As the new year rolled in and I watched people making their resolutions, I started looking at why people choose the new year. "New year, new me" is something that gets thrown around quite a bit. I also used to partake in new year resolutions. However, as I got older I realized I work better with the flow of the seasons more so than our modern calendar. January is still mid-winter where we are supposed to be cocooning and reflecting. I find it much easier to stay on top of my new personal challenges when life has returned back to the world.

           Though, it all brought on another thought, why do we wait for the perfect time? Why do we need a specific setting to enact change in our lives? I can only speak personally, but of course I encourage your input as well. To me, humans need a reason, a fresh palette to work with. "Tomorrow I'll get up early and do this and that." or "I'll start my diet next Sunday." It either comes from a place of unreadiness or a place of feeling less cluttered mentally when the time comes. If we set the goals away from the here and now, it makes it feel like a fresh start, when, in reality, it is not actually any different than this very moment.

           I find that when I set goals I also have to put them far from this minute because I need time to prepare myself for the impact the change is going to have on me and my life. Sometimes, I find this is more anxiety inducing as I anticipate the new responsibilities I'm about to take on for myself. I'm not sure about you, but sometimes too much time makes me anticipate every little aspect of it. Could be the anxiety I battle with every day, but also I'm a planner. I like to have some sort of direction, and for me to feel comfortable I have to think of every little thing that can go wrong before I get to acknowledge that it can even go right!

            All this is to say, every second of any day is always open for you to change. This is a reminder to myself as well. We are all humans trying to figure out this world and navigate through the muck just as much as the next human. Maybe today take that step toward the change you want. Put down the cookie and pick up a carrot stick. Lay the phone upside down and put your arms out for your loved one instead. Stand up and stretch and breathe and make this second the moment you pick up that change you were anticipating for next week. 

          If you've made it to the end here, please leave a comment of something you would like to work on for yourself. It doesn't have to be greatly personal, but something you want to put out into the universe to start shifting for yourself. I'll even go first so you don't feel alone in this journey. 

            This year I'm going to work on being more of an advocate for myself. I have a hard time believing in my own capabilities and my voice. I have a fear of being wrong (and loud about it) or looking bad to others. This fear has held me back from many great things. Also making sure my voice IS heard when I need it to be. This past year I have been dealing with a lot of personal things that needed my voice to be louder. I have been on a journey of healing my inner teenager. Her voice used to be so loud, and sometimes too quiet when it needed to be loud. I'm going to honor her and speak up for us this year and put ourselves out there more. Criticism is a part of life and I am working on accepting that.

          As the title says, let us never stop working on ourselves to become who we want to be. At any moment of any day. Every second is a new chance to better yourself and situation. I hope this post helps you find the confidence to make one small change for the better today. 
        

        During my livestream, I had someone ask a few questions about gifting tarot and picking your own decks. How do we know which deck will work with us? How do we go about picking the right one? This blog post will be a little guide you can reference for the next time you go shopping for your own deck!

          Please note - we will be talking about traditional Rider-Waite tarot and not mentioning Thoth style tarot, as I am unfamiliar with that style having not used it myself. However, this method could be used for all kinds of cards (and objects in life really).

        Another question I get asked a lot is the difference between oracle decks and tarot decks. Tarot decks - much like playing cards - are a set deck. While the art can change from deck to deck, the cards will all be the same. There will always be 78 cards and each card will be the same in each deck. You have your Major Arcana and you Minor Arcana. You will always begin with 0 The Fool and end with 21 The World, within major arcana, then follow the suits - wands, cups, swords, and pentacles - 14 cards within each suit.
        Oracle decks are more loosely made. They are either made in collaboration with an artist and an author or all one person. Each card is individual to their own deck, meaning you can buy three different oracle decks with similar themes, say woodland creatures, but they won't all necessarily have the same cards or the same meanings to their cards.
        I, personally, consider oracle decks more intuitive and loose for divination. This is where I recommend beginners to start when they want to start their journey into fortune telling or intuition building. This is because they can find a deck that suits their current needs/wants and just follow the messages easily without looking too deeply into the meanings/symbolism just yet. They tend to be much more straight forward in interpretation as majority of them come with a companion book.​

        Okay! We have covered the important, but not as interesting parts. Now for what you came here for. Here is my method for how I choose the best deck for myself. Please note, this method has been what works best for me and it's what helped me find the deck that gets me the most accurate readings. You can follow all of these tips or take what works for you and leave what doesn't. I, myself, had gone through three decks before I found the right one for myself.

