Whimsical Wednesdays ~ The Artist’s Corner: The Magick Rabbit Shop Launch & Giveaway Announcements

Due to limited time today, as I am immersed in preparations to leave Friday morning for vacation, I thought today’s Whimsical Wednesdays from The Artist’s Corner would be a good time to announce the upcoming official launch of my new Etsy shop and a fun Giveaway that will be taking place in conjunction with it.

As you might recall, I shared a first reveal on 12/12/18 of the new artwork and fun creations Astrid and I have been working on.

We call this collection “The Magick Rabbit ~ Storybook Tales of Wonder and Whimsy Come to Life.”

While my previous Etsy shop – that has been dormant and sold out since 2013 – was focused on crystals and my Crystal Illuminations paintings, the new shop will feature a combination of storybook rabbit art, prints, items featuring my artwork to first include greeting cards and blank journals, as well as some really fun and magickal mini rabbit Faery garden kits – oh I can’t wait to share those with you soon!

The latter are magickal little themed worlds that you’ll be able to put together yourself!

I do all of the procuring and will feature a photo of the end result I’ve imagined, then once you receive the kit, you’ll be able to enjoy the journey of creating it yourself and adding your own magick touches!

Fun, fun, FUN!

It’s been a process and I’m still working hard at getting everything I have so far together for the launch that will be on Friday, February 1st! This so happens to be my beloved rabbit twin soul’s birthday (Nestor) and the magickal Imbolc of new beginnings, purification, and the light within blossoming.

There will be anywhere from 22-28 mini rabbit Faery garden kits to choose from, alongside the original five paintings I’ve already shared in the link above, and then the items I described with these images on them.

I’m currently working on a new collection of original, whimsical rabbit artwork that Astrid is assisting with ideas for. I plan to have fun exploring these more while I’m away in Sedona’s inspiring energy. I’m in the sketching mode right now, but will bring my art book and tools with me to play and keep the channels between Astrid and me open to receive her guidance.

These will be different than the first collection and may or may not make it in time for the 2/1 launch, but will be available shortly after, if not.

Some of the other potential items I’m looking into creating down the road may include coloring books, tote bags, and mugs. I can’t promise these, but they are in the Faery-works in terms of exploring and discussing the details.

Everything is a step-by-step process and I only want to do as much as is fun and flowing, as truly this is purely a joyous project for me to bring these to life and share them with you. They are meant to help rekindle the wondrous heart of your inner child and act as portals to harness sweet magick into your everyday life.

I just love expressing and spreading beauty, wonder, and playfulness.

I hope they will act as reminders to nurture and cultivate more of the same for you and help whisper a little more enchantment into your life, overall.

All created and shared from the heart of one Magick Rabbit and one Rabbit Faery. 🙂

That leads to the Giveaway.

Due to the excited response I received via Instagram when I asked if people would be interested in this, I will be starting a Giveaway on Monday, January 21st on the Full Supermoon Lunar Eclipse.

This will be available to anyone who is on Instagram. I know not everyone is on social media, but for those of you who are, you can look for details about this on 1/21.

Unfortunately, I can’t run a Giveaway on all three platforms I’m on because it’s far too much to manage, so I chose Instagram.

You can find me there at this handle: taniamarieartist

The Giveaway will run between 1/21 and 1/31. I will announce the recipient on 2/1 – the day of my shop launch. I’m still deciding on the gift to give away, but I’m feeling it will likely be one of the mini rabbit Faery garden kits.

Again, all details will be on my Instagram page, upcoming.

A fun way to share the magick with everyone and my love for rabbits, as way-showers to the wondrous world within.

Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive of this new creative venture for me and for the loving encouragement about something that brings joy to my heart to share.

Again, this is my last Whimsical Wednesday post until I return the week of the 21st. I’ll see you back here on 1/23 and wish you all a wonderful continuation to your new 2019 creative journey.

Ask Astrid Fridays ~ The Rabbit’s Corner: Animals Understand

Today’s share from Astrid is a very important one, in our opinion, as she wants to impart to everyone more presence, patience, and effort in the way of communicating with your beloved animal companions. She tells me, “I want to share about talking to animals a bit because frankly I don’t think many people understand that they can, or forget that they could.”

I have to agree with her fully, and while Astrid is not going to be giving a lesson on how to do animal communication, she simply wants to stress communicating with your animal friends just as you would naturally communicate with anyone.

True, there are different ways, approaches, and techniques you can use – mostly it’s a process of trusting yourself and believing – but her message is one of reminding, more than anything, or in other cases, opening up this dialog for the first time.

If you speak from your heart, the techniques don’t matter so much although can be a segway to help.

“We are here for a purpose in your lives and while we communicate in nonverbal ways and demonstrations of reflections, we can also understand clearly what you say and feel, as well as have the ability to relay messages. I only ask for you to be open to this idea and try it. It may feel weird or silly at first, but then isn’t everything kind of silly if you think about it a lot? Many people talk to their unborn children while they are growing in the womb. Some talk to their family and friends who have journeyed to the other side. Others talk to God or other forms of unseen Sources that you believe in. So why is it so strange to think you could talk to animals AND that we could actually understand and communicate back? Think about it,” says Astrid.

The last four days ending 2018 and beginning 2019 we had family visiting, which included this little Faery you see beside Astrid. She’s our six and a half year old niece, Violet. I was curious to see how Astrid would relate with her and all of the activity she’d be in the middle of that she’s not so used to. Especially given the last time children had visited, Astrid was not pleased and established boundaries from the get-go.

I had explained to Astrid, as I always do, what was about to happen before our family arrived and shared with her all of the details of who was coming and how things would be.

And for the first time, Astrid welcomed a child into her realm with curiosity and a warm heart.

I was also sure to explain to Violet, who is very sensitive to animals and the Unseens, how she could best engage Astrid.

And so, the two of them met each other half way, opened their hearts to a new friendship and possibility, and found this to be the bridge between them.

They both did very well and Astrid was working her magick, much like a therapy animal. She stretched herself to help engage and bring out more within Violet, but also knew when she needed her own space and recharge time, retreating to her tunnels or pawing gently with tiny thrusts, rather than her usual big grunts and charges, if she wanted to impart something of a boundary with her.

In this way, she was also demonstrating to Violet, that when Violet might feel upset about something that she could create gentle boundaries, too, without having to be over-dramatic.

Astrid now wants me to share about how one Big Faery taught one Little Faery to remember who she is and how to harness her abilities. In my book, however, it’s more about how Astrid continues to be a guiding light in my life and everyone’s lives she touches.

So, after the first night, Violet came to me and said that she woke up in the morning with Astrid standing over her.

