"To tell a woman everything she cannot do is to tell her what she can. "Spanish Proverb
I N S I D E
In this issue, we will help you navigate the lifestyle of the digital nomad – a trending word describing a lifestyle that is now dominating the corporate world. The term may be new to some, but for many of us, this modern way of life seeks quality and balance in life and work, aspects that have long-been on our minds and unfortunately, long-missing for most. It may be that we’re finally getting on the right path though. Life experiences and flexibility to pursue passions are some of the qualities that can also be attributed to their lifestyle.
This new cultural change happened not so unexpectedly (if there are silver linings to a worldwide pandemic), making us realize that is possible ‘yes’ for us to rediscover different ways to reawaken our connection when both old and new worlds work together, moving us onward.
You can also be part of the change, virtual or in-person,
individuals are still shopping, searching for unique experiences, taking self-care more seriously, exploring more and traveling frequently. Yet, minds are continuing to search for peace and calm in the midst to help them address their stressors. After all, in this digital era, no one is exempt from getting burned out, you and me included.
Let's explore how our voices and businesses can be the bridge to help connect this new cultural group of consumers to a better quality towards their mindfulness journey.
Have an insightful reading!
There is only one success to be able to spend your life in your own way.
Christopher Morley
THE EVOLUTION of how we used technology from 2000 to 2020 seemed like it went at light speed compared to the 20 years prior.
The ‘80s feel like the dark ages with rotary phones, and card files at the library. Now, think about the past two years and technology hit hyper-light speed in its evolution. The pandemic forced changes we thought were temporary that are
now becoming a new foundation for the future that is unfolding in front of us. The contemporary professionals in the workforce, who are also the growing power buyers in the marketplace are taking to this work-from-home change and making it their own. They are becoming digital nomads, unrestricted by geography, gender norms, racial cues, and standard
demographic measurements. This group spans Millennial and Gen-Z age groups and will include GenXers who welcome this flexibility.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: JACKI SMITH is the co-owner of Coventry Creations. Her passion for personal empowerment and small business has been the driving force in her success and her journey of lifelong learning. Jacki is a regular contributor to the magazine and loves sharing her experience, successes, and cautionary tales.
My extended family expands across the country with diverse ethnic, economic, and professional backgrounds, making them a balanced and easily accessible test group of this growing demographic. When I asked them about the most profound changes of the past two years and how their shopping habits have changed, there was a powerful similarity in their responses, even though their circumstances are unique. The most outstanding points to notice are:
What they value has become the driver of their purchases. Sustainability, flexibility, family time, creating a comfortable environment, and supporting small businesses.
Shopping in-person is no longer the first choice, but the last resort. In-person shopping is saved for the experience and to socialize.
Eliminating the commute has given them back the time they now use for self-care and personal development. Commuting was lost time in the past, eliminating the option for having time to themselves, for mental health, and growth. This has created an opportunity to explore more styles and modalities of self-care and spiritual development.
Shopping for comfort continues to replace the desire to shop for fashion Comfort comes in many flavors and buyers are searching the internet for the brand of comfort that fits their lifestyle. Clothing, environment, convenience, sustainability, are all personal factors in comfort.
Workplace and or spaces change since the beginning of the pandemic have gone from a temporary solution to a cultural shift in many businesses. This is
having a ripple effect in central business districts across the country. In Dearborn, Michigan, the Ford world headquarters has
a fraction of the traffic they were used to pre-2020. Most Ford and Ford supplier offices remain remote and there are no immediate plans on returning to in-office operations. Local restaurants and shopping centers that counted traffic from those office workers are wondering how long they can sustain basic operations while trying to attract new and repeat customers in an online shopping and delivery environment. Is this
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cultural change temporary or permanent?
News Outlets are calling the January 2022 phase of the omicron strain COVID the end-demic, predicting an attempt to return to an in-office and hybrid office business culture over the next 12 months. Yet businesses are watching the digital nomad culture dig into new lifestyle . What will that mean for retailers who rely on the populated business districts? It means continued evolution as the new future of or hybrid office work settles in.
Spanning across the country, the consensus is the workplace changes that will be in place for quite a while are a bit more varied than just a profound change in shipping habits, they are eye-opening to the values of the incoming workforce and power buyers in the next generations.
