I’m so excited — it’s like the first day of school! The nodes moved, which means a new 18-month phase of growth has begun! Exactly what part of your life is highlighted depends on your birth chart, but I’ll give you an overview and a few examples from my own life.


First: Think about where you were April 12, 2022. What shifts did you feel around that day versus the 18 months prior to that? And then today, how are you feeling about the future? Consider this as you set intentions...


Rahu / Ketu are underlying influences — like the subconscious mind. From an astronomer’s view, they’re located at opposing points on the ecliptic where the Sun and Moon’s path intersect during eclipses. So they’re not actual “planets” but they’re given the distinction of planets in Jyotish. If their themes aren’t tended within us, we might struggle with unexpected events or feel at odds with our soul’s calling. If their energy is nurtured via a spiritual path, we can see blessings where others see “chaos.”


This photo was me — 18 mo. ago. Since then, a huge focus has been on self-development, and my relationship with Sean. We’d just wrapped an amazing retreat season, and spent the rest of 2022 building our house together, just the two of us — a feat that seems surreal, even though we live in it now! I’m so grateful for the lessons of this chapter.


The next 18 months is for discerning what really matters in life. Rahu is in Pisces where we can finally achieve an enlightened life through meditation and spiritual practice, and Ketu finds structure and practicality via Virgo’s attention to detail.


However, if we’re not on our spiritual path, Rahu in ♓️ / Ketu in ♍️ can lead us to search for spiritual happiness and fulfillment in material “stuff” -- where it cannot be found or bought. Expenses skyrocket, overwhelm sets in, and spiritual connection feels meaningless.


So! Decide what you need spiritually for the next 18 months. Pursue the path that feel right. Go where the breadcrumbs lead you. Rahu/Ketu intuitive guidance is not always obvious. We must reprogram our subconscious, trust intuition, and stick to practices that tune us in🧘‍♀️🩷

I’ve been doing a ton of prep for my SHEJourney 300-hour training that starts in 2024. An advanced 300-hour program like this is where we deep dive into archetypal wisdom of the Pancha Maha Bhutas (5 great elements), the Dasha Maha Vidyas (10 great wisdom goddesses), the subtle body, and more.


The truth is, archetypes are universal signs and symbols. They are the reason brands choose certain colors for their logos. Yellow makes us think of will power and strength (Helloooo McDonalds!). Or red — red is universally associated with earth, with survival, with “life blood” so to speak. (Coca-Cola anyone?)


Or for a spiritual example, you can look at any religious or spiritual tradition, and they all have someone, or something that represents Mother. Mother is a universal symbol of nourishment, of giving life, and of support.


The key is: Each one of us has a different relationship with yellow, red, Mother, earth — all the archetypes — because of our lived experience. If you’re close with your physical mother, that’s one association. Someone else may NOT be close with their Mother and as such has a differing experience when the symbol is used.

Therefore, when we bring symbols into our daily practice of meditation, journaling, reading or otherwise, we give our mind a chance to relate in its own way to a given sign or symbol. If we listen closely (especially if we train our mind to do so!), we can hear the voice of our inner, higher self.


Perhaps a symbol triggers an inner knowing to “go for it.” Or we have a gut feeling that it’s “time to let go.” Or we dream about a lost loved one and that dreamy interaction gives us peace.


Ultimately, when we feel at peace through an interaction with our higher self, THAT is archetypal wisdom. If we feel confused, or afraid, or shameful in any way, that’s not wisdom, but rather it’s our ego blocking the way to our true self.


Having a regular practice (and sometimes getting guidance from a counselor, teacher or coach) can help you open this channel for yourself so it’s clear and unclouded. No one can “do this for you,” which is why it’s so powerful when students decide to open up to the magic within themselves.


I tap into archetypal wisdom through being in nature, and noticing plants, animals and weather. I absolutely do this when I’m studying someone’s birth chart in Vedic Astrology. I use card decks like this well-loved one from my shelf by @kim_krans. I love reading writings from infamous psychologist Carl Jung, or through favorite authors like @ashafrost who give me glimpses into ancient indigenous traditions.