It wasn’t until that second night, before bed, that she brought it up again and said that it scared her and made her feel uncomfortable.

Violet and her parents were staying downstairs next to my office and Astrid’s room, so it was normal that Astrid would be sharing the space with them.

However, Violet started saying that she wanted to close Astrid into her room for the night because she didn’t like her visitation in the morning.

Her parents told her she couldn’t do that because Astrid is a house rabbit, that is free to roam.

I’d been quiet while her parents were handling things, then looked at Astrid and knew we needed to take this a step further.

So, when Violet came into my office to tell me she was going to close the door I had a Faery-to Faery conversation with her.

Astrid was right next to us and the conversation went something like this.

“Astrid really likes you. Remember I told you that you’re the first child she’s ever been open to. She doesn’t mean to scare you, nor did she try to. She just really likes you and either was giving you healing energy, or was curious and maybe even wanted to play since the wee morning hours are fun times to her,” I said.

Violet listened.

I then continued, “You’re a Faery. Why don’t you have a nice conversation with Astrid and ask her if she will leave you alone in the morning because it scared you to be woken up like that. She understands, but you just need to talk to her and tell her how you feel.”

Violet processed this quickly and said, “Okay.”

She then proceeded to get down by Astrid, stroked her gently and told her in her own words how she felt and asked her to please not do that again.

We then went to bed.

The next morning Violet came upstairs and I asked her if Astrid had come to wake her in the morning.

She said, “No she didn’t.”

I said, “See, she understands and you are able to talk to animals. Remember this. The only thing that makes us different is the body we live in.”

Violet smiled big.

She was very happy and proud of what had taken place.

I believe she’ll remember this and carry it through in more situations where she can feel empowered, empower another being, and not power over or deny the value of another child of this universe.

Astrid was very pleased and continued to open her heart and be gentle with Violet. She also continued to honor Violet’s wishes for the rest of the nights they stayed with us.

“I want her to know…for everyone to know…that humans and animals can share a harmonious relationship. It takes time, patience, a little effort to listen and decipher sometimes, but if you open your heart then all possibilities await you.”

Thank you Astrid for your wisdom you so generously share with us and for being a guiding light and bridge between all of creation.

Ask Astrid Fridays ~ The Rabbit’s Corner: The Struggle Isn’t You

As this is Astrid’s last message for 2018, I was curious what she would want to share. She’s been extra playful and cuddly these days, which has added another layer to our together-time, and it also speaks to some of what her message is that she wants to leave you with.

And what might that be?

Astrid says, “The end to struggle.”

We’ve been immersed in year-end closure here, went deep with watching all four parts of the new Watership Down rabbit movie, along with prepping for new whimsical ventures in 2019 together – this to include our new book, art, and rabbit Faery fun. Our little Wonderland Faery realm has become a true Otherworld for creative manifesting, as we threaded together a Rabbit Hole of delight we feel enriched in every day. We’ve also been examining the reality we want to live and leave behind.

There’s been a lot of creative work and anchoring this last year to set up and define our intentions, and although this New Year, for us, will continue to be one of vision, setting priorities, and determination, it will also be one of breakthroughs and embodied beliefs. This, Astrid shares, to be done with joy, ease, and peace – with the knowing that we can trust our essence to guide us in flow and fun through the next leg of the journey.

If we find ourselves struggling, where can we be curious about ways in which we might be holding on to old patterns and realities, lower ideals, or stringent and limited attachments?

Astrid says, “The struggle is a detour to who you really are. The struggle is a way to stay small. The struggle is a way to keep you away from what you believe you don’t deserve. The struggle keeps illusion as an interference to seeing the possibilities and beauty available. The struggle isn’t you.”

For most of the first part of my life I struggled on many levels. I was constantly inflicting inner torment upon myself with voices of knowing battling voices of fear, pain, confusion, and conflicting patterns that weren’t even mine in many cases.

And this kept me from being me and being able to expand further. It was like being tethered to a post and always hitting the end that snapped me back.

That is, until I realized the post didn’t truly exist except for believing it did.

Astrid has been through her own struggles and in seeing her come to this place of surrender and no longer feeling the need to fight, she is finding the love and joy her essence exudes, feeling right at home.

And so are we both experiencing this, which is creating greater peace daily.

“There is always another way,” she says, “and while we feel things serve us, truly they serve our patterned beliefs – not our hearts. Love is not a struggle. Creative energy simply flows. When we relax into these spaces, spend more time nurturing and cultivating the love in our hearts, we find greater comfort in things we never thought we could. We open ourselves to different opportunities, see new perspectives, and realize there are a multitude of ways to experience what we want, rather than believe it can only be in one form.”

“And what about those old realities and lower ideals so many of us struggle to hold on to?” I ask her.

“Like the unlimited dimensional experiences you can’t see, but still exist, why is it that you feel there to be only one reality? You struggle to hold on because you are so close to letting go. It is that last piece that will change everything. The release and fall into your grace. You fight to stay small because being more means greater empowerment and awareness. It’s been easier to let others and even beliefs power over you then to truly live without constraints. Hope, love, imagination…these things no one controls, but you. They are the keys to a new reality no one can take away. They live where struggle does not exist. When you go there, you know what I mean. If you can learn to stay there, you will know what is possible,” Astrid says.

We have both been embracing this experience where struggle need not be anymore and gently breathing deeper into our hearts to help it move through.

This has brought Astrid to a place of exuberant and loving expression as her norm now, without need to struggle and fight within, as a way of preserving it only for special moments. We have both learned to trust who we each really are and that life is meant to be a joyful, creative, and wondrous experience.

The other things may exist and they may knock on our door to try to tether us back, but they will meet with surprise when they find there is no knot on the other end. We’ll see the rope and when the knocking thinks it has us, we will let go of the other end and watch them disappear.

Let this be a year we all let go of the struggle and fight.

Let this be a year to create a new reality.

For me and Astrid it is a storybook year we are weaving together, piece by piece, heart to heart.

We both wish you all a wondrous New Year – a year of greater creativity, transformation, fertile and abundant potential, and alignment for the collective with it being a 3 year in numerology.

Astrid will be back next year on January 4th, 2019.

Magickal Christmas Wishes to All from the Rabbit Faery!

Just a quick bunny hop online to send out warmest wishes to you all. May the true spirit of this time of year shine through your heart always and remind you of the childlike wonder that resides within.

I woke up early this morning with excitement, as we had a full afternoon and night of snow here yesterday, which created the most enchanted Christmas Eve and beautiful White Christmas to wake up to.

Astrid was excited to see me up and even more excited about the Christmas bunny gifts me and Santa left for her.