Digital Nomads not only desire but require freedom and flexibility in
their lifestyle. They value family, including their friend group, traveling, and will change jobs to ensure that there is not only time but the personal energy to bring all areas of their lives into balance.
No more working, shopping, and interacting while sick. This willingness to stay masked and at home during the expected end-demic flu and cold season mean online shopping, personal shoppers, and delivery services will remain a part of the norm.
Shopping at brick-and-mortar stores will become all about experience and social event.
Environmental choices before convenience. Commuting, singleuse plastic, fast fashion, and less expensive imports are weighed against environmental concerns. Buying higher quality products as well as reusable or repairable items are now being saved for instead of the instant gratification of less expensive options. Jobs are looked at for remote options, ease of commute, and life balance before income.
Flexibility to manage kids at home is another critical issue for the modern professional parents. School shutdowns with remote classes one month and in-person the next have created a unique need for flexibility in their workday. Work-fromhome parents are often pulling double duty as educator and worker. This creates an even bigger necessity for online and personal
shopping. Personal care is even more important to these cultural group and they will maximize every opportunity to find a few moments for themselves. Not all of the changes are bad news for the local retailer.
Shopping local, even when shopping online is a top value for today’s customers. Sites like Etsy make it easier to find small makers and support local businesses while keeping their digital transactions safe. There is skepticism about small sites without a big name like Shopify or PayPal as a payment gateway.
Online shoppers are still looking to connect to a human or community as personal interaction is a luxury right now.
The traditional day-to-day work life afforded us work friendships — something the hybrid workplace culture has not been able to readily recreate. Remote workers are feeling isolated and craving that human interaction making communities increasingly critical to fill that need. Walkable neighborhoods are being explored and local shops are being discovered. Groups are creating non-geographical communities and then using local neighborhoods
as their meetups.
Whether your independent business is hosting a virtual gathering or an in-person, your customers are looking to connect to other like minds.
According to this informal family poll, in-person events that are small, mindful of health risks, and dedicated to an interactive experience are the most appealing. Comfortable outdoor events where friends can meet and enjoy a shared experience seem to be the golden unicorn everyone is looking for. Family-friendly events
and shopping is another big draw into a store as parents need to explore with their children beyond their walls. We can no longer assume any of our work or home lives will return to normal as usual as it was before 2019. But we must continue to watch, adjust, and evolve into this new hybrid lifestyle change that may be here to stay. And brick-and-mortar shops
need to find ways to, once again, become indispensable to local communities. •
FOR SOME, living a remote work lifestyle also means living a minimalist lifestyle. Part of the reason is it’s easier to navigate the world when you’re not having to juggle so many things. When you’re running a business, you want to be as efficient with your time and money as possible.
That doesn’t mean you don’t need to own anything and all your possessions live in a cloud. What it does mean is we want to be more mindful of what things are part of our life and how each impacts us, our customers, our businesses and our communities. As more people are now working from home or redefining how they want to live, it’s also opened up more innovative solutions, especially around technology.
Here are 10 tools that may help you to simplify your life and make the most of your time and money.
Investing in proper hardware that does what you need it to do is well worth the time and money. If you’re going to get more mileage from a tablet versus a laptop, don’t waste your money on a laptop that won’t get as much use — or vice versa.
Like your larger digital device, this is one you want to make sure includes all the bells and whistles you need and want. If you need a good camera to take shots of products or merchandise displays, make sure your phone has it and ditch an extra camera. Part of being tech-sufficient means knowing what tools multi-task and taking advantage of all those tools.
Whether you’re working from a nearby coffee shop, an airport or a trade show, you don’t want to use public networks that put your data in jeopardy. A VPN (virtual private network) allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the Internet. A VPN offers a number of different benefits, but many of us find it’s a worthy investment to keep confidential material safe when we’re not using our own Wi-Fi connection.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MEGY KARYDES is a Chicago-based writer currently writing a book on how to calm our mind and body using our five senses. Visit megykarydes.com to sign up for her free monthly newsletter.
When you’re out and about and need access to reliable Wi-Fi, having your own mobile hotspot means you’ll never need to worry whether you’ll be able to connect or not. Many wireless carriers offer them, so start there to review their prices and offerings. Otherwise, check out mobile hotspot companies such as SolisWifi.co or Netgear Nighthawk 5G.
