
There has been a real theme of "change" in my work lately. Who knows if it's the odd and eccentric influence of Aquarius or if it's the natural chaos of a new year, or maybe, it's a new era. Change is scary. It can sometimes feel like the energy of The Tower card from our tarot deck, as we watch the world freeze over and come crashing down around us.
Words like "upheaval, chaos, revelation, awakening" are all listed in the description for The Tower card at Biddy Tarot. How can we view The Tarot card as an archetype and pattern in our lives? What can we do personally to better weather transformation and all its parts, good and bad?
This past November '24, Pluto moved into Aquarius for the next 20 years. The predictions around this astrological position change are outlined in an article from Yoga Journal and include, "metamorphosis, evolution, and transmutation. It relates to truth and power and identifying what’s going on beyond the surface." Tarot tells us that, this "metamorphosis" requires a Tower moment, and folks, we are here.
Let's learn more about what you can do to keep a level-head through change and stress.
Here are 5 ways you can support your wellness and health during times of stress:
Focus on your locus of control.
In Jungian Tarot, The Tower is related to the Father as Avenger/Protector. To better understand Jungian Tarot and the associations to relational figures and energy (Grandparents, Parents, Son, Daughter, etc.) you have to sit with and meditate on the inner relationship you have with that archetype. In the case of The Tower card, to identify where your responsibility starts and where it ends is within yourself. Ways to self reflect on this energy include, conversing (internally) with a father like energy who has made a major and unpleasant decision. Reflect on some punishment that you feel has been inflicted on you and consider any accidents or areas where we may be reaping what we sow. The shadows that arise in processing these thoughts and ideas, are usually exactly what we need to face within ourselves to find grace and understanding throughout the period in which this energy is coming in to our lives. Journal it out.
In Tarot Psychology by Robert Wang, we learn that "The figure behind The Tower is actually The Emperor who has stepped down from his exhalated throne and has donned armor. His task is to sweep away institutions that have become useless in our lives. A sword in one hand destroys utterly, but the other holds a rose of peace and conciliation." How can we embody the peace and strength that we need to reach the change we are hoping to see? What can we do right now to support the change we desire? What do we have the power to change? What must we accept, even if it's unpleasant?
Extra time on your mat.
Last week's Sunday Yoga reading included a section from Journey to the Heart by Melody Beattie that advised us to stop "waiting for the change." The only way we reach the change we are seeking in by being in the present. And bringing the energy to the present situation that is needs for future growth. Feel your feels, move through the feels and leave it on your mat. Body movement can help us process energy that feels "stuck" on a physiological level. Our body is made up of cells that all have a memory of ideas and thoughts and how those mental processes show up physically in the body. When we move, we open the body up to assist in moving these memories through their process on a physical plane.
Join us online every Sunday for a weekly reset that integrates yoga, reiki and the subtle body.
Learn or practice reiki or some other stress relief technique.
Reiki, in it's most basic form, is a stress relief technique. If you are a trained practitioner, don't forget the power of the symbols, and come back to them. This will help align you with a consciousness that resonates with healing and relaxation. Symbols can help are brains remember a particular feeling or experiences, kind of in the same way that a smell can remind us of a loved one or a butterfly of those past. We remember these things from a biological perspective and our bodies respond.
If you haven't experienced reiki and are interested in learning more about the practice, you can book a FREE 15 minute consultation to learn more about reiki and other holistic modalities that might be helpful in reducing stress and the pain it causes. I also offer Usui Holy Fire Reiki I, II and Master level training for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of the practice.
4. Detoxing and cleansing is recommended, but if you need some mental relief, keep it plant based. No alcohol.
The eight limbs of yoga teach us through the yamas, a sanskrit word that translates to "restraints" as described in The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice by Deborah Adele.
The yamas teach us philosophy around truthfulness, and the truth is, sometimes we need a mental break to reset. Intention, set and setting are important things to keep in mind, but keeping it plant-based is best during times of high stress.
Plant medicine alternatives can actually help keep us mentally flexible and creative during times of intense pressure. No alcohol. It's poison to the brain and is a depressant, making harder times even more difficult. Avoidance and substance abuse are never healthy, regardless of the form. You can achieve the mental break you need without the consumption of alcohol, by integrating a mindful plant based alternative into your personal wellness routine.
If you are interested in learning more about plant medicine integration to reduce stress, you can book a free 15-minute consultation here:
Start a Journal or Planner and keep track of your thoughts and tasks.
We have a group for that! Join our Planning for Wellness Group and engage with other like-minded wellness warriors that are looking to improve their overall health by integrating holistic and alternative practices in to their traditional medicine routines.
Caring for ourselves is important so that we can offer that space to those whom we care for.
Everything will be, OK. You are loved and you are important.
Sunday Night Yoga Online - 7PM Eastern
Comentarios