We’re heading out skiing so this faery rabbit can hit the bunny slopes, play in the snow, and get her ski bunny on, then will be sharing a whimsical Christmas at my decked out parent’s house – the real Santa’s cottage. All things that warm and nurture my inner child’s heart.

Have a beautiful, love and peace filled day, however you celebrate – whether that’s with family, friends, animal companions, in solitude, or with Nature. Sink into the expanse of your heart and the depth of the dreams that are within it to follow.

May purity and innocence fill your heart in overflow.

Ask Astrid Fridays ~ The Rabbit’s Corner: Solstice Illumination as You Journey Down the Rabbit Hole

It’s no surprise to me that today’s share from Astrid falls on this incredible Solstice line-up to include a Cancer Full Moon and Ursid meteor shower. Rabbits have long been associated with the Moon and, in fact, many ancient stories tell of the rabbit on the Moon that you can actually see when She’s at her fullest. I find it fascinating how on this longest night of the year that we’ll have incredible illumination and cosmic alignments galore, as the Full Moon will peak tomorrow morning of the 22nd AND tonight we are also going to be able to see Mercury and Jupiter in conjunction within this Yule’s Long Night’s Moon sky to add to those shooting stars.

Winter Solstice celebrations of the first day of Winter in the Northern Hemisphere means Summer Solstice celebrations for those of you in the Southern Hemisphere. Again, a very cool link for Astrid, as she came home with me on Summer Solstice – a day shared by the transition of my beloved rabbit, Joy.

And Winter Solstice, two years ago, was a day my sweet rabbit, Cosmo, had chosen for some of his ashes to be spread here in Lake Tahoe.

So, I’m seeing a lot of wholeness around this, which makes sense as the Winter Solstice embodies the energy of conclusion along with a time for rest, self-reflection, self-care, and “being the light” – something rabbits are very adept at in being masterful navigators of the dark.

I’ve noticed Astrid spending extra time in her castle tunnels lately, as she demonstrates this time to cozy up and journey the inner labyrinths of our emotions, beliefs, fears, and patterns so we can make adjustments for bringing in and embodying the new and potentials we envision and feel calling to our hearts.

“There is value in journeying the depths of your heart,” she says.

The seasons remind you of the ever-shifting and flowing cycles of life, change, and potential to honor and make space for. Winter Solstice reminds you of the light that you are, as a gateway of sacred reverence for a “return to light” in general.

Astrid reminds you that your 3D circumstances and stories do not define you. She encourages you to open your heart more and be willing to take up more space while beaming out the glow of who you really are.

“If I relinquished to simply being seen as a little, round ball of bunny fluff I would never know the true and full power of my inner rabbit. Looks can be deceiving, but if you believe in that limited illusion then you won’t experience the full spectrum embodied in the coin of being. Remember there are two sides to it, but you’re not limited to one or the other. There is simply the coin that can flip in and out of experiences at will, never being less of the whole at any time,” she says.

So, as the holiday season flashes through with a flurry of hustle and bustle, Astrid wants you to tune into your inner rabbit and honor your needs with some extra nurturing during a time when you are feeling tugged to do more outside of yourself. This will create balance and help you to find that peaceful center amidst everything around you. It also helps you to anchor more into your wholeness and all of the potentials available for how you experience things and are experienced, yourself, by others.

The Full Moon feels at home in Cancer and this lends to the ability to do some beautiful movement on the inner landscape that can help you make those bunny leaps into the New Year. An opportune time for embracing your feelings, allowing healthy emotional release, communicating from the heart, and experience a cleansing and freeing up of space, as you are supported in shedding light on the dark crevices within.

I know how Astrid and I will be spending this cozying up Cancer Full Moontime, as I return to one of my most beloved childhood stories – Watership Down – this weekend.

Astrid’s eyes get bigger and she sits up to nudge my ankle, as I write this.

I read the novel in 6th grade as part of our curriculum and was transformed by it, falling in love with the rabbits and the movie, as well. It has long been a favorite for me so when my sweet friend, Kelly, told me it was coming out again, the little girl inside of me was over-the-Moon excited. I keep mentioning it every day, actually, and it’s finally almost here.

Originally set for release on the 25th/Christmas, Watership Down is a new BBC series starting the 22nd and will hit Netflix on the 23rd in two feature-length episodes.

I feel its message is quite fitting for these times and its release is quite aligned with things unfolding in my new world.

Before I conclude with a dream Astrid wants me to share, she also reminds me of all of the sightings and alignments that have recently been taking place here. She wants me to mention these, as a way for others to also recognize the constant messaging reflected to us even when we think we are alone and not receiving answers. And also because she knows our experiences are collectively connected, like a warren, and there may be something ignited by these reminders.

“Nature is especially supportive to your journey,” Astrid shares, “as She mirrors with raw reflection the answers you search for and in some cases for many of you, yearn for.”

Lately, I’ve had a lot more different wildlife sightings than usual. For the first time, recently on Thanksgiving, we’d seen a raccoon just across and down from our house and yesterday I saw another – this time one that had been hit by a car on the side of the road. We haven’t seen raccoons in all of the years we’ve lived here so both of these feel significant, including the full life cycling as well, as we approach the end of the year and this longest night before days expand.

Coyotes have been on ultra high around our house, too. Several individuals have crossed the street in front of our car as we turn the curve at the Sherwood sign recently (I always say we live at the edge of the Sherwood Forest). And two large coyotes that looked like wolves went right by the edge of our back deck one night, as if circling the perimeter of our home.

Then, of course, the four deer at our back deck and side yard on 11/11 for our first sighting at this house.

But yesterday, along with the transitioned raccoon, I also saw bald eagle for the first time in months and a cool sighting of wild mustangs.

This all took place on a day I decided to forego my usual schedule and go down to Reno instead, feeling called to shift things. I was contemplating the change and how it felt aligned with my feelings, guidance, and going much deeper into my work after setting things up to nurture that.

As I began my drive suddenly bald eagle appeared confirming what I was affirming in my mind and heart. She soared toward me and above, following the lake’s shoreline, as I was. I could see her white head clearly, guiding her dark, massive body across the sky. She heralds taking to flight, greater personal freedom, and going further with courageous steps, as she can see ahead the possibilities and renewal even if I can’t.

And in the valley below, I saw wild mustangs for the third time now, but rather than them grazing near Washoe Lake, they were in a single-filed line wading through the lake at hip level, which was a beautiful sight to see.

A lot of feeling confirmations and moving through the watery energies of this Cancer Moon reflected – all connected with inner trust and being willing to examine what is moving through.

A raw, freeing energy seems embodied in all of the sightings – even with the sad physical death sighting of the raccoon.

I definitely have been feeling nudges with several things and the need to make the next moves and changes. Driving always is meditative in this regard, where I solidify answers and confirm my intentions.