To me, it’s not about the outward “worship” of deities and archetypes, so much as inward contemplation, and a practice of noticing. If an owl makes me think of a loved one, then of course it’s a message because I feel it in my heart. Your ego will say to you: “You’re crazy. That’s not my loved one.” But your ego isn’t interested in magic — your heart is.


In short, life is just SWEETER with archetypes, signs and symbols. For me, they provide a framework to access the sweet nectar of life, which is available to every single one of us.

Before we discuss “what this means,” I’d like to tell you a story about where the name Ashwini comes from. I find it easier to digest complex topics through symbols and stories, and I’m hoping you do too 😉


In the archetypal stories from India, the Sun is depicted as a living incarnation named Surya. And Surya — like his star-counterpart in the sky — is HOT. And he doesn’t necessarily try to be hot, or make himself hot. He simply is who he is… fiery! 🔥


So Surya’s wife, Sanjana, was feeling the heat. She had already given birth to three children with Surya — but the intensity of his presence was unbearable, so she left. She regretted her decision, but knew she couldn’t go back.


Perhaps you can relate (whether at work, with family, a romantic partner or otherwise) where you’d do a big life-changing moment differently if given the chance.


Regardless, we all have to understand that what’s done is done. And yet, deep in our heart is an imprint from that moment that sticks with us.


Sanjana went into the forest, and disguised herself as a mare in order to keep hidden and safe. When Surya discovered the truth of her departure, he went to find her and transformed himself into a horse in order to reestablish their relationship on a new level. A new start.


Although we never know at the time of decision how the ripples of life will affect us in the long run, this story illustrates how life meets us when we’re true to our own heart. Like Sanjana, when the heat is too much and we tend to our soul, life bends to meet our needs in the most poetic ways, like Surya and his willingness to change.


Sanjana and Surya gave birth to twins after their reunion — who are said to be born of true love and the overcoming of all obstacles. Ashwins are said to be the link between the night and the dawn of a new day, as divine messengers. Thus, the Ashwini Kumara are the twin sons of Surya and Sanjana — and natural healers of the zodiac, like the healing love between their parents. And although this story is about partnership, its symbolism extends far beyond romantic love.

As my month of fibroid-removal surgery recovery in Wisconsin comes to an end, I’m trying to spend as much time with my dad as I can. He has Alzheimer’s and lives at a local nursing home.


He doesn’t walk or talk anymore… and in a weird way, it’s easier to visit and feed him dinner because there’s no pressure to make small talk or keep his mind busy with games. His words are few, mostly gibberish — and his emotions, though sparse, are big and confusing.


BUT. He still looks like Dad 😏

(Below was as close as my mom and I could get to a smile "on demand")

But I also know things are “good” (or “bad”) because we perceive them as such. So I’ve been pondering: Is it possible my dad’s situation isn’t all bad?


We talk in yoga philosophy about how “The yogi travels light.” And on many spiritual paths, the whole idea is to live life, but not hold too tightly to anything. To let go of grudges, pay debts, resist material temptation, be present, feel pain and let it go — avoiding suffering in the process.


There are times when life forces us to let go. And there are times we choose to let go. Alzheimer’s is a weird (and oftentimes slllowwww) combination of both. I’ve been trying to imagine what it must be like to be my dad, and consciously have to let go of every single aspect of life that you’ve ever known. Career, home, responsibilities, identity, family, memories, physical abilities, and even his intellect and life wisdom. (Seriously… imagine!) Every part of him has regressed to almost a child-like state of forgetfulness.


And that’s the heart of it.


To me, childlike “forgetfulness” is, in a way, actually a one-ness with God/goddess/universe/creation (choose what resonates with you). When we come into the world, we are abruptly pulled from oneness, as we learn we are “separate” from mother. We continue to forget our “oneness” the older we get, and the more focused we become on our individual self.


But, within each of us remains that core knowing that our body is made of the same elements as all living things, and our soul is part of the infinite aspect of the Universe. If we’re lucky (and diligent!), we get to “remember” that blissful state throughout life.

We might taste that sweet nectar while we dance (I love the above photo of Dad at my best friend’s wedding!), during meditation, rituals and ceremonies, as we sing, ski/snowboard, attend our place of worship, gaze at breathtaking scenery, hear the hoot of an owl or the call of a raven... whatever stirs us to our core. But the kicker is that even after a blissful moment, we must then go back to playing our roles.