5.
Storage using a cloud-based system is great when you want easy online access to files. Cloud storage also can help you avoid eating up your laptop or tablet storage.
While cloud storage is great, an external drive is a smart back-up security solution for information you don’t want to lose.
These are apps you can use on your computer and/or your smartphone. Many of them are free or offer a free trial period, so take the time to test drive them and see what helps you stay more organized and focused. Some apps to consider include KanbanFlow, Trello, Toggl, a Pomodoro technique timer, Notion, Evernote, Google docs and sheets. I’ve found some of my best solutions through friends and colleagues so ask your trusted colleagues what they’re using for ideas.
If you use any type of social media, using a social media management platform can make your social media work more effective. From Facebook Business Suite to Sprout, Hootsuite, Loomly, Edgar, Buffer, or Later, there are a number of platforms (some free, some fee-based) you can use. Each has its own specialty (i.e., great media scheduler, good for automation, budget-friendly, etc.)
A few minutes a day to meditate can bring much-needed relief. Even better, start your day with a 10-minute meditation and pull up the app on your phone throughout the day when things seem to be going off the rails or you need a few minutes to regain your balance.
If working from home or your place of business delivers too many distractions (or you need a change of scenery), find another place to work for a few hours or even for the day. Check out WorkFrom.co to find the best coffee shop or space to get work done (the filter lets you find the best places with the fastest Wi-Fi or quiet spots) and it’s free. Companies like Breather (now part of Industrious) let you book on-demand workspace throughout the country and some international cities, too. •
"You have the power to protect your peace. "
DURING THIS TIME of planetary uncertainty, it’s tricky to maintain a flow of positive thoughts. With the epidemic of negativity and fear infecting appearing in every direction, trusting you will attract what you need and keep your business thriving is a struggle, even for the most expert Law of Attraction believer.
ABOUT THE AUTOR: ROYCE AMY MORALES is the founder of Perfect Life Awakening Morales is also a transpersonal development speaker and author of Know: A spiritual wake-up call Royce was an independent retailer for two decades in Redondo Beach, California. To know more about the author, visit her page at www.perfectlifeawakening.com.
Plus, it’s one thing to rely on the LoA to manifest small things like parking spaces, quite another when your livelihood, employees’ paychecks and shop’s survival literally depends on it.
In case you are not familiar with the term – the Law of Attraction is based on the Universal Law of energy stating that the essence of your thoughts brings positive or negative experiences into your life. It espouses that shifting the message of your thoughts can improve health, finances, relationships, and life in general. It reminds a metaphysical truth that like attracts like.
Applying this Law in your business is just as important as using any other success tool. Perhaps even more so. It is not about wishing and hoping, it’s about being.
To quote Wayne Dyer, “Manifesting is not about attracting what you want. Manifesting is an awareness and an understanding that you attract what you are.” That means that the manifestation process follows the unalterable universal order of how things work: be, do, have, with the be part setting the stage for taking action with the ultimate result of having.
The being part consists of what you believe about yourself, others and the world. It is the honest belief of what you deserve, what you can allow yourself to envision receiving.
The term Law of Attraction has a long history. It first appeared in print back in 1877 in a book by the Russian occultist Helena Blavatsky. She described an attraction power that exists between elements of spirits. It was discussed at length by others,
ultimately creating the metaphysical movement called New Thought.
In the 20th century there was a surge of interest in the subject. Several books were written about the power of thought, with two of the best-selling books of all time: Think and Grow Rich (1937) by Napoleon Hill and The Power of Positive Thinking (1952) by Norman Vincent Peale. You Can Heal Your Life (1984) by Louise Hay and the Abraham-Hicks material is based primarily around the Law of Attraction. In 2006, the concept gained wide exposure with the film The Secret which a year later was developed into a book of the same title. They gained extensive media coverage, inspiring a generation of seekers eagerly practicing it. This coined a new term: Manifestation. In 2010 a film sequel followed called The Power, that explained that the Law of Attraction is really the Law of Love.
Many of these New Thought concepts were rooted in ideas that came from various philosophical and religious traditions. In particular, it was inspired by Hermeticism (300 B.C.), a philosophy from the ancient Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth that explained alchemy and magic. It was also influenced by Transcendentalism, Hinduism as well as some verses from the Bible (“…whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.” – Mark 11:24).