Astrid is always on my mind when I drive and I smile in my heart with each sighting, knowing she is experiencing it with me where ever I am.

Later yesterday evening I was messaged by a friend and artisan that I’d commissioned back at the beginning of September to create a special piece for me connected to my projects as a way of manifesting the visions. There had been no rush, as I believe in perfect unfolding and wow, was it ever.

She sent me photos of the creation she was making for me and said it would be done that night and sent out the next day – and it was!

Of course, this was magickal with its birthing happening for the Solstice and Full Moon. Not just because of the timing, but because of even the details of the creation that were so fitting – some of which she did through her own inspiration of my energetic description.

This piece happens to be a cosmic dragon, that embodies the essence of the Cosmos. She is of Aurora Borealis coloring, star-dusted, and golden star encrusted, holding a silver crescent Moon up with her tail – that has planets embedded along the spine in cosmic alignment. And upon the Moon sits a little white rabbit, while another rabbit sits on the back of the dragon reaching up in sacred connection with it.

Talk about synchronicity with the Solstice Full Moon, Meteor Shower, and Mercury and Jupiter conjunction.

Oh, how the Universe works in mystical and magickal ways.

Astrid is smiling hugely as I share all of this and she had made her way to me when I was receiving this news and the photos to ensure I knew her magickal part in all of it. 🙂

She now asks me to add the dream.

So, just two nights ago Astrid appeared in my dream landscape. She’s been hopping in lately even if I don’t always share about it. But this one was potent with its timing and so I’m not surprised she wants me to share it.

In the dream Astrid was with me and we came upon a place the Earth was opening up below us. A deep hole, jagged with rocks appeared and suddenly Astrid went hurdling down it. I couldn’t see how it happened, but there was a deliberate energy around it. I peered down and saw her laying on the ground. I was so worried she was hurt or worse, but she stands up and brushes herself off. She takes a moment working out her legs and such, shaking it off, and seems to be okay after wiggling her body back.

I contemplate how I will get her when suddenly creatures of inner Earth start to approach. First as shadows and then closing in on her from the left. They are almost like wolves, but something more.

I can hear her in my heart and know she’s about to take off, and she does. She darts off to the right down one of the tunnels and the creatures follow.

I hear the invitation and know I must journey into inner Earth and her womb to follow her. In my mind, to save her, but I gather Astrid intends much more than that.

She seems not afraid or worried that they will catch her, but I’m not as certain – my mothering instincts setting in to protect her.

But I also feel the call of the adventure, and Astrid is asking of me much more than simply to save her…she wants me to join her on the journey.

I, and she, know I have no choice because love guides me above all else, and gives me the courage.

Two dear and powerful shamanic friends of mine show up as if they know of this expedition already and come with tools of their gifts to join the mission in this underground system of warren tunnels within Earth’s core.

So the three of us devoted women head off together, down the rabbit hole.

Wishing you all a peace-filled Solstice journey into the light of your heart.

Ask Astrid Fridays ~ The Rabbit’s Corner: You Can Run, but You Can’t Hide

Today Astrid would like to speak to that little voice inside of many of you that sometimes wishes to just curl up in a ball and shrink back into a dark corner or closet – maybe even just pull the covers over your head and pretend the world has no idea you exist. Maybe you prefer being invisible sometimes and this can serve well in specific cases, but perhaps you’re holding yourself back out of fear or a deep-seeded experience that leaves you afraid to put yourself out there.

Living so close to, and intimately with, the ground and Earth, rabbits know how to “hide” well, but this can have a two-fold meaning of either having the need to camouflage and blend in or that you have made yourself so small that you are un/under-recognized for who you are and the gifts that you embody.

Rabbits know the importance of awareness and protection, but they are not shy about exhibiting their exuberance and big personalities when they feel the urge to do so. In fact, they will leap with glee when the moment moves them, or rise to the challenge with fierceness, despite being seen as small, timid and fragile creatures.

They are extraordinary sound navigators who know when to seize the moment and “hop” into new territories and experiences. Their ultra-sensitivities create the light when all seems lost and dark.

And this is the place Astrid wants to address for those of you who find yourself feeling lost so much, desire to shrink away, or aren’t even aware that you are diminishing your light when it’s needed the most right now in the world.

Invisibility can definitely be a gift, but it doesn’t serve you or the collective to live in the dark eternally.

Life can’t go on, nor thrive, without light.

Astrid knows there are times she’s been afraid and that she’s needed to regulate her energy so as to find that balance of protection and safety, while also making herself known and asserted.

If she had remained purely in fear by her circumstances and triggers, she would not only not have survived, but not have been recognized for the gifts she has. Marcy of SaveABunny and her staff of volunteers saw her because of the big energy she put out, and of course we know that this is also how she and I made the connection.

We both had to rise to our highest and most whole, to have a meeting of equals merge into partnership and recognition of reflection.

We could easily have missed a beautiful chance if we both stayed small.

How many times might you have missed out on an opportunity because you kept yourself small?

How much of your dreams are you not able to experience because you hesitate to share your gifts?

How much love do you hold back from yourself because you’re scared to show others who you really are or to feel how worthy you are?

Is it disappointment, hurt, anger, or guilt that makes us fear ourselves and our power?

I often wonder why these feelings win out over love over and over again.

Astrid shares that responsibility can play a part in this process we seem to be learning in exercising our gifts and powers.

But she and I both agree that responsibility can can carry its own weight that isn’t always tempered with love, but analyzed and dissected by ego.

So in fact it, too, can lead us astray of going bigger, as it tries to work out every angle to satisfy another excuse not to shine forth.

While we think that hiding serves us well, in most cases it is a reaction to something now or from a “past” that didn’t go the way we hoped. And even though those triggers and experiences are gone, we are still operating as if they are happening right now.

This perpetuates our “staying small” and unable to shine our inner lights, like rabbits do, to navigate us through the dark tunnel labyrinths of experience.

And in some cases, we devise ingenious ways of talking ourselves out of letting our energy out bigger to serve our ego fears and can even find spiritual bypassing ways of describing it and why it makes sense to do so.

Truth is, if you want to find a reason not to do something you can always find one.

And when it comes to our wholeness and embodying our potential, we have all the excuses in the world why not to do that.

Whether or not those excuses are valid is between you and yourself.

Astrid wants to remind you that it’s okay to recognize when camouflage and invisibility can serve us and be a magickal tool in our back pocket to pull out now and then, but “hiding” when rising would benefit you most, is not the healthiest choice to always fall back on.

It’s okay to learn as you go and make instant adjustments along the way. Chances are, you’ve already done years of work so truly, now is about the experiential classroom. This is about being both student and teacher and bringing integrity and humbleness to the process of being.

