Aries New Super Moon
Intertwining authenticity and creativity
Season: Spring
Element: Wood
Moon: New
Happy Friday!
Tomorrow’s new moon is in the astrological sign of Aries and is in the feng shui element of wood. This new moon is also a super moon and a partial solar eclipse. The energy is forecasted to be BIG on Saturday, as well as on Sunday when Neptune enters Aries after 14 years in Pisces. From astrological sources I follow, these events point to a bold, spiritual reset. If you are needing support through these events, the next Rest Curation is coming up this Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 1:30pm - 3:00pm. And the next Rest Walk is on Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 10:00am - 12:00pm. Please sign-up to reserve a spot and remember, as Tricia Hersey writes in her aptly named book, Rest is Resistance.
Continuing on the topic of authenticity, let’s connect it to creativity. Authenticity and creativity are deeply intertwined. Authenticity fuels the creative process, allowing for genuine expression and original ideas, while creativity can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and expressing one's authentic self. Creativity is also a vital aspect of the wood element, since its energy looks to learn new things, explore, and create. All plants are grouped into the wood element in feng shui which makes sense considering how creative nature can be.
I recently listened to Elise Loehnen’s Pulling the Thread podcast with psychologist Phil Stutz entitled Activating Your Life Force where they discuss the purpose of creativity in depth. During the discussion Phil Stutz argues that the opposite of evil is not goodness, but "the opposite of evil is creativity." He believes that the universe is in constant motion, always creating. This tells us that to tap into our life force, we too, must create. "The most valuable thing you can do is to create something out of nothing," says Stutz. So as you move through time and the universe, lean into your creativity.
If you struggle with creativity, I highly recommend Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being. Rick Rubin is a nine-time GRAMMY-winning producer and has collaborated with artists from Tom Petty to Adele, Johnny Cash to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Beastie Boys to Slayer. The book does not have chapters per se, but 78 areas of thoughts such as “Everyone is Creative,” “The Source of Creativity,” and “Why Make Art?” It has become a daily practice for me to read a thought or two each morning for reflection and to get the creative juices flowing. If you want an introduction to the book, you can listen to Rick Rubin’s On Being with Krista Tippett interview.
When I find myself struggling with these trying times, I turn to the toolkit I am creating to help me stay sane and to combat the negativity I see in this world. The toolkit thus far is as follows:
Know my values and keep coming back to them
Befriend my fears
Listen deeply to myself, others, and the world
Create calm with inspiration
Be authentic
Let the creative juices flow
Shake it off
Give myself permission to REST
Because when we know our values and listen deeply, we can fight fear and lies with inspiration and evil and harm with creativity. We can be ourselves, we can shake off negativity, and we can let go of what is no longer serving us. And once we know ourselves and are unburdened, we not only can create something new that is truly unique and miraculous but we can also rest.
So, give yourself permission to REST. Information on upcoming Rest Curations, Rest Walks, and Sound Curations are at the bottom of the post. And please pass this Substack onto a friend or family member to broaden this amazing CRC community and to give the gift of rest to those who need it. If you don’t live in West Michigan and want to hold a Rest Curation in your local community, please email me at abby@cascadefengshui.com for the script and music information. Or email me if you would like to organize a private Rest Curation for friends, family, or colleagues.
Note: Rest products are still in the works, but I am leaving the paid subscriber Rest Readings, Rest Recipes, Rest Rituals, and Rest Recordings on the newsletter for a month or so. If you want to contribute, consider becoming a paid subscriber through Substack:
REST READING
Check out all of the rest reading recommendations in Resources on my Substack page.
REST RECIPE
On weekends, when I sleep in and need a cozy brunch I make baklava toast inspired by Jessica Murnane’s recipe in One Part Plant. It is a little healthier than classic baklava but just as delicious. I buy different loaves from Buka Bakehouse or Nantucket Bakery to support local bakeries, cut a thick slice, slather on butter and the delicious nut spread below, and then toast in the oven to get it golden brown. The recipe is so simple to make and very yummy, especially with a sprinkling of bee pollen and served with fresh berries. So here is the recipe for baklava toast:
1 cup nuts* (almonds, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, or a combination)
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
Pinch of salt
Bread
Butter
Honey or bee pollen
Pulse all of the ingredients except for the bread in a food processor until combined but still chunky. This is the baklava spread. Slice and toast the bread in a toaster. Spread the toast with a layer of butter and then a layer of the baklava spread. Put back in the toaster or broil in the oven for a minute or two until the spread is toasty. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with bee pollen.
*Many nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios have melatonin, along with magnesium and zinc, which together can help people get a better night's sleep.
REST RITUAL
The season of wood is spring, which may lead to an excitement to spring clean or start new projects when the weather warms. Spring brings yang energy to the world and therefore the wood element is yang. Use this more energetic energy to clear out clutter, dust the cobwebs away, and refresh your spaces. If you have renovation projects for your home, this is the time to begin. After my flood in January, I am currently in full renovation mode for my house. Exciting but tiring!
If a full house clean is not possible, try this simple feng shui cleaning list from Kate Van Horn:
Wipe down your front door to remove stagnant energy.
Sweep your entry and shake off your entry mat to clear blocked chi.
Clean the doorknob and ring the doorbell to symbolically open your home to abundance.
Stand at the front door and speak a clear intention into your space.
Blow cinnamon into your front door to call in prosperity for the month ahead.
Thank you so much for reading! I hope this has been enjoyable. May you have a restful and calm weekend.
Below are the upcoming 2025 Cascade Rest Curations (links to Eventbrite are underlined):
REST CURATIONS
Guided body scan, energy clearing, vagus nerve reset, yoga nidra exercise, rest / sleep, wake up, and meditation over an hour and a half. All Rest Curations will take place on the Sunday near the new moon at the Liebestraum Chalet in Alto, Michigan:
Rest Curation - Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Rest Curation - Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Rest Curation - Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 1:30pm - 3:00pm
REST WALKS
Monthly dynamic walks to bring both energy and relaxation. These guided walks will start with a circle to stretch and to set an intention to ponder based on the element of the season. The first 30 minutes of the walk will be in noble silence and the last 30 minutes will be open to conversation and observation. The walk will finish with a circle to reflect, share, integrate, and finally stretch. If you have been hesitant to join a Rest Curation, please consider signing up for a Rest Walk since this a more active entry into yin energy. All Rest Walks will take place on the Saturday near the full moon at a park near Grand Rapids, Michigan:
Rest Walk - Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 10:00am - 12:00pm
Rest Walk - Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 10:00am - 12:00pm
Rest Walk - Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 10:00am - 12:00pm
SOUND CURATIONS
Join us to celebrate the element of each season with sound immersions by Kara Markovich at the Liebestraum Chalet in Alto, Michigan:
SAVE THE DATE: Fire Sound Curation - Summer solstice, Friday, June 20, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm
And if you are interested in my feng shui and interior design services, please see my website at www.cascadefengshui.com and contact me at abby@cascadefengshui.com. I’m also on Instagram at cascade.feng.shui.