• If you are brand new to tarot, I recommend starting with the traditional, Rider-Waite Deck. There are plenty available that have tutorials written on them or great book companions. This deck will help you understand the symbology and meaning to each individual card before moving onto a deck that may have more abstract art on them. 
• If you are ready for a deck that is more your "style", do some research on deck themes you'd like to explore. There is quite literally a deck for everything and everyone these days. From Disney Villains to simple emote, there's a deck for it. (My personal favorite, and the one I use for almost all my readings, is the Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham, art by Abigail Larson.)
• Once you find a theme you'd like to divine with, I recommend looking at the art of the tarot and, if possible, it's companion guide. You can find these either through Googling images or through reviews on Youtube. This will help you get a feel for the deck. What draws you to the deck? Take note of what it is that is popping out to you. Is it a general feeling? Make sure to look at details of the cards. Can you clearly understand the imagery and writing?
• I would HIGHLY recommend handling the deck in person if possible. Shopping in person for a deck will not only help you feel the energy of the deck for yourself, it'll help you grasp a better understanding of what the deck feels like in your hands. For example, some decks can be thicker and heavier, these I find are harder to manage when shuffling and you may fumble a lot of cards. If you are a reader that includes fallen cards, this may be a hinderance as every card will call when you shuffle so it'll be harder to grasp which to read. Also, handling the deck in person will tell you the energy of the deck. Does it feel good to you? Much like how you pick out anything you put in your home, you want to connect with the essence of the item. No different in spiritual tools.
• Pay attention to the details. Does the imagery have everything you need to properly interpret the cards? Are all the symbols present? Does the deck convey the traditional tarot story? These are things you may want to consider if you like to truly read into every symbol of each card. If you are considering a more abstract deck, I highly recommend getting a companion guide book if it doesn't come with its own.
• You've found your perfect deck and you want to see if you fully connect with it once it's home with you. The first step is to take a look at every card. Really look at each one and connect to each card. Your personal deck should feel like home to you. Properly cleanse your deck with your method of choice (I usually smoke cleanse and then leave it under a piece of selenite for 24 hours).  Once it's cleansed give it a shuffle and knock (I knock in 3s), then administer your first reading. I usually start simple with one card pulls or 3-card spreads. If you are getting clear answers, that deck is broken in and ready to go. If your answers are coming out too confusing, then it may not be the right fit, but I wouldn't give up just yet. Cleanse again and try again the next day. If your readings are still not clear or seemingly able to be made sense of, then maybe that particular deck isn't for you. 

        There is no need to rush the process into a deck with different art than the traditional. If you're finding you can't seem to find one that gives you accurate readings, then stick with the OG for a while. I'd personally take that as a sign that some learning is still needed from the traditional deck. Not always fun, but there are some traditional decks that have played around with their designs, so you may be able to find colors and designs that suit your liking.
        In the end, the most important thing is learning and connecting to your intuition and divining abilities. Maybe tarot isn't your source at all! Maybe it's runes or bones or palmistry - point is, don't be discouraged if you don't ever seem to connect to tarot. Your abilities can shine from somewhere else.

        Please feel free to comment your thoughts and let me know what you think about finding your deck. Have you found yours? Was it a process or was it instant? Let me know! Thanks for reading and happy divining!

       I am a firm believer that humans are here for the sole purpose of creating art. Art can take many forms from a finger painting at three years old to the architecture of a grand building. Art, quite literally, has no bounds. Neither does our spiritual connection and where we find it.

         Music has a huge role to play throughout human existence. Song was one of the original ways to tell a story. There's a reason churches have choirs and hymns. Music brings us closer to the divine through melody and lyricism. Whether it's music for your deity of choice or to soothe yourself on your drive home, music is inescapable as one of the most popular art forms for human connection. Radio stations blaring our chosen jam can teleport us to a time of our youth. Music in a soundtrack of a show or movie can make or break a scene. Musicals! I think enough said.