Now, more then ever your gifts, your light, your essence is needed in the world.

And while you think you may be alone in facing those frightful triggers, experiences, and the things that feel scary in the world, you are not.

More and more souls are finding that the way out of hiding is to actually step out. No one is going to force you out nor pull you out. Only you can make that choice, but it’s a very liberating choice that once made – even in small steps – suddenly helps make sense of an upside down world and brings authentic power to the forefront.

Astrid says, “The more you wear a mask, the less you will ever know yourself. It’s not just others you hide from in doing so, nor whom are robbed of knowing your beauty and experiencing your ripple across the world. You are the one who is hurt the most when your light is kept small.”

Astrid knows how I, too, have kept myself small in the past and straddled timidly between two worlds of fears and hopes.

“And what did that do for you?” she asks me.

“It kept me stuck,” I replied. “Torn and tormented between two worlds warring against each other, rather than teaming together and empowering myself into truly living, rather than merely surviving.”

That reminds me of a favorite line Julia Roberts says in Steel Magnolias, “I’d rather have 30 seconds of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.”

How about you?

If coming out of hiding gave you the most enriching and fulfilling experience you’ve ever known and was better than your wildest dreams, wouldn’t it be worth “going bigger” for, even if it wasn’t forever?

Not that it couldn’t or wouldn’t be forever, but you won’t know it until you try it.

Or is the known feeling of suffering and smallness, more comforting?

“Everyone has the ability to go bigger, no matter what their circumstances are. You are creative beings and therefore have unlimited ways to bring through more of your potential. Feel bigger! Thinking is only half the story, but your heart will guide you past the limits of your mind,” Astrid says.

It’s not easy, I know, and can be quite sticky with layers, but personally I decided that the possibility of that total enrichment far outweighed the illusion of safety in the darkness.

Astrid says, “That safety is an illusion that keeps you away from your truth….away from being who you really are and experiencing what you have available. That illusion is the fix to experiencing the true power within your heart.”

And she’s so right.

We think we stay safe by staying small and hidden, but by making that our “norm” we not only get to experience more of it, but are dying a slow death.

Choosing to go bigger and stop hiding happens for each person at different times in their life or soul journey and in different ways, by different triggers, and timings, so there isn’t just “one” way to get there.

Yet the one thing we all have in common is “potential.”

And the more each of us do our best to rise to that potential, the easier it becomes for others to do the same.

Rather than spend time trying to make others step into their potential, why not utilize our resources to “be” the potential?

Rabbit doesn’t wait for snake to see the “potential” when it threatens her kits rather than finding something else to eat that day. Rabbit rises to her “potential” and becomes the bigger rabbit she knows herself to be and chases off the snake.

Yep, that’s right. There are videos out there that catch mother rabbits fighting off poisonous, deadly snakes to save their babies. It’s incredible, but this is the truth of their wholeness they weave in and out of, as they carry it at their core always.

And I’ve seen this happen not only with people, but myself as well, where we’re put into dire situations and then rise to the occasion.

But wouldn’t it be wonderful to rise always, rather than only when threatened or in our darkest hour?

Those moments demonstrate that we have it in us, but we choose not to always shine the light.

Astrid carries this bigger energy with her always. You can see it and feel it, even if not demonstrated every second, but when she wants to, she does. She’s not afraid to let you know it’s simply who she is, nor is she worried how you might judge her. She knows the truth of who she is will reach the truth of each of us and when truth meets, that’s the most authentic and fulfilling experience, regardless of result. Yet, it also helps reflect and draw to her exactly what she needs and wants to see, while not missing out on what it feels to be alive.

I asked Astrid if she has any advice to offer to someone wanting not to hide anymore, but is too afraid.

She thinks a moment and replies in her own way, “There will never be a perfect moment to wait to do something and tomorrow is not always a promise. We can’t survive alone in the dark forever. Night turns into day and it is your nature to do the same. In and out you weave, but weave you must, or cease to be. Both the Sun and Moon know just when to shine on the Earth or how to allow others the same. Yet they DO and WILL shine in fullness and never cease to shine while others are. They dance in and out, sharing the stage of the grand show. You may not know how stepping forth and being bigger will be embraced, but embrace it for yourself and you will find your place on the horizon amidst the other stars. It’s there that we will meet, heart-to-heart.”

What I’ve learned, and Astrid describes so beautifully, is that the truth of who you are is not something you can hide from forever. It catches up to us, no matter how fast we run away. Just as the Sun’s light keeps shining, despite your only seeing it half the day, so does your light, despite blanketing it in vein.

Eventually, your essence will see its way through, so why not give it a boost out?

“That’s right! Being who you really are is what we need most in the world at this time and is the greatest service to humanity,” concludes Astrid.

Whimsical Wednesdays ~ The Artist’s Corner: The Magick Rabbit Storybook Art

As promised, today’s Whimsical Wednesdays brings to you a peek into my “Artist’s Corner” with the first look at some new little whimsical paintings Astrid and I have been working on in our free time. Astrid was right that 12/12 would be the reveal and so without further ado, I’d like to show you what the two of us have been up to lately in Wonderland here.

If you’ve been following along for a while, you likely recall the evolutionary journey my paintings and drawings have gone through over time, but this fresh flow of creativity has truly been the most enjoyable for me, as they come straight from my inner child and blend together my imagination with what Astrid sends me.

Moonlight Whispers by Tania Marie & Astrid

 

We call this collection “The Magick Rabbit ~ Storybook Tales of Wonder and Whimsy Come to Life.”

The images you see here are straight off the press, as they say – just quick snaps from my cell phone for now in order to share them with you.

They’re also Astrid approved, as you can see. 😉

I love how she embraces them and even recognizes herself in The Empress, which I created as a whimsical version of her as a Tarot Card, and gives it a straight-on kiss!

And in Bedtime Stories, she goes straight for the little dark bunny that looks like her! Too cute!

I intend to get them professionally photographed/scanned here shortly, which will capture the detail and color much better than I can in most cases, and will then be able to make more fun stuff available to you.

The Journey by Tania Marie & Astrid

 

I want to stick to small sizes, as these are meant to be fun for me, easy and quick to execute so that they mimic childhood memories of when I used to sit down at the kitchen table as a little girl with my French Grandpa drawing throughout the Summer on my grandparent’s long visits with us.

They’re pure joy and imagination flowing through what I love most – rabbits!

Bedtime Stories by Tania Marie & Astrid

 

And in keeping them this way, I can also make artwork like this, accessible for many.

While I keep a creative channel of energy flowing in balance to the other things in my life I need to focus more left-brained on.