The commonality in each is the idea of mind over matter, spirit over physicality, teaching that anything is possible.
The Law of Attraction explains that your habitual, characteristic, and predominant mental attitude is responsible for attracting all conditions, environments, and life experiences.
The practice combines reframing negative thoughts and words into positives, along with stating affirmations and using creative visualization techniques. The goal is to replace limiting or self-destructive thoughts with more empowered possibility thinking, trusting you can manifest what you desire.
A key component of this technique is to involve the power of emotions, to experience and believe that the desired changes have already occurred. This combination helps you achieve resonance with this energetic law.
It’s important to state affirmations using present tense words. Writing them down in a journal adds more sensory power to what you are requesting. Adding an addendum at the end of an affirmation – I ask that this or something better be received – opens the door to manifest what you deserve which you may not even be aware of.
Is imperative to keeping your manifestational thoughts directly “about you,” or as general as possible, never to manipulate others. Here is the difference: “I deserve to attract new customers that appreciate and purchase my merchandise effortlessly,” versus affirming that “ Susie Jones is coming in today and will make a thousand-dollar book purchase and tell all her friends about my shop.”
The Universe is a “yes machine,” agreeing with the often-subconscious inner fabric of your beliefs, thoughts and expectations. In other words, what shows up is a reflection of your true, yet often denied intent. You might be following all the laws of LoA, phrasing affirmations correctly, writing them down, feeling them, creating vision boards and more, but you will end up getting a perfect match of what your thoughts are actually sending out.
So, notice the results you are getting. How do they relate with what you really believe, think, fear, feel, and expect? Be honest with yourself. If you desire one thing yet subconsciously expect another, this inner duality will manifest the stronger of the two thoughts: usually with the expectation as the winner. In other words, even with all positive thinking, if a deeper part of you expects things to
go wrong, they will. Noticing what manifests gives clear clues as to what your inner thoughts were actually requesting.
The Law of Attraction is a powerful tool to help reflect your hidden beliefs by noticing, not suppressing, what does come to mind.
Identify and acknowledge the negative thoughts that arise but choose to not give them power by believing they are true. A good way to quell negative thoughts is this: “thank you for sharing, negative thoughts, but I know you are not the truth!”
Use those spontaneous thoughts as springboards to help you discover why you are thinking that way, what’s being triggered. This allows space for negativity to not be suppressed which can be the cause of other problems manifesting.
The best way to practice the Law of Attraction is by mindfully choosing to be a little better than you’ve been each day, taking positive intuition-led action, cleaning up all areas of your life, and coming from love. Doing this will help you truly believe you are worthy of life’s good, and life will deliver.
It’s the law.
Know that anything is possible. Nothing is too big or small to request to the intelligent, responsive Universe of energy. Challenges are simply bigger opportunities. Time to let go, trust, and deserve. •
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IF YOU’RE LOOKING for some new divination methods to spice up your practice and don’t know where to turn, I recommend that you turn to the east – Eastern Europe. Slavic people have a close connection to magic and divination. While the traditional spiritual practices of most of the world are quite well-known here in North America, Slavic practices are still relatively
underground and are ready to be rediscovered and the unique divination practices can be a breath of fresh air if you’re looking for new ways to divine the future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MADAME PAMITA is a Ukrainian diaspora witch, teacher, author, candle maker, spell caster, and tarot reader. She has a popular YouTube channel for teaching witchcraft and two podcasts The Magic & the Law of Attraction and Baba Yaga’s Magic. She has published the books Baba Yaga’s Book of Witchcraft, The Book of Candle Magic, and Madame Pamita’s Magical Tarot. Madame Pamita is also the proprietress of the online spiritual apothecary, the Parlour of Wonders. You can visit www.parlourofwonders.com to learn more about her.
The crossroads, in particular the intersections of dirt paths, is a spiritual place in many magical traditions. For Slavic people, however, it holds special power as a place where divinations can be done. One particular divination rite for finding out clues as to who your true love will be, involves going to the crossroads at midnight with a group of single friends and a large tablecloth. To begin, one of you must pick up a nearby stick and draw a large circle of protection on
the ground at the center of the crossroads. Everyone in the group sits inside this magic circle and the tablecloth is placed over their heads like a tent. One by one, each person in turn calls out their name and then all listen to see if there is a noise from an animal predicting that love will come to this person this year. Whether it’s a dog barking, the hooting of an owl or the howling of a wolf, the characteristics of the noise will give some details as to who their future lover is to be. A noise that is close by means that the love is someone who lives nearby, a far away call means that the lover is coming from a distance.