       From an early age I sought solace in many art forms - drawing, painting, and story telling. It wasn't until I was in my pre-teen/teen years that I found a deep connection to music. I'm not musically talented by any means, but that doesn't stop me from a deep appreciation for it. Going to concerts has always  been a magical experience for me. Bumping in a crowd with loud rock music slamming your ears while people slam your back jumping  and moshing. Hot, sticky summers at Warped Tour walking around meeting new artists and listening to nonstop music blaring from every corner. It was all such a great experience as a kid. I think this when I first felt true connection to others. Listening and deciphering lyrics of people who felt the same ways as I did was just what my angsty heart needed.

        If you have ever been to a live show of your favorite artist, you may be able to relate to what I'm about to tell you. If you haven't - what are you waiting for? I think everyone should experience their favorite songs sang to them at one point in their lives. It is beyond magical.

    Now, for the experience that inspired this post (and perhaps, series). This past August I had the privilege of seeing my favorite artist, Hozier. If you noticed in my music recommendations, he is on every playlist. I have been in love with his music since his first album and finally got the chance to see him live this year. If you look at any video posted of his shows you will see that every fan agrees - it is an absolutely ethereal experience. Every person was dressed like a fae being and probably not a dry eye in that house. Hozier's lyrics speak to his fans on such a deep, poetic level that seeing him live was absolutely transcending. A lot of people joke that he is a deity or a forest king (The Bogfather so lovingly coined). For good reason, too. Listening to him sing his art, his words, to a crowd of people who just understand the assignment, was absolutely magical. The friend I had gone with, and myself, were in such a deep state of euphoria that we couldn't listen to his music without crying after that day. ​

     Happy September everyone! Let's kick of this spooky season with some ghosties!  As promised, I am going to tell you all THREE of the most prominent ghost stories that stick out to me. One of them I have evidence for! Ok let's get into it!

     Story #1:  Growing up, I lived in the Mass Mills in Lowell, Massachusetts. If you aren't familiar, the mills were some of the first to bring the industrial revolution to America, producing textiles, shoes, etc. As the buildings stopped producing they became housing. On the lot there were three buildings, two were used for apartments and the third was basically unusable. It was very dilapidated and not suitable for people to be in let alone live in. As kids, we would dare each other to go up to the broken open windows to look inside. We never really thought about actual people being inside, we were always only looking for ghosts. We were always looking for something exciting or weird to entertain us. Another little detail, the late 90's/early 00's everyone was using an OUIJA as if it were a household game. We were no different. My friends and I would love to play this at my place because I lived in such a historic building. 
   One night, my friends and I had decided to play during a late night hang out. We got little activity, but some. I will be honest and say I don't remember the details of the questions and answers, just that we did have some responses. We said "Goodbye" (as you always should do!) and we kinda left it there. Later that night, when I was asleep in my room, alone, I was woken up by something on the end of my bed. I slept facing the door of the bedroom and I always noticed when it opened because the hall light would wake me. That didn't happen so I was confused when I felt something. I did share my room with my oldest sister, but she wasn't home this night, so again... CONFUSED! When you're a kid and want to be protected from seeing something scary you cover your head and pretend it doesn't exist. Yea well I didn't get the memo this night. I looked. When I turned my head I saw a girl sitting at the end of my bed looking back at me. I froze in fear. And just as fast as she came, she went. Was it due to the OUIJA activity? Was it due to old buildings? Who knows really? I just know she WAS there and then she wasn't. From that day on I would constantly look for her everywhere, but I never saw her again.