The Empress by Tania Marie & Astrid

 

These original 8″ x 10″ paintings on canvas boards will be available, alongside prints and other fun items like greeting cards, journals, etc. with these images on them.

In this way I can offer affordable storybook windows that rekindle the wondrous heart of your inner child – portals to harness sweet magick into your everyday life.

I’m not sure that I’ll have the other items available before Christmas, but these originals might be up in my new Etsy shop soon.

Eventually, I’ll create more of these 8″ x 10″‘s (and perhaps some other fun smaller canvas board sizes) in my spare creative time, but the next collection will be a little bit different – I’ll share what I mean when they’re ready! I see them in my/Astrid’s minds’ eyes, but I never know what is going to come out until it does!

What I love is that there’s no thought involved. The magick just happens in surrendering to the inspiration.

Cosmic Voyage by Tania Marie & Astrid

 

I can’t tell you how wonderful and fulfilling it’s been to channel these first five rabbit-inspired, magickal pieces of art from the Faery Tales of my mind and the shared visions between Astrid and me.

They are little whispers of enchantment to infuse your life with a little magick and inspire your own inner child or a beloved child in your life.

While simple, like anything I create, it’s always infused with much more. And you can discover that meaning for yourself, each time you peer into these Faery Tale Windows.

There’s a storybook tale within each to reflect your journey, as the adventure it is – all shared through the heart of one Magick Rabbit and one Rabbit Faery.

For now, this is just a little introduction, as Astrid and I have been so excited about sharing these.

We’ll announce when my Etsy shop is ready, as I’m in process of rebirthing it after it being empty for years.

If you’re on Instagram, you may want to follow along, as I’ll be making shop update announcements there, as to when things will be available. In terms of originals, these will be first-come-first-served, so keeping your bunny ears tuned in will be key for those. I’ll also have giveaways and other fun things only available via Instagram.

We hope you enjoy this little peek into the world we’ve been walking in lately.

Let us know what you think.

Ask Astrid Fridays ~ The Rabbit’s Corner: The Worth of Waiting

I was reminded yesterday when I gave Astrid the first batch of her holiday gifts, just how much joy it brings to my heart to see her happy and giving her the things she deserves. This continued later in the evening over conversation with my sweet friend, Lynne, who is visiting, as I shared with her about the first time Astrid saw her Wonderland realm I’d created just for her and she dropped into a deep state of heartfelt gratitude. She stopped in her tracks and took it all in, then sat in overwhelming feelings she had always believed were possible, but hadn’t materialized outside of her belief until now. That was the most moving moment for me when she looked at everything then turned to me and wanted to snuggle – if her eyes could have shed tears they would have, but mine sure did. I heard her expression of gratitude and felt her love, as she thanked me for seeing her and making her dreams a reality.

We both dropped into a timeless shared moment that is etched in my heart forever.

Last night I went to bed knowing today was Astrid’s share time and asked her to let me know what she wanted to write about.

She said, “the worth of waiting.”

So, I went to sleep with the intention to hear her message and bring that through now.

Astrid knows that so many of us feel like we are waiting forever for the things we want. That constantly we’re told to be patient just a little while longer. To keep believing. To not let go of our dreams. And to keep moving forward when all we want to do is give up with disappointment, exhaustion, and feelings of overwhelming sadness.

She knows I have so many times gone through that myself – feeling like nothing was ever going to happen. That I kept working on things, giving my all, making changes, devoting myself to figuring out what I’m missing, and still had only my hope to go on.

She knows that so many times I wanted to give up and was brought to my knees in painful soul-felt tears and couldn’t understand why.

And she knows somehow I kept going.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons she and I connect so much. Because Astrid has been through the same in her life.

Her background is filled with disappointment, fear, sadness, the unknown, and yet she kept fighting and kept going.

This eventually brought her to SaveABunny where she was finally treated with respect and tenderness, and at least was out of danger.

Yet, she still had a couple of years ahead of having people come and go, but never seeing her, nor wanting to adopt her.

She kept believing when all seemed hopeless.

And although she was there one of the longest of any bunnies, awaiting a forever home, it did happen.

We found each other.

Two souls who kept believing.

Two souls who have never given up.

We found our happy ending in each other.

Astrid says, she easily could have let her health go and gone into full-on depression, but she kept strong, took care of herself, and remained a robust picture of well -being.

She knew one day….one day….her dream would come true.

And she wanted to be at her best when it did.

I can so relate, as so many times I wanted to give up on things in my life I hoped for and never saw evidence of getting closer to.

And yet they did come and I was reminded, like Astrid, that time is an idea we attach to. The spirit and heart don’t experience it the same. There is no timeline for when things unfold. There’s the journey and how we embrace it.

No matter when something happens in our lives, even if it’s just for a minute of blissful depth, that one moment will be worth all of the pain, struggle, and work we put into our lives.

Astrid says, “It needn’t be that way though. If you embrace that the future is now and live your life backwards with the beauty being in your heart to experience whenever you want, then you will know how to ride the eternal.”

In essence, we don’t have to suffer, as the only reason we do is the acceptance of separation from that which is in our heart awaiting our opening to.

Hard to embrace when your physical reality seems to say something else, but that doesn’t have to be the story if we tell it differently.

And this provides the hope and the ability to experience life more fully now with whatever our situation is.

It makes what we desire more tangible and draws it in as a manifestation.

Astrid knows this isn’t easy to embrace when heartache becomes overwhelming.

But she knows it’s possible, as it’s been her experience.

And I do too.

I keep using these techniques and keep listening to her reminders, as I continue to embrace hope for manifesting more things my heart is feeling.

I see and experience them as done and so the journey is much sweeter. It also makes it so that if they manifest or not, it’s not as important because I already am enjoying the possibility within my heart where it counts the most.

It creates a feeling of wholeness and from there anything is possible.

Astrid says, “You are a timeless being living a blip of your immensity. Open to your fullness and you’ll open to the potentials in greater ways than you think.”

There are reasons things align as they do and if we remove the time constraints, the worth of waiting reveals itself.

You might even find that you’re living rather than waiting.

Take care of you. You are worth it.

Ask Astrid Fridays ~ The Rabbit’s Corner: Upgrades & Overloads of Rebirthing Change

Rebirthing seems to be a theme running through the collective and just today it came through to me through five different streams of experiences and messages from others. One of them being Astrid, as rabbits reflect this symbolism well. She’s been very eager the last couple of days to not only nudge me hard at my ankle, but has bee-lined to me in order to grab a hold of my pant leg with her teeth to get my attention.

Likely she knew of the energy overload I was experiencing and the upgrade about to take place, but it also seems she’s been really keen on my being with her so that we can navigate the unknowns together.