At the midsummer festival of Kupala, it is traditional to make flower crowns to wear on one’s head. There are several divinations that can be done with these pretty wreaths. One involves floating the wreath on the water as a love divination. A wreath that floats across a pond or river means a successful year in love, but a wreath that sinks indicates love challenges for the year. For those who are already spoken for, it’s possible to do a family divination by taking one’s flower crown to the forest as an offering to the spirits. Hang it on a branch and return in a day or two. If the leaves and flowers are still fresh, it will be a positive year for the family; if it has wilted, then the tradition is to untie the wreath to “untie” the obstacles for the coming year.
A particularly somber and spooky divination happens twice a year at the special holidays that
honor the ancestors. A special wheat, honey and poppyseed porridge called Kutya is prepared and is served to the living as well as a bowl set aside for the ancestors. The living ones who partake leave their spoons on the table overnight. If anyone’s spoon is overturned the next morning, it’s a message from the ancestors that that person would be joining the realm of the spirits in the coming year.
For Ukrainians and many other Slavic people, bread is honored as something magical and holy. In the old days, the bread for the week was baked in the home on Saturdays. How the bread turned out would predict how things would go in the home for the coming week: bread that was light and fluffy would indicate ease and happiness in the home, bread that was flavorful but heavy would signify kindness in the home but that there might be challenges coming from people outside the family, and bread that was tough and chewy would mean that there was a family member who was going to be stubborn.
These practices are just a few of the fun and meaningful forms of divination that are being remembered and revived and waiting to be rediscovered. Expand your divination a little beyond the popular methods of fortune telling and look into the old ways, whether Slavic practices or those from other cultures and countries. There’s a wide world of divination and magic out there waiting for you to explore. •
“Ourlifeisshapedbyour mind,for we become what we think " - Buddha
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MARGARET ANN LEMBO is the author of The Essential Guide to Aromatherapy and Vibrational Healing, The Essential Guide to Everyday Angels, The Essential Guide to Crystals, Minerals and Stones, and many more. She is an evolutionary aromatherapist and the owner of The Crystal Garden — the conscious living store of the Palm Beaches established in 1988. Visit www.margaretannlembo.com or www.thecrystalgarden.com to know more.
ESSENTIAL OILS ARE A TOOL to help you balance your mental and emotion outlook through intention and positive thoughts. The use of aromatherapy helps you focus so you can manifest your heart’s desires.
Each essential oil helps you to achieve spiritual, mental, and emotional balance. Use them as allies to assist you in staying focused on your intentions to escalate your self-awareness, achieve a state of balance and well-being, and create and maintain positive change in your life.
Aromas influence our moods, decisions, and our ability to comprehend, remember, and process feelings and emotions. The limbic system of the brain is responsible for interpreting signals and influencing mood and emotion as well as serving as a storage area. Essential oils have potent attributes. Through personal experience with aromatherapy, I have found relief from mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges, and I have witnessed the same in my clients.
Essential oils contain powerful chemical components. There is a considerable amount of scientific research supporting the ability of essential oils to deter a wide range of bacterial, fungal, viral, and/or other disease-causing microorganisms through the diffusion of oils into the atmosphere.
Essential oils also work on an energy level to rebalance us spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, and offer many physiological benefits.
Emotional and mental rebalancing includes raising our spirits when we are feeling down to clear out negative thoughtforms and psychic debris. Psychic debris are the energetic residue of unwanted negative thoughts, experiences, emotions, and feelings.
The vibration of an essential oil is stabilized by the Devic forces associated with mother plant, flower, root, or bark. Devic forces are elemental energies or spirits of a plant, which are responsible for holding the blueprint for which the plant will be used. On this blueprint is recorded the color of the leaves, the height, the chemical components, the flowers (if any), and the innate knowledge of whether the main part of the plant is aboveground or belowground and much
Ylang-Ylang
more. The personality and traits of each plant, flower, bush, vine, tree is unique. The energy as maintained by the Devic force of the plant brings energy and assistance to humans. I recommend inhalation and diffusion as the preferred method of use until you get to know your essential oils better.