     Story #2: This one is less physical ghost story, but more of an experience. Ever since I was little I would tell people my dreams would have meaning. I could tell when my dream was meant to be remembered and when it was just a dream. Often I would have premonitions in my dreams. When I was a kid I had a dream that the Spice Girls (my favorite band when I was a kid) would break up, two weeks later, they announced their separation. Do with this information what you will, but I will cling to that I saw it before it happened. Another one I had was when I was going to camp, two weeks before I had a dream I had lice. When I went through camp health inspection... you guessed it... I had lice! Weird dreams like this would happen so often that it wasn't new to me. What WAS new to me is when the first person I experienced a heavy loss with, my Papa, came to me in my dreams.
     Papa passed when I was in my early 20's and when he left us it left a hole in our family for sure. Of course he wasn't a perfect soul, but he loved his grandkids so fiercely. We all loved our Papa, so even though he passed from cancer it was still such a hard blow. I was there with the family when he passed and watched him get taken away. It was the very first time I had experienced death so closely. When I slept that night I had a dream. I was sitting on the back porch of my Papa's old house (not the one he died in). The yard was wide open until it met the tree line of a forest. I was sobbing in my hands wishing to talk to my Papa one last time. And there he was. Next to me. He rubbed my back and said that he felt much better now and it was time for him. I had this same dream three times. On the third time, it was a few months later and I hadn't had the dream in a while from this point. My grief was still there, but I was starting to accept he was in a better place. That last dream was the same except the end. This time Papa and I had hugged and he told me "Now it's time for me to go where you can't follow. Take care of yourself, I love you." And he got up from the porch and walked off to the edge of the tree line, disappearing into the woods.
    You can say this may not be him or maybe it was my grief letting go. I will say it took me a few years to finally not let the grief of his passing to swallow me anymore. To this day I will hold fast that it felt like him. It felt like him the whole time. Reassuring me he was ok until he felt that I was ok. Still miss the old goat, but I've never dreamed of him since.

    Story #3:  Here we are! The last story! This is the one I have evidence for. The last few years in retail I have some how ended up at haunted locations. The first store I worked at we would have things crashing to the floor and hear footsteps. Well when I left the company for another store entirely, I didn't think I'd be dealing with the same stuff. I often would open or close alone and was never scared. Being a witch, I've learned to keep these interactions to a minimum if I choose. But this one particular entity had the audacity to make itself known in broad daylight with multiple witnesses. My first month at this new job, my coworkers and I were all working in separate areas away from the door. Suddenly the door swung open and closed just as quickly. No one walked by, no one came in, and the door is a soft close door. So if it were a person, it should slowly close, not quickly close. Also, the doors are not automatic by any capacity, there was no handicap button or anything like that. I can't post the actual video because it's only 30 seconds.

Click through to this link.

    It's a recording of the actual video because it was on our store security camera. Along with this incident, multiple times we would hear someone running up and down the aisles and there'd be no one in the store. You could hear the actual squeaking of sneakers as if on a basketball court. This would happen when we would all be up front taking a break or busy doing displays so it wasn't any of us. Anyways, I never got super bad vibes from this place so it never scared me. However some of my coworkers were in religions that kept them weary of these types of things. Nothing spookier than retail, but then add a ghost? At least it made it entertaining for me!

      This post will be the beginning of a series. I have a few more I'd like to share, but these were the bigger ones that stuck out to me. What do you think? Have you had experiences you want to share? If you got to the end do let me know and tell me your thoughts! 

      As I have mentioned, I'm going to be making posts about things I find fun and interesting to talk about. One thing that has really been a huge interest is ghost hunting and paranormal investigations. One of my favorite movies growing up was The Blair Witch Project, well out of date now, but for the time of its release, we hadn't seen anything like what that movie did through marketing and cinematic execution. It was absolutely an impacting experience. You really felt like you were on an exploration with this mockumentary crew. I was about 11 or 12 when I saw it in theaters (with parental supervision, don't worry) and it forever changed me. I grew up watching Unsolved Mysteries and, much more tame, Scooby Doo. I was just always intrigued by the unknown and mysteries.

      Ghost hunting and paranormal investigations have always been an intrigue of mine. As a younger aspiring witch, I had many experiences growing up. When I was younger I would have premonitions through dreams that would come to fruition about 2 weeks later. From the Spice Girls breaking up (yes, I'm serious and I was a huge fan) to the time I got lice before going to summer camp. No one ever believed me even when it did happen, but nonetheless, the experience was still there. I grew up in a historical building for my area and had quite a lot of experiences there. The 90's had us playing with OUIJA boards like it was a family night party game. While it can be fun we definitely weren't taking protective measures. Not like I would now anyways. For some reason I remember it was taught to us to do 8 figure 8's on the back and then begin and do the same after saying "Good-Bye". Maybe that was our form of protection as nothing "bad" ever really happened to us because of sessions. 