Rabbits are very at home in the labyrinth Netherworld where intricate underground passageways and dark twisting tunnels are the norm and where they feel secure navigating their travels by intuition and inner light alone.

Change is no stranger to them and they are accustomed to making decisions in the face of fear and maintain peaceful focus amidst chaos.

After all, their survival relies on it.

This sense of self and ingenuity is a gift that reflects to us our ability to master the same within us awaiting our reclaiming.

As Lee shared in his December Energy Update yesterday, “We are built to handle change.”

And as the ever-rebirthing rabbit says, “You, too, can get in touch with change and ride the sands of time, as the seasons weave their cycles.”

Astrid knows change very intimately and has braved the new every step of the way. Recently she shared about her own upgrade to a Castle Tower, and while it had mirrored our own shifts up until then, it was also foreshadowing more change upcoming for me.

That hit yesterday, as I’ve added a heap load of new into my life recently (including a wave of new energy painting) and its been a process to integrate a balanced schedule with it all.

I’ve been feeling a build-up of energy in a way I can’t describe and it catapulted me to this suspended point outside of this or that. It released tethers that provided any sense of familiarity and detached me even more.

Astrid says, “This is the Cosmic way, and when you are at home within this unknown, you realize the power of your own inner light above all else.”

It keeps coming at me with the expression of new inspiration and focuses, along with the stripping away of layers, the joy of surrendering things to others ready to own their own level of responsibility and reclaiming, and the deepening gratitude that stretches me to farther reaches of heart generosity that lives for today.

Astrid often sits tall and looks me straight into my heart with piercing wisdom that seems both so far away and so tangibly rich.

She says, “This is because I reflect the heart’s Great Mystery that can only be experienced by way of both loving and letting go more. Then you experience the vastness and beautiful complexity of Cosmic Love.”

She continues sharing “This overload of energy is a liminal space you’ve been experiencing as a compilation of layering new pieces onto pieces you don’t want to forget, while juggling ways to hold them within the still limited version of unrealized potential, rather than relaxing into these things already being who you are. The reminders have already done their work and the memory can now let go into the ease of embodiment. It’s time to create from the impetus of fertile inspiration and allow these to rebirth completely anew.”

And so, yesterday, my mini Notebook (the computer I’ve been using the last 5 years) finally and fully overloaded. I’ve been receiving messages from it over the past few months that there was no space remaining and our attempts to delete things went in vein.

Then my computer said, “No more.”

Just as Astrid said, “Come join me as you already are.”

Ironically and synchronously this took place yesterday directly after I posted Lee’s December Energy Update and right after I received an email from a very special spirit and artisan who after a couple of months since onset of our correspondence, had completed creating “a celestial muse” she was working on in collaboration with me that happens to embody “creation” and not surprisingly, but without me saying anything, wove the song of my heart into being.

It just so happened that I was ready for this, as anything of importance to me – truly only my new novel – is stored on a tiny little chip, and things that might “seem” important, but speak of the old days for me, were surrendered away. I let it all go, including several years of saved emails and work correspondence from days of the past and embraced Dave’s extra, heavy duty computer as my new replacement, which I’ve been using for our shared side business bookkeeping.

The overload caused everything to run in circles, take forever to implement, reverse working at all without hours of dissecting, and simply not listen to or understand commands.

In essence, I would not be moving forward unless I walked into a much more expansive field where pieces are not even present to remind me and only embodiment speaks for itself.

All of the new energy couldn’t keep piling on to things working in the background and using up space in one way or form. A larger playing field within the vortex of my heart had to be opened where things move freely and are simply an intrinsic part of me.

I said goodbye to the memories while closing all access of return and this new and vastly larger platform now provides the space for that “impetus of fertile inspiration” Astrid spoke of.

Better yet, I have no attachment to it and anything on it, which feels extra freeing, as I don’t feel the computer to be mine. It is more of a portal and conduit to bring things through, but to shut away and detach from at end of each day.

And then today, some wonderful and full circle soulful unfoldings took place when the perfect guardian said yes to my passing on three sacred items that speak of what has been some of the greatest importance to me and my lifetimes, which I only recently had also been nudged to surrender over in trust.

Astrid was specifically involved in this, literally getting my attention and moving these pieces into my awareness.

I couldn’t ask for a wiser companion.

I’ve also found myself giving out in bigger ways than ever lately, feeling that vastness and abundance, without need to hold on. There are infinite ways for things to come about. To hold onto something as an idea of insurance was also robbing the good it could do in so many other ways now, including the very way I thought it might one day help.

Astrid has been quite the muse in all of this – amusing and musing!

When I do something from that infinite place she binkies with delight – I call it a Cosmic Binky.

When I’m missing the point or urgency, she grabs hold of my pant leg.

When I’m “getting it” and download her wisdom, she peers deeply through me in her Buddha Bunny- like stance with eyes dark as the Cosmos and a twinkle of starlight at center.

This morning, as we were still prepping Dave’s computer for me I was upstairs at our usual Ask Astrid blog time so Queen Astrid came running upstairs to get me. She waited patiently beneath the graceful towering giraffes – her grounded sentinels of grace and divine purpose.

From there she was downloading today’s message, as she helped me to connect the dots with all the latest happenings.

Every day a new layer of fine-tuning is integrated.

She reminded me that every time my energy gets an “upgrade,” so do my computers and cell phones.

And we both know that this is true for many of you out there as well.

Our energy shifts affect things around us.

Rabbits are finely attuned to energies and reflect them to the tiniest degree.

My two other rabbits, Nestor and Joy, used to have physical blow-outs because of the expansive energy they would channel and their bodies had to readjust, which isn’t the easiest always for bunnies.

Astrid is much better at managing her energy and wants me to understand those tweaks and fine-tunings that can help with optimizing my own.

This time it wasn’t about forcing a change by crashing my computer and losing things, but more about mindfulness that gave me the option of tweaking realizations and moving forward more effectively and in bigger ways.

As we go through changes, which right now everyone is experiencing in varying degrees of relative intensity, there are ways to tune into those little tweaks so that we can all optimize our energy.

Sometimes they’re easier to see and feel than others, so reflections like these can assist us.

For me, it seems Astrid is sharing that just as she fully chewed down and got rid of her Carrot Cottage so it no longer takes up any space, in order to make space for her Castle Tower, so too did I need to look at the tiny ways space was being held by things I already embody.

I had even saved the top roof of the Carrot Cottage with the idea to create a little house upstairs for her and she was not interested in the least bit.

So I’ve since removed it completely once she said, “I told you we’re done mom. I love the memories it held of my being welcome to my forever home, but our love is now permanent and the cardboard house takes up space our hearts can use to create and anchor new growth in.”

So, in reflection, while I may have given up the work and things of the past, if it still sits there even as storage space on a computer, or as an item tucked away on a shelf, they’re still taking up space I could breathe more freely in and by removing them I brush away the dust of memories and awaken the sparkle of birthing new stars.

Astrid smiles. “Change is like the beautiful birth of a star.”

 

 

Ask Astrid Fridays ~ The Rabbit’s Corner: Navigating the Illusion of Loss

Last night while we headed out for our second wind of the night’s outings, just as we turned the bend at the tip of the forest, a raccoon caught my eye to the left. It was no more than a day or two ago that we were having a conversation with friends where Dave mentioned not ever seeing a raccoon, opossum, porcupine, etc. and I told him – “Oh they’re out there, they just don’t show up when you want, plus you’re usually asleep when they’re exploring about. They slip through the veils when needed.” And then she did.

When asking Astrid to think about what she wanted to share for today’s message of her blog, she told me to go ahead and go out first to enjoy the snow and more snow shoeing, while she thought about it and would send me her ideas while out in the forest. And, of course she did.

While out in the forest I received two messages from her. One, was the image of the raccoon and the second was some sadness – my own – and some words “illusion of loss.” I continued snow shoeing, wondering about the tie-in and why she wanted me to go out, but it then hit me while the snow was coming down all around us and all of the forest was deep in blankets of white.

Everything around me had changed pretty much overnight since the eve of Thanksgiving, going from Fall’s warm colors and brittle leaves, to a slumber where signs of life are dormant and the purity of snow infuses its own cleansing alchemy.

It might appear like life is no where to be found, but in fact it is never gone and is in process of deep renewal – the kind you believe in, but won’t answer to your hopes until you’ve all but forgotten your dreams.

Astrid reminds me that the holidays can be very beautiful and warm times because of the love in our hearts the magick kindles, but they are also full of nostalgia, memories, and in many cases – a sense of loss, emptiness, and loneliness.

These are times people reflect on dear ones who are no longer physically with us and Astrid knows that lately we’ve heard of many souls moving on, which makes it challenging for those of us left behind with our feelings that are magnified now.

She reminds me that I, too, am one of those souls who deeply misses my dear ones and she brings this up for me to impart a message from her she knows won’t immediately take away the pains any of us feel, but assures us can be the alchemy we desire.

She prompts me to share what I’ve learned through my “losses,” while she helps channel her message through my processing. And by “loss” she means, having experienced my dearest friends that resided on Earth in animal bodies with me, returning to the stars.

So I reflected on the snow, bitter wind, and the blankets of white draped over the once colorful landscape and the feelings that flow through watery tears and sometimes cast a frozen burn upon my heart. They are one and the same….an illusion of something we think we can’t see or touch anymore in the same way, but underneath it all, remains and is ever-renewing, expanding, and preparing to blossom again and again.

She reminds me how much I LOVE the snow and its magick, even though it can be harsh and even take lives away from the creatures of Earth when her presence is thick with icy illusion.

Yet, I have not thought of snow and Winter as wrong or hurtful. It simply is another form of beauty that transforms and kindles a spark of inspiration in my heart and brings me closer to pure grace of being.

The same is how I’ve experienced physical death – when I allow myself to go through the flow of icy tears and memories, I’ve arrived at the magick of pure and simple love that suddenly drops into the true experience of eternal spirit that inhabits the vortex of my heart.

The loss is no longer truth because the gain is far more permeable and returns me to essence.

Winter. Death. They are both passing cycles and they are both ironically beautiful. Inherent in the state of each, is a remarkable alchemy that draws forth the depths of our hearts to feel things we normally want to run from or put a coat over to keep the chill out. But if we run our fingers over an icicle, we can begin to feel the burn.

This is the flame of life – the fire that raises the ashes – the burn of Cosmic love – the inferno of eternity.

Astrid knows I go through this burning continuum every time waves of memories and winds of spirit flash through me of my loved ones gone. They are a merging of then, now, and beyond, and once I move through the reminders of then, inherent is the presence of now.

The bridge becomes the heart and we become One.

I am seeing eternity through the eyes of loss and death. Just as I am seeing promise and inspiration through the eyes of Winter’s veil.

And so, raccoon reveals herself.

No longer to be hidden away in the dark, striking behind the shadows.

I/we come face-to-face with the truth.

Raccoons are known as great shapeshifters and tricksters.

Some may even refer to them as thieves, stealing away or hiding things from you in the dark of night.

Caroline Myss has written about the thief archetype saying that he, “sheds light on the potential wealth within you that can never be stolen.”

Our dear ones, our dreams, the things we think we have lost and can’t touch or experience the way we used to love, were never truly taken from us.

The only thing we ever lost was our understanding of real love.

Love that truly sees.

Love that truly feels.

Love that truly is eternal.

Love that bridges all illusions and boundaries.

Love that knows the inherent beauty in all things.

Love that brings everything into the now.

Love that expands and renews, over and over again.

Astrid reminds us that we have the strength and courage, just like fearless raccoon, to see through any difficult situation with ingenuity, flexibility, and possibility.

Like Spring inevitably comes after Winter, it is also inherent in Winter’s embrace.

They aren’t a one-after-the-other experience, but part of each other right now.

You experience things as beautiful because inherently your spirit recognizes the totality of something even if your ego and conscious mind only sees one thing.

Just as Nature recognizes our true nature and hopes to remind and reflect back to us the totality of who we are at any given moment – every cycle, every experience, every emotion, and thought are all of who we are now.

Our loved ones are all of who we are now.

They are eternally here behind the veils we erect.

And when you catch those glimpses of their spirit moving through the wind, when you feel their breath send the hairs on your arm and back of your neck to stand on end, when you see a shadow and spark out of the corner of your eye, or simply when your heart swells with enormous floods of love…you’ve pulled down the veils, removed the masks of slumber and judgment, you’ve turned on the light in the dark, and opened a locked door.

Those we love are with us and in everything around us.

We’re ready to experience the multi-dimensionality of life and open to new potentials and great change.

Astrid walks between worlds…between being grounded and on Earth and far-off in the Cosmos and although she understands the challenge we have of grasping these concepts, it is her desire to help open the portals to our hearts so we can walk with her into the realms of possibility. When we see only half the story, we are choosing to keep our lives compartmentalized.

We are choosing to remain small and separate.

We are choosing to keep those we love away from us, rather than with us.

Creatures of the night, like raccoon, can help reveal the truth of the heart and bring us the gifts they’ve been hiding away – into the light.

And what was lost can now be found.

Those that left, we’ll discover just tucked themselves away in our hearts, revealing the greatest magick trick there is – the power of love to unlock everything.

Astrid sends her love to everyone and hopes the seeds within her words take root.