We must go from a meditative high to cleaning up metaphorical (or literal!) dog sh*t 🫠


I try so hard to keep my own blissful undercurrent going through the most blahhh aspects of life, but alas: I’m human! And Dad? He’s human too... but I can assure you he no longer carries any of his worldly possessions, attachments, autonomy, responsibilities or memories.


As a yogi, Dad is traveling very VERY light. He made the ultimate sacrifice of letting go of everything he knew… for the unknown. And what’s left after everything else is gone? I could contemplate that for a lifetime!


But in Dad’s case, I’m choosing to believe that while he shows us brief moments of emotion and recognition, all that’s left within (especially by the time he makes an exit from this world someday) is that sweet sweet oneness. Not based on his facial expressions. Not based on his gibberish. Simply a hunch — rooted in spiritual intuition.


It’s “bad” through the lens where I wish I could talk to him and laugh with him, and DANCE together again IRL. And it’s also “beautiful” through the lens of him accessing a direct connection with God — knowing someday we will definitely dance together again.


What’s “bad” is also “beautiful.” Both are real. We only recognize one because we know the other… I think that’s the whole point.


I’m feeling grateful in this season of life. Thanks so much for reading.



Sending you lots of love and healing vibes!

In light,
Mollie

Honored to be featured today on theAlaska Uncovered Podcast with my new friend, Jennie Thwing Flaming. Give it a listen and let me know what you think! 

I’m missing home today— Sean, the dogs, and those incredible snow-covered peaks of the Brooks Range… and yet I’m also feeling gratitude for this month of slowing down and healing. I’ve been reading books and diving into studies that have been on my bucket list for a while now. I’ve been also chipping away at a steady stream of Vedic Astrology readings, which feeds my soul. 💕


About a year ago when I was on a similar (albeit much shorter) healing journey from having COVID, I sent off a typed-up Vedic Astrology reading to my friend Lisa [@lisa_by_design].


That’s how I do readings. I don’t ask for any info at the start other than birth date, time and location. I do the reading on my own time. I type it all out in a 15-20 page document, email them a PDF, and then the client digests my words on their own time. When it feels right, they schedule a call with me to discuss and follow up on things that resonated or need clarification.


Lisa and I chatted about her reading a few days after, shared a few laughs about life and how times have changed since we first met, and have kept in touch since — but I hadn’t heard about any lingering impact of the reading from her… until last month! 🤯 I’ll just let Lisa’s words do the talking:


“That Vedic astrology reading you did for me has been FASCINATING. It came at the right time to help me make decisions that felt true! It’s been a year since I received it, and it’s been such a prolific guide for me. So much has come to fruition.”


Thanks Lisa for letting me use your words, and read your chart 💕Cheers to another year, and another healing journey for all of us. Grateful for your friendship!

Let’s imagine Solar Eclipses like pebbles dropped into water. Ripples emanate outward from the source in all directions — until the waves cease to exist.


This is like the time surrounding solar eclipses — before, during and after. The size and duration of the waves, of course, depend on our own situation and location. But impacts can be volatile as the luminaries clash — which we’ve seen already, no doubt.


According to the ancient wisdom of Vedic Astrology, the place in the sky where all the action is happening on October 14th, 2023 is Virgo. The star cluster (know as a nakshatra) within Virgo that sets the mood of this event is called Chitra.


The symbol of Chitra is the pearl— and it takes a long time to make a pearl. Scientists actually believe that the “instigator” of pearl creation is a foreign disturbance inside the shell of an oyster, clam or other shelled sea creature. Once there’s a disturbance within its hidden inner environment, cells secrete layers and layers of a hexagonal substance to coat the disturbance with what looks like a “pearl sac.” Over time, the offending scar is completely annihilated, and what’s left from the skirmish is a beautiful pearl — one of the strongest, lightest and most coveted substances on planet earth.


Given that lovely story 🐚 , consider that during a Solar Eclipse, the Moon (our mind) gets lodged between the Sun (our soul) and Earth — so a big focus during a solar eclipse is our inner environment, like the inside of the shell.