    As I got older I was growing more curious about investigating. I've also learned how to protect myself from attaching spirits and entities (which I'd be happy to make a post about if you are all interested). Now, I understand many view the paranormal as straight up evil. I have to say that has not been my experience. I personally believe what you fear (deeply fear) is what you're going to attract to you. "You find what you're looking for" kind of thing. When I commune I like to keep it light, as if I'm talking to a classroom of peers trying to get to know them. Most spirits were people once. I find this has been received well. When I start getting things like "leave" or "danger" one too many times, then I respect it and leave the area.

      Then there are some who think that ghosts are not real (fair, but not sure why you're here lol). Then there are some that can totally validate what I'm saying. When I think of the spirit realm I feel a if it is a gossamer layer overlapping our world- what some call the "veil". I think that's why there is so much interaction or potential for it. I really am fascinated by the prospects that there is a whole world living atop our own. Of course there are bigger questions (we can totally discuss them in the comments or a later time), however I think on a simple level of it all, it's a wonder to behold.

      My partner and I like to roam cemeteries as they are usually quiet and away from the masses. A lot of them are very pretty like their own park as well. Recently I have taken to carrying some gear and utilizing apps to have conversations. I will post some screen shots of those conversations on my Into The Unknown > Images page. It really is a different kind of fun. If I had access to all this when I was younger, I think I would have made a career out of it sooner. It's just so wildly cool, real or fake it's all so interesting!

     I talk about ghosts because it was the first step into my spiritual path and it's the one I've held on to the strongest. Through seeing my loved ones who have passed and having someone running around aisles at work when no one is there, it's all so wonderous. There is so much about the world that we don't know or fully understand yet. Now mind you, I am a sciencey/"explain what i just saw in real terms" kinda girl before I jump to the spiritual explanation. I'm too rational minded to just assume it's spiritual. So just know when I tell you I've tried to find explanation for a lot of these things and just can't. If you know, then please tell! I'm always open to fresh views.

    Here's a list of some of my favorite compilation channels and investigators if you like "real ghost" footage.

• Nuke's Top 5
• Fearsome Top 5
• Midwest Ghost Hunter
• Project DarkKnight Horror

     A little disclaimer, I'm not associated with these channels personally, I just find their content interesting and entertaining to watch. Keep in mind, I watch these with a skeptical eye as well. But again, they are very entertaining at the very least.

    My next blog post is going to be about my personal ghost stories. I have 3 really good ones that stand out the most that I'll write up for you guys. So stay tuned! Thanks so much for reading. Please comment or reach out with discussion. I'd love to chat and get your perspective (even if it's the opposite, respectfully). Take care!

    Enchanted Fern has been an extension of myself and dedication to my Nana at a time I needed to feel a connection to her once again. It has been a project to educate and soothe those in need of reassurance. Divination can be a source of comfort for many. For centuries, folks have been turning to seers, shamans, fortune tellers, and so on - for guidance. I, myself, have been told many times from similar seers that I have a gift I am destined to share. (No joke, it has been more than a handful of times I've been approached or told in readings.)
    I have doubted my own abilities in just about everything I've pursued in life. The one thing I keep getting pulled back to is reading for others. However, in the past decade there has been a HUGE uptick in the popularity of reading and people learning for themselves. Which is fantastic, but it does leave you with a loud voice wondering why people would turn to you and not the next person.
     This is why I am rebranding. I'm going to bring everything I got to the table. Because, honestly, what do I have to lose? At first I focused on being positive all the time (which I'm not in real life). I tried being like those love & light people (all the power to them, that's just not me). I'm a mimic by nature. I pick up a lot of other people and somehow lose myself in the process. This year I vowed to stop doing that. Not every post has to be a lesson. We can do things just because they are fun! And that's what I'm bringing into my brand. 
    My spiritual journey started with my interests in ghosts, paranormal, weird science (parallel universes, quantum physics, etc.), and love for witchcraft & magick. I was born and raised in Massachusetts, USA. It stands to reason everyone there has some sort of story or interest in these kind of things. So I'm not going to just talk about readings and tarot, but also weird and fun stuff I find. Creepy, cool, spooky, fascinating - I crave it all!
    There is a light side of everything and a dark side, I thought you had to strive to only show the light, when in reality we are facets of both. Two sides of one coin. It's a struggle to incorporate both since I've tried my whole life to cast the dark side away, when in reality we need to help it find a place in our lives. I was ridiculed a lot as a teen because I liked to stand out and be different. It really did scar me quite a bit. When I turned 37 this year, I decided I was sick of trying to be someone everyone liked. I realized I was forcing that on my brand as well. 
   If you noticed, there's a new page added to my site called "Into The Unknown" - this link is going to be for the fun of it! I'm going to post paranormal videos, weird/dark history, music I vibe with, and the list goes on! I'm going to update it as much as possible. It's just another outlet for me to show you parts of me.
     The contact page is for ordering readings, but also for chatting with me. So PLEASE reach out if you have anything you'd like to chat about! Something weird going on? Tell me about it! I love weird stuff!
    Thank you so much for sticking with me all this time. If you've read this far, contact me with the word spooktacular to get a free gift!~
     I look forward to sharing more with you all!

