Since the last time I posted here almost a year ago, I had mentioned I was going through a metamorphosis. I did a lot of soul-searching and reflection on it over several weeks, and I made the move. Before I do anything else, I need to extend a great deal of gratitude to everyone who's helped and supported me, especially my husband. Everyone needs a rock to lean on, and I'm very lucky to have one. Because of so many people being there for me, I've crawled my way out of the swampy water, shed my old skin and have spread my wings. Ain't they purty? Allow me to tell you all about their iridescent facets!

It was around the same time last year when I left the agency I began my real estate career four years earlier. The one I chose was a much larger one yet still a local independent - from three people (including myself) in my old office to nearly 500! It was a frightening experience for sure, but the change paid off in more ways than one. Not only did all of the landlords I regularly worked with follow me over, which I am still touched by that, but I gained quite a few new clients throughout the year! Since then, I had also earned my broker license, which I know is something that would not have happened if I stayed where I was. And, because I have that, I now have many more opportunities available to me, such as rental property management and sales. My managing broker feels I would be a natural at property management, and for the right client, I would cheerfully offer that service!


This was one of my doodles while I was studying. I tend to remember things not only by writing them down, but also by matching stuff to pop culture references.

Money-wise, yes, I closed the books on 2016, and I earned more money with Kale Realty than I did with my past brokerage, and I earned that only with commissions. At the other place, I was also their office manager, so a good portion of what I earned was income for administrative work. Now, the only stuff like that I do is for myself, and it's a lot more fun! One of the reasons I chose these guys is because they truly allow me to be independent - so I was able to design my own business cards, door hangers, signs, banners and holiday cards (which those, I was able to design them for my friends and family and not just for clients and prospects - I mailed hundreds!). Creating a sign for my retail storefronts - that was a huge achievement for me - the first time I officially got to use my broker license over being a leasing agent.

[Putting on my Realtor hat] This vintage Logan Square corner storefront rental with commercial zoning has tin ceilings, exposed brick and a full basement! Priced right!

In 2016, I passed quite a few checkpoints and crossed off bucket list items, all thanks to that big change! One of the first things that happened was I won a set of tickets from the office to the White Sox opening game. Oh, and these weren't bleacher seats, either. We were right behind home plate, and the tickets also came with premium parking and access to the VIP area - fancy bar, restaurant with carving station and fancy bathrooms! What, you don't believe me? Well let me show you!

Apologies for the long hiatus in posting here at Broomstix on Pagansquare. Like most folks, I (Natalie) found 2016 to be a bit of a challenging year--in good ways, and... some not so good ways. Many good things happened, for me, particularly, the release of Magical Destinations of the Northeast in October was a high point, but it was bittersweet. I lost several family members and friends in 2016, including two beloved mentors, one of my contributors to Magical Destinations of the Northeast, and my Aunt Vinnie and Uncle John... It seems that everyone has had something last year. LAST, being the operative word.

So here's what's happening at broomstix ♥ The Broomstix Blog at Blogspot is finally being shaped into the archive I envisioned. I'm currently in the process of sorting all of the material by category, and where possible by sabbat and season. Have a look at the TAROT page which features Claire Cunnington's very cool tutorial, illustrated with Robin Ator's Ator Tarot, all together and complete for the first time!

Card images used in this article are from the exciting new Midcenturian Tarot by Madam Clara. Visit her Etsy shop here to snag your very own copy.

Tarot can be used for so much more than just divination. In fact, my favorite use of the cards is for focused intention and manifestation. Want to expand a particular energy in your life? Enhance an area? Invite more? Then consciously choose the card/s that represent whatever it is you want to attract; don’t rely on randomness or blind “Card of the Day” pulls to guess what it is you really want. (That’s a bit like wanting to make a specific recipe, going into a grocery store blindfolded and then pulling things off the shelves for your order!).

 We at We'Moon are so excited for this new year!
After the tribulations and changes the leap year held for us, we enter into a dazzling display of STARDUST!
This year's art is the magnificent Cosmic Whispers by Emily Kell.

Cosmic Whispers is part of a female empowerment series that honors women in
their many unique manifestations of beauty. The message written throughout
the painting reads:

Every once in awhile I look at you and remember
that you are me, and we are god
And our souls are little embers burning endlessly
In the vacuous heartbeat of eternity
You are one tiny torn thread in the tapestry
And You are exactly as you should be.
Cosmic Whispers © Emily Kell 2014

We'Moon 2017 sparkles with StarDust! Our recent thematic travels through
Tarot's Major Arcana cards have carried us through challenging realms: The
Devil XV (We'Moon 2015: Wild Card) and The Tower XVI (We'Moon 2016: Quantum
Leap Year).

Here we are with The Star XVII—and we are delighted! The Star
card opens us to the vast comforts of a benevolent universe, the
heart-stirrings of personal and global healing, the astonishing
possibilities of vibrant imagination.

The StarDust theme does not deny angst; creative encounter with negative energy is still imperative. Life on
Earth is truly imperiled by climate catastrophe and human violence.Frightening gravities indeed!...We invited praise for Stars as "Brilliant cosmic wonders blazing across space/time, all cultures, all dimensions;
beacons of inspiration shining toward creative magic, expanded awareness,
visionary action."
Bethroot Gwynn © Mother Tongue Ink 2016

Emily Kell (Savannah, GA) I am a visionary artist whose work takes root in ideals of divine feminine and a return to the energy of the primordial goddess. I created a language to write secret poems and messages that I include in my female empowerment series that honors women in their many unique manifestations of beauty.

Bethroot Gwynn (Myrtle Creek, OR) marks her 21st year as WeMoon's Special Editor and her 41st at Fly Away Home women's land, where she grows food, theater and ritual. For more info about spiritual gatherings or working visits send a SASE to POB 593, Myrtle Creek, OR 97457). 

Before I began my Priestess walk in this lifetime I was an avid student of mysticism, so avid that I have named the brand of spirituality that I practice Feminine Mysticism.

As in most recent years, I didn't make a resolution.  No pronouncement about some goals I would accomplish (and then fail to pursue after the first week of January), no public announcements at all until I was ready to share them once measurable results could be seen.  This doesn't mean I didn't have goals, but rather than hoist a banner resolution high above my reach, I set myself to action the moment a goal formed in my mind.

There were four main goals I accomplished this year: