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There's something uniquely special about spring. New beginnings, revivals, and rebirth are just some of the prevalent themes. Since there has been a lot of intense and unpredictable energy whipping around these days in the aftermath of the Storm Moon/lunar eclipse, followed quickly by Mercury in retrograde, this could be a good time to pause before diving into that new project or adventure. 

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Communication and travel plans could get wonky until April 7th, as well. So it might be more beneficial to approach new things slowly, with consideration and care. Ask, "Is this really good for me right now?" "Can it wait?" Think baby steps. Cleaning up a room closet or basement are good, slow spring cleaning projects. So is treating yourself to a new homemade facial mask, or bubble bath mixture. Likewise, experimenting with a new recipe that might require more care while listening to some peaceful classical music would be an excellent choice. Take the time to journal and reflect on the things you would like to accomplish between now and the Summer Solstice. That way you can plan with focus and intent.

 Who do you love? What do you love? What are you passionate about? In these current crazy times of unrest, sometimes getting back to simplicity and what is truly important can be the most effective way to deal. This is still the contemplative season, and if you are able to go on a quiet winter retreat–even an overnight, I would highly recommend it. Journaling, self-care, walking in nature while the silent snow falls gently all around you–the spiritual revelations that can come can be deep and poignant at this time. Above all right now, tapping into the spiritual strength of nature–and our own inner reserves–can be the most powerful thing we can do. That and being there for others close to us that might be struggling or having a difficult time processing everything.

Phyllis in February

These are just a few of the many topics that our cherished return guest, author/teacher/activist Phyllis Curott brings to the table on the latest podcast episode of, “Women Who Howl at the Moon.” I enjoy having Phyllis back every year, as I tell her at the beginning of the show. She has such powerful insight and worthy advise to weather various storms, of all kinds. Speaking of which, we had quite a doozy, in the Midwest all day yesterday, well into the evening! So although we couldn’t fully appreciate the light of Grandmother Moon here last night, we can still feel the power of the February Quickening Moon tonight, Friday, and Saturday. Phyllis shares a wonderful ritual you can perform under the full moon’s light–especially if you have some privacy and warmer temperatures. However it could also be adapted to a back bedroom, where you can see and feel the full moonlight shining in on you through a window.

 This seemed all too apropos for me to post as close to the night of the Full Wolf Moon as possible. It was so bright with the colorful halos around it this weekend, it already appeared all the way there. Alas, I ran out of time with my schedule yesterday, but since the moon’s lingering beauty and power will remain at least three days more, this is still relevant. It is a special time of year, for those two items alone. To me, the wolf symbolizes resilience, perseverance, and inner resolves. Making the most of our reserves, if you will. Unless you are a purposeful lone wolf, there’s no reason not to draw on some help from the pack (or our friends and family) when we need to. At the beginning of the year, this January Full Moon also brings with it, an air of mystery of the unknown. The year is new, awaiting us and we have yet to see how exactly things are going to unfold. There might be some fear, caution, or trepidation with these looming question marks. This could also be coupled with excitement, anticipation, and a healthy sense of adventure. I’m going to lean in harder to the latter, myself. Facing the fear and doing it anyway, feels about right at the moment.

Scary Stuff

Speaking of shaking hands with the big scary out there, I will be sharing my intimate “Colleen Confessional” on my podcast, “Women Who Howl at the Moon” this month. It can be a little vulnerable and unnerving sharing some of my deepest thoughts with a microphone for 30-40 minutes and putting them out there on the Interweb for all to hear, but I am definitely one to trust my instincts.

 Now is the time to go inward, and I myself am welcoming it tenfold. It has truly been a whirlwind of a year, and allowing ourselves the time to reflect and regroup has begun. Stock up on your candles and light them. Slow down the pace and take the time to just be. Planning how you want the coming year to unfold and considering what has worked and not worked in the past–all seem to be in order.

Balance and Burnout

 Traditionally of course, this is always the time of the season for much socializing, merriment, and activity. Although it’s often fun and easy to get caught up in the flow of this, balance should be considered. We should recognize the times that we feel suddenly overwhelmed and are on the brink of burning out. At those moments, it’s really key to step back out of the spotlight and let others have their turn. Retreat, regroup, recharge. Hey! I think I’m going to make that my motto through the end of this year, as it comes to a close.

Despite the outcome of the recent election, I am still finding reasons to be thankful and practice gratitude during this holiday season. I have a wonderful circle of close friends, I can still converse with my family and spend time with them, and I’ve enjoyed enough steady freelance work the last couple of months to pay my bills and stay on top of things. I’m not going to preach about fighting the good fight, or never giving up hope, or staying cheerful no matter what. For one thing, it’s just not practical for everyone right now, myself included. What I can share, is that there’s no better time than the present for practicing self-care.

Good Company

It can be all too easy to get lost in social obligations, trying in vain to create the perfect meal, or worrying too much about how we’re stacking up to others at this time of year. We need to let ourselves off the hook, take a deep breath, and cut ourselves some slack. Visiting should be about the people, not the places. The setting is a backdrop, and the food we share together is a complement to the good company. Plus, there is no such thing as perfection–so there, too.

 Hello everyone, and Happy Halloween/Samhain season to you all. I am honored to have Allison Jornlin on our podcast episode 48, kicking off season 5!

FEMALE PARANORMAL INVESTIGATORS

Allison Jornlin has been investigating strange phenomena for more than 20 years. Inspired by Chicago’s Richard Crowe, one of the pioneers of U.S. ghost tourism, she developed Milwaukee’s first haunted history tour in 2008. Allison currently works as a self-proclaimed "professional weirdo," speaking throughout the U.S., writing for a variety of publications, and developing haunted history tours for American Ghost Walks. Her lifetime passion project is paranormalwomen.com, where she sets the record straight about the unsung female trailblazers of paranormal investigation, parapsychology, and psychical research.

Hopefully, you’re still basking in the glow of the glorious Harvest Full Moon on Tuesday! Now with the Autumnal Equinox to enjoy, you can truly slow down and count your blessings. My dear friend and frequent “Women Who Howl at the Moon” guest (she was our very first, as a matter of fact), has a lovely magical suggested exercise in her Witches’ Wisdom Tarot deck, corresponding with the “Offering” card. For a week, she suggests just that, counting your blessings: Per Phyllis’ magical counsel, “Each day for a week, write down one thing for which you’re grateful. For each gift you’ve received, choose a way to give back with gratitude.” Try it–I did, and it is truly a revelation how much we have to be grateful for, even with the seemingly smallest of things. You can listen more to Phyllis and hear many other fascinating and engaging guests you may have missed on our show on Podbean, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, (now including Apple and Spotify).