Medical grade essential oils are much more potent than a roll-on fragranced oil. Use them sparingly, as a little bit goes a long way. Once you know a particular oil well, you can then graduate to the next level by applying the essential oil in a carrier oil to the soles of your feet. Refrain from applying the oils directly on your body and do not take them internally. Other than that, have a good time exploring the many uses of nature’s aromatic
gifts and turn to the myriad of vibrational support and create aroma-energetic blends with far-reaching beneficial effects to release anxiety and stress.
One of my favorite combinations to release stress is a simple blend of lavender and chamomile essential oils. For example, approximately 1 ml of chamomile and 15 ml of lavender makes a good blend for relaxation and to sleep well. You can add about 5 ml of the formula to approximately 2 oz of water in a spray bottle. Shake it well and spray it around you or on your bed linens before bed to sleep well.
As you inhale the clean, fresh, floral aroma, establish a clear intention to feel tranquil and serene. Use an affirmation like this one:
I am healthy, whole, and complete. Peace and serenity are mine. I relax and breathe deeply, knowing all is well. I am grateful for sound sleep and pleasant dreams.
The cleansing scent of lavender clears and calms the mind and brings about mental clarity, helping you to sort out the details and release chaos, relieves mental exhaustion, stress, and anxiety. Lavender gets its name from the Latin lavare, which means “to wash.” Thieves who robbed plague victims during the Middle Ages used lavender as one of the ingredients in their vinegarbased concoction to protect them from becoming infected. (The other ingredients were garlic, rosemary, and thyme.)
There are many essential oils that relieve stress and bring about calm including, but not limited to,
chamomile, clary sage, lavender, spikenard, sweet marjoram, and ylang-ylang. Here are a few recipes to try.
Everyone’s favorite part of the class is the time spent concocting formulas based on the goals and intentions of the participant.
You will need to have goodquality bottles and caps (1 dram, 5 ml, and/or 10 ml), pipettes, and the chosen essential oils on hand (see below). The quantities given reflect how many drops to use. Feel free to adjust the recipes according to your needs and chosen oils, if desired.
Establish your goals on each level — spiritual, mental, emotion, and physical. Be sure to take note of any contraindications of a given essential oil.
There are many choices, so there is no need to use one that might not be appropriate for your particular health condition. It is important to note that thoughts create, or form, our reality. The power of thoughts and intentions create the world around us and within us. As you inhale the essential oils, make a clear intention and state a positive thought, either out loud or to yourself, to firmly establish the reason you are working with the essential oil. •
CAUTIONS - Specific Safety Rules for Common Uses: I do not recommend or endorse the internal use of essential oils. The uses described are primarily for inhalation. Most oils should not be used during pregnancy or nursing, and all are generally contraindicated for the first trimester or nursing mothers, and many should not be used on children under the age of 6. Always practice essential oil safety and use the essential oil in a carrier if apply it to your skin. Some oils lower your blood pressure which may be beneficial for those with high blood pressure but may be harmful for those with low blood pressure.
Here’s to strong women: May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.
-Unknown
A Tarot Kit for The Modern Mystic, Creatively Reimagined with Inclusive Symbolism and a Vintage-Poster Aesthetic.
THE SACRED SISTERHOOD
TAROT is an invitation for all to tap into the energy of the Divine Feminine and reclaim the tarot as a tool for self-care, spiritual growth, and self-actualization. Tarot was created during a time when the patriarchy maintained tight control over the roles that women were allowed to assume, and as a result most decks overlook the rich religious and spiritual status women have held throughout history. The Sacred Sisterhood Tarot is a complete reimagining — it’s what happens when we open up every card in the deck to feminine energy. True sisterhood is about coming together in a sacred space to support one another— no matter how you identify.
In the accompanying guidebook, readers will learn about spreads, shuffling techniques, and cleansing practices. Through the provided keywords, card meanings, and an exploration of female symbolism, readers will be instilled with confidence not only in their own feminine power, but in a deeper understanding of a centuries-old craft.