This past week some of us celebrated Lughnasadh or Lammas, as some call it.
And as much as I enjoy having celebrations to look forward to, I've got to say I don't really connect to all the Sabbats.
I have read up on the histories of each and they all seem to have their own origins from different places.
However, no matter the origin, I feel there is some pressure as a witch to celebrate these holidays. When in reality not all of us have a connection to the wheel as strongly as others might.
Personally I've always been more connected to only Samhain, or Halloween as it's most commonly known. 
Yule has always been a close second, because it is much more widely celebrated.
As I developed my path more I opened myself up to the entire wheel, and as much as I'd love to say I celebrate them, I just... don't.
Now here's the point of this post... you ready?
It's OKAY not to.
That's right.
I'm giving us permission, as witches, to not find meaning in every thing that we are "supposed" to hold meaningful.
Some witches jive with moon phases, some with a room full of crystals, some with the cosmos and astrology, some with everything.
I'm here to tell you and REASSURE you you are not a bad witch for not having interest in every little aspect.

I'd also like to say, my mental health plays a lot into what I can and can't hold space for. Some times I can't be bothered to celebrate.
Some times I can't be bothered to even write a blog post about it.
This era we are living in is so exposed and so involved.
Some times it's ok just to like a little candle and say thanks.
You don't have to do a full on aesthetic party (UNLESS YOU TRULY WANT THAT FOR YOURSELF GO HARD!). I'm talking more to the people who feel an obligation more than desire.

Do NOT feel obligated to insert any aspect of the craft into your practice if you don't feel right.
I think more people need to hear that it's ok not to be excited around certain things.
And by golly I will be one of those voices reassuring you you are not a bad witch for not wanting to participate in every thing.
​They will always be there for you to explore if you so choose. I also write this as I continue to learn tarot, runes, astrology, pantheons, and candle magic (heh).

Listen, do what you want and make it personal to you. Magic thrives where your heart sings. So find your rhythm and don't worry about what other people sing.

​Happy witching!~

​

​It's hard to get started.
All throughout school I would procrastinate projects.
People may have warned, don't really remember if they did, about how that would translate to real life.
Spoiler alert, it does not translate well.
I put off so many beginnings because I'm either uncertain where to even start or I'm afraid of it going well and garnering unwanted attention.
Does anyone else think like this?

If I do, by a miracle of a chance, get started, I ultimately don't finish out of the same fear.
Enchanted Fern has kinda been the project that continues to keep restarting and never really gaining traction to roll up the hill and see what's on the other side.
I have a vision for what I want, but I also have no idea how to do it.
So this is me just constantly trying to figure it out.
I'm an opinionated person. Always have been.
I have lots of thoughts and ideas and this will be my place to sort of lay them down and discuss them.
Point is, I'm trying. 
I need to make more of an effort.
I struggle with mental illness and a lot of times I get down for not completing ideas.
It's not because I don't want to.
I'm just scared.
So this is my attempt to face that fear.
I hope in turn I can help others face their fears.

Next post will be the beginning of spiritual talk.
My witchy path, working with spirits and deities, and so forth.
I hope you join me!