

However, it is the films imagery and dream like beauty that will really blow you away and take you to a place of deep and emotive contemplation. Viewer discretion advised as this film contains apocalyptic themes and is potentially depressing. If you are looking for an easy uplifting film this is not the one. I do think it is a beautiful and worthwhile film of you are feeling up to it. It is potentially cathartic as you may find that the beauty and truth in the film far surpasses the morbidity.

Von Trier peers into the theme of control and surrender to fate. I find it to be a cathartic film because it allows us to face fears, grapple with them and ultimately surrender in our way along side the two main characters, sisters Justine and Claire. Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg give relentless performances as two sisters with complementary dysfunction in a rich but irrevocably damaged family. This movie also stars an amazing cast: Charlotte Rampling, John Hurt, Alexander and Stellan Skarsgard to name a few.

As the film builds towards its climax layers of illusion are peeled away and what was previously obscured is revealed. In this way, the film is a rich exploration of the unconscious. The anger and wisdom underneath Justine's depression is revealed. The fear and desperation underneath Claire's codependence is revealed. The cowardice and selfishness underneath Claire's husbands bravado is revealed. The wisdom underneath Leo's youth is revealed.

The imagery in the film is as rich as a Tarot deck. I especially enjoy the opening sequence. The film asks many questions and is one of the most dream like and emotive films I've ever seen. Give it a try sometime if you are feeling moody and want to drink in some visual beauty whilst plumbing the depths.

Embracing the Shadow Women's Group

Check out my new offerings in the the making:

SOUL CONNECTION PROCESS FOR COUPLES

EMBRACING THE SHADOW WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN

JUNE TAROT READING

Center: THE MAGICIAN - Us as a collective right now.

Left: WHEEL OF FORTUNE - Our recent past.

Right: THE EMPRESS - Our near future

Above; FOUR OF CUPS - The conscious material at play

Below: PAGE OF SWORDS - The Unconscious material at play

We are the magician. We have many tools at our disposal, tools of thinking, feeling, manifesting and inspiring and this time calls for them all. The recent past has invited us to experience our wholeness and to face parts of ourselves previously shadowed un the unconscious. What was hidden is now revealed and available to be alchemized by our inner magician.

Our ability to use our creative powers will depend on our ability to stay centered and to allow emotions to surface whilst also staying connected to a still point inside. We will also be called to "spin" our perceptions and change our perceptions radically if we are to make effective magic, grow and affect tangible change under present circumstances.

If we open to our wholeness, change our perspective and utilize our magician functions - embodiment of our values awaits us in the near future. We will be mothering ourselves in a completely new way and creating abundance in the areas that matter to us most. If we stay the course, our ability to walk our talk will increase dramatically.

Grief that was previously hidden is now all around us in the conscious world and so can now be digested and integrated. It is essential to give grief it's due course so that new hope can be born.

Unconsciously we are birthing the ability to have our words match our deeds. Right now it is hard to translate the insights and transformations we are experiencing into tangible results. We need patience and diligence. We need to take it one day at a time. We need to break goals down into teeny tiny action items that we can take daily.

We are reminded to use all the tools at our disposal and to daily do two things: make space for the unconscious by connecting to art, dreams or imagery. Be methodical about bringing our values into manifestation by daily setting manageable objectives that walk us toward our greater aims.

The Tarot is an amazing tools for confusing times. When things feel loaded or unclear imagery can help us connect with truths that lay beneath the content. Images engage the unconscious mind which is the part of us that is able to make sense of complex material in an intuitive way. We FEEL the way a particular image is able to make sense of and hold seemingly contradictory emotions. When I stand in front of a painting and simultaneously feel joy, excitement, grief, connected to all beings and exquisitely alone the power of image is revealed. Tarot taps into this same function and helps me to hold multiple truths and connect with the depths of my being and intuition.

Favorite June Book

Existential Kink By Carolyn Elliot

Carolyn Elliot is a true wordsmith. She integrates hermetic wisdom and Jungian psychology in playful straightforward language. Her insights and tools produce tangible results rapidly. Her ability to articulate complex material is uncanny and a true pleasure to read. She narrates the audio version so you can enjoy her sassy sense of humor more fully through that medium.

MUSIC

Summer Jams Relaxing Spotify Mix - Enjoy xo

PLAYLIST FROM HEARTSNACKS

Psychology on TV

Normal People is a show based on the novel by writer Sally Rooney. It documents the (sometimes exquisite) pain of falling in love as a young person. Even more poignantly it illustrates how early trauma plays out in relationships before we have had the chance to process it it in adulthood.

The show will be interesting for those interested in avoidant and anxious attachment styles, sex and love addiction and healing from trauma. Many people who watch it will not be considering these topics and will be content to consume the dramatic and sensual elements of the show but the more discerning and psychologically minded viewer will enjoy the deeper layers and dynamics.

Normal People highlights how painful it is when communication breaks down in relationship and how easily we can misunderstand each other. Without awareness and communication Marrianne and Connell project their worst fears onto one another and are more in relationship to their trauma than to each other. This is easy to see in other people and very hard to recognize in ourselves.

The show also depicts how even in our earlier dysfunction we are creatively exploring how to heal. The late teens and earlier 20's are often characterized by symptoms of our early trauma and our creative attempts to heal. Often it is the consequences those "misguided" attempts create that forge and necessitate the path to true recovery, insight and healing.

The show is beautifully made and the characters extremely rich and multi-dimensional. The show has deep feminist undertones and poignantly explores what is is to be a young, bright and wounded woman.