This tarot set is an international collaboration, the cards themselves were created to resemble vintage posters with a modern edge and feature the original French name for each of the Major Arcana, such as La Papesse for the High Priestess and Le Diable for the Devil. The number system and minor Arcana follow the traditional Rider-WaiteSmith convention. Courtesy of Red Wheel / Weiser
Ashawnee DuBarry
is an intuitive tarot reader and astrologer based in New Jersey.
She offers tarot and birth chart readings and works with women to help them connect with their inner goddesses. You can join her followers on Instagram @elysianspirittarotllc
Coni Curi
is an Argentine artist and illustrator based in Buenos Aires.
She gets her inspiration from folklore, astronomy, mythology, and the occult. Find out more about her on conicuri.com or join her Instagram followers @conicuri
I bought my first deck after a bad breakup (how clichéd, right?). I suppose it’s true when they say that it’s usually through the rejection of love by another that we find the motivation to learn how to love ourselves. I realized there was a void in me that needed filling and was determined to find out how. Pulling the cards transported me to a world that I had not known I was missing. A way not only to express myself and use this new voice I was finally discovering, but also a way in which I could communicate with the higher power that I had been taught to fear since my early childhood.
In retrospect, the first time I held my own deck of cards I also experienced an overwhelming sense of intimidation and confusion. Looking for teachers/guides to explain all the symbols and characters left me feeling inferior and a bit out of my league, but I soon discovered these feelings were a reaction from my Spirit, who knew we were about to embark on a journey of immense change. Over the years, I have since learned (through different resources and practices) to use the cards in a way that not only helped me gain access to those parts of myself that needed healing, but also to
celebrate the parts of myself that had become disempowered. In writing this book, I’m hoping to pass on not only what I have learned about Tarot, but also what I am still learning: how to get in touch with my inner self so that I can make the best choices for who I want to be.
Tarot appeared in my life when I was just a child. I played reading “the future” with poker cards and made up the meanings. Fortunately, I grew up in a home where esotericism and symbolism were another way of understanding life, and that must be why, without knowing the actual meaning, as a
teenager I fell in love with “The Wheel of Fortune” from the Major Arcana. There was something about its magnetism that mesmerized me. Maybe I felt it identified with the fact I’m constantly looking for changes.
Finally, in my early 20s I bought my first deck, and studied every book that I found. But with time I realized the important
thing was not to memorize the meaning of each card, but to really experience them until you can decipher the true meaning according to your personal story. Therefore, in 2019 I created my first tarot deck (Tarot De La Fuerza), and now, this one. My perception of what I am and what surrounds me, has mutated. The Wheel of Fortune has made its magic again, and now women can be empresses, but also emperors, kings, and knights. •
ISBN 9781590035252
Pages 80 I Price $34.95
1. Full of Light Cuff by Rain + Bow A joyful cuff bracelet embellished with hand drawn symbols representing the bright hope of the sun and the moon. 2. New Life Wellness Journal by Papier Space for daily check-ins, and pages for noting thoughts, feelings, habits and the things you’re grateful for. 3. Imagine Bubble Bath by Lollia A luxurious moisture-rich bubble bath that will make your skin feels silky and soft. 4. Jumpsuit by WVN A stylish comfy and sustainable jumpsuit to create the perfect statement. 5. Handmade Ceramics by Didem Firat An amazing Turkish artist who creates aesthetic and modern pieces in ceramic. 6. Kitty McCall Leopard Vase Wood Jigsaw Puzzle by Galison A bold color illustration and signature style designed by Nigerian-born/UK-based artist Kitty McCall. 7. Emily Taylor Soap Sheets by Galison A biodegradable soap sheets that are compact and easy to use on the go, at work or when traveling.
8. Les Madones Diecut Boxed Notecards by Galison An elegant die-cut boxed notecards featuring the couture fashion of fashion designer Christian Lacroix. Each card is laser-cut, illustrated, and includes a die-cut envelope. 9. Lola Ceramic Earrings by Waverly + Wilder A one-of-a-kind ceramic jewelry designed and handcrafted by a local artist in Florida.
3 4 7 13 10
10. Lavender Birds by Lime Tree Design This drawer scenters take a traditional item and gives it a bit of a quirky twist. 11. Floral Matchbox by Rosy Rings This beautiful floral printed matchbox holds a bundle of 60 matchsticks featuring a green colored tip. 12. Flower Napkin Rings by Rosy Rings (set of 4) Their handmade oval pressed flower napkin rings add a beautiful, delicate detail to any table. 13. Lemons Blossom + Lychee Teardrop Botanical Sachet by Rosy Rings Bring seasonal fragrances indoors with this delicate hand-poured sachets. Pretty enough to display, it can be hung in closets or small areas to refresh any space and impart a delightful fragrance. 14. Apricot Rose Botanical Candle + Plate Set by Rosy Rings A big, dewy bouquet of pastel roses and almond blossom sweetened by juicy apricot and Mirabelle plum. 15. Restore My Sleep Blend by Peak + Valley This blend works to improve sleep quality and duration while reducing overall stress levels to improve long term sleep performance.
Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are.
e r n i c e J o h n s o n R e a g o n
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: SEAN RUCK is an editor and writer. He lives in Vermont with his wife and three children. When he finds spare time, he typically digs into environmental concerns and causes.
THE SAYING HINDSIGHT is 20/20 was particularly apt in 2020 for any business owners having a rough start to the year. Knowing what we know now, two years later, nearly everyone undoubtedly wishes they could have continued with whatever challenges they faced pre-March 2020 rather than the one that was thrown our way in the form of a continuing worldwide pandemic along with the associated impact it has delivered to our personal and professional lives.
While the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have been unprecedented in our lifetime, it’s not the first major shakeup retail has faced within the last 30 years. For example, 30 years ago, the public only associated the word Amazon with the rainforest or maybe the fierce female warriors of myth and legend. It wouldn’t be until 1994 that the company by that name was founded and even when it started selling online in 1995, it was only selling books. Today, it’s impossible to ignore the impact Amazon has had on both brick-and-mortar business and e-commerce.
Meanwhile, the world’s most profitable company currently, Apple, was around for 16 years in 1992, but it didn’t go public until the end of 1980, and it didn’t introduce the first iPhone until 2007. But fast-forwarding just a few years and for good or bad, the technology has significantly shaped the evolution
of the retail sector. Yet, what some saw as a harbinger of the end of brick-and-mortar stores three decades ago, many now are seeing it as a lifeline during today’s uncertain times.
Most businesses staying afloat or even growing in the current COVID-driven environment have adjusted the ways they interact with customers and employees. Many have, if not outright embraced the likes of Apple and Amazon, at least begrudgingly tapped into some of the services offered by those companies and similar ones in order to improve bottom lines.
Businesses already strictly committed to e-commerce pre-COVID likely had the smallest adjustments to their process, but that’s not to say everything was or is easy. For starters, the supply chain over the course of the last two years has in many cases become a pile of broken links.
Once dependable suppliers may be unable to fulfill orders because they’re unable to get their own components to create the products customers are seeking. Or quite possibly, they’re struggling with personal issues — maybe the need to take care of sick family members or having to juggle the kids home from school on quarantine during the times they’d usually be deeply immersed in the work needed to create their in-demand wares.
It’s possible they’re having staffing issues with employees suffering the same challenges or moving on to find other employment in a job market that’s suddenly struggling to court them rather than the other way around.
If you’re fortunate enough to offer a wide range of products from numerous artisans, it’s time to take
stock. Check in with your different suppliers and find out how they’re faring. Get an update on what their lead-time is in the current environment and try to plan accordingly. You may find a mixed bag — some may be deciding it’s time to retire, in which case,
Includes a complete index of characters and locations not found in any other Spalding book.
The Journey: Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East Vol. 1-3
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The Uncluttered Mother
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The Word of Neville A Compilation of Wisdom and Imagination
NEVILLE GODDARD
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Metaphysical and Spiritual Books Since 1929 800-843-5743 • www.devorss.com • orders@devorss.com
Earlybird Entries open January 1, 2022
$75 per entry until Jan. 31, then $85
Visit COVR.org for Awards categories, rules, and timetable for submission. Membership is not required to enter.
The Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR) is the trade association for the MindöBodyöSpirit maketplace. We support the success of our members by providing education, member discounts, market research opportunities, an awards program, targeted networking and so much more! COVR understands what you need to be successful. Join today and become part of those who are shaping and leading the MindöBodyöSpirit industry into tomorrow. Follow our hashtags for updates. #covrorg #2022covrvisionaryawards