It’s important to monitor your mental wellness; just as we are stunned to have sudden darkness during the daytime, we may feel mentally unsettled during eclipses too — as if our mind/emotions get in the way of seeing our soul’s path. Eclipses are never good times for making big decisions, and meditation and other calming, low-commitment activities can be ideal. As the day transitions to night, we’ll be experiencing the Dark / New Moon 🌑 — a time of inward reflection.


​Chitra, however, provides an opportunity for us to grow — in one of two directions. We can grow, just as the shelled creatures do in the ocean with a rough exterior that provides protection and insulates us from the world around us. “Every (wo)man for themselves,” so to speak. This is the material, and practical side of Virgo that rejects magical serendipity and brash decisions to “achieve the impossible dream.” Instead, earthy Virgo prefers intellect over emotion, order and predictability, and (ideally) perfection.


On the other hand, the higher expression of Chitra / Virgo is harnessing a willingness to work on our inner disturbances — and pursue what seems impossible, like the incessant pull we have to live a life of purpose and do the things our soul calls us to do. No one has an inner pearl at the start of their journey, but we know deep down we possess the tools to create it. If we take the leap and allow nature to flow through us, our intuition takes the lead — like the cells in the shell smothering the “disturbance” until it’s irrelevant. We start to form our own beautiful pearl to honor our past and our inner strength. Over time, we heal.


When the time is right, we can open up our shell and show the world how beautiful — and perfect — we are, just as we are… as our true selves.


Remember that perception is everything. If we view life from a dull, helpless perspective and allow ourselves to wallow there, then life will give us back a low-energy, depressing experience.


If, however, we use this cosmic turning point to soothe our mental environment with meditation, prayer, yoga, or any spiritual techniques, and then take stock of our disturbances within (without judgement!), we can start to lay the groundwork for making big changes. We can shift our perspective.


Like the oyster layering on its hexagonal building blocks slowly and mindfully over time, we, too can start taking baby steps toward achieving our wildest dreams.


And, the eclipse has a ripple effect far into the future — so don’t sweat the timeline. Everything is happening in perfect time!

Before you go avoiding black cats, breaking mirrors and walking under ladders, there’s something liberating you should know about this so-called doomed day.


Thousands of years ago, especially in the times pre-patriarchy, Friday the 13th was always seen as a LUCKY day to honor the goddess within — that part of ourselves that’s intimately grounded in nature, that gives life to ideas and new ventures, and that feels awestruck at the beauty all around us.


Friday is the day of Venus — in Sanskrit, Shukra. The word “Friday” comes from the old English root frigg, in reference to the goddess, Frigg (also Freya) from ancient Norse Mythology.


All these archetypes — Venus, Shukra, Frigg and Freya, represent love, fertility and beauty. We can see this as purely superficial, material love and beauty… but I like a storyline that goes deeper. 😉


The “13th” is what makes this day magical. There are 13 moon cycles a year, and for those who bleed, that’s typically 13 menstrual cycles too. The Moon 🌙 — and our cycle — is uniquely tied to our mind and emotions; it waxes and wanes.


Effectively, the moon “dies” each month at the New Moon 🌑 (which serendipitously starts tonight, btw!). So, because of its association with the moon energy, #13 is “doomed” with a correlation to death.


BUT, (and that’s a big BUT…) as yogis we know that the word “death” has depth. Death must also be symbolic within us as an opportunity for growth and rebirth. Like nature, we must shed parts of ourselves that we no longer need in the journey of life.


If we can reframe death WITHIN ourselves as a critical component in the cycle of life (birth/life/death), we can keep focused, contented and more connected to the waxing and waning of our spiritual path. We can let go of our old self, and make space for a brighter version to flourish - over and over and over again.


📸: ft. the goddess herself, @paigecourtney_5 💃

I’ll never forget the first time I had an intuitive reading from a woman I’d just met. 


It was 2009, and I was assigned to write a profile on this woman for the magazine I worked for at the time. I walked into her hair salon, not knowing what to expect. She cut hair, yes… but I'd heard she also offered "intuitive readings." 


(and I had no idea what that meant btw.)


We entered her office of sorts, she shut the door, and the salon chatter faded instantly. She looked at me and asked, “Do you mind if I read you before we start?”


Me: *deer in headlights* 


I agreed.


In hindsight, this could have gone a million different ways — but for me, it was a moment I’ll never forget. To witness someone clear themselves as a channel, access a higher knowing, and help me process things that were ready to come to the surface was… mind blowing. And life changing.


I left with a great story, and without any clue how it all worked… and yet, I understood that wasn’t the point. 


Something inside me woke up that day. I was never, ever the same.


She encouraged me to stop looking for my knight in shining armor. She told me he was coming, and he’d come into my life FAST. But I had some self-love to do beforehand. I spent the entire six months before I met Sean learning to love myself for who I am.


“Fast” was an understatement for our love story, too. I believe that’s how I knew with certainty that he was the one. That, and he loved me despite all my insecurities — and I was ready to receive that love because I was on my way to loving that same “me”.


(Below: A fun, flashback photo from that time, just after I met Sean — we look like babies! He came and visited me in Madison, and I introduced him to 95 of my closest girlfriends, LOL)

I thought about this concept of “reading” someone recently; and I came full circle, realizing it's essentially what I'm doing today in a Vedic Astrology reading. I use an ancient code from the ancient yogic lineage to map a blueprint… and then the interpretation flows through me in a way that’s totally unique.


In my case though, I don’t speak with clients beforehand… instead, they submit their birth information and any questions they’re wondering about, and I spend many, many hours working out the poetry of their stars while typing my findings in a 15-20 page keepsake document. I email that document to the client first, and they schedule a call after they’ve had the chance to sift through my notes. 


Writing is my channel — and I know so many of you get that, as it’s yours, too!


While sometimes "they choose us," like my instance in the hair salon, I believe matching with an astrologer, or intuitive medium, or any sort of coach is like choosing a yoga instructor or a therapist or a stylist. You choose them because something about their vibe resonates with you, even if you have no clue how they do what they do — it’s their unique interpretation that your soul wants to hear. Some of us need tough love. Others, optimism. And some need an unexpected experience in a hair salon that changes their life for good. 


We all deserve an experience that ignites our inner flame of inquiry. From that moment on, we are never the same… which is the entire point!


Lots happening this month (including the Eclipse/New Moon this weekend — forecast is below!). I'm in the midwest recovering from my myomectomy (uterine fibroid removal surgery), and needless to say, I've got some downtime — and FAR less chores than I'm used to on a daily basis!

​Cosmic Reading Discount
I'm offering $23 off Vedic Astrology Birth Chart Readings — $199 instead of $222, using the promo code COSMIC23 today through Halloween. They're first come, first serve. Each reading takes me about a week to write. I expect once November hits and I return home to the arctic, I'll be quite busy with chores, dogs, and winter's arrival, and my rates will be increasing after the new year. So if you've been thinking about getting a reading, now would be an amazing time to make that happen. 


Learn Vedic Astrology + Kriya Yoga with me every month!
On October 18th, we kick off a new "season" of SHEvolve — a monthly membership for women! We'll spend 12 months learning the Vedic wisdom of each of the Rashis/Signs of the Zodiac, as the Sun moves into a new sign each month. In mid-October, the Sun moves into Libra, and so we'll be breaking down what that means for each of us, including the current events + Lunar Eclipse at the end of the month. The best part is that these teachings are grounded in the yogic tradition we all know and love. It's quite different than Western Astrology, and learning it month-by-month is a really digestible way to start bringing this into your own life, your business, your family and more.


----->>> Click here to join SHEvolve for 12 months for $33/month
(the lowest rate I've ever offered publicly, going away after the New Year. If you're currently in SHEvolve and want to lock in this rate for 2024, you can extend your membership by 12 months at this rate anytime between now and the end of the year — just shoot me an email!)


If you've ever wanted to learn astrology from a yogic perspective (instead of Western astrology), this is an amazing opportunity to learn on a monthly basis, including a 30-min Sadhana, 60+-minute Satsang, and time for questions/sharing. All sessions are recorded, so if you can't make it, you still get access.


ONE MORE THING:
If you purchase a reading with the discount code, AND you wish to join SHEvolve for 12 months, I'm offering TWO MONTHS OF SHEVOLVE FREE. You won't start paying $33/month until your renewal in December, and it continues until September 2024. Simply buy your reading with the discount code, and reply to this email with your intention and I'll get you all signed up for SHEvolve.

​Sending you lots of love and healing vibes!

In light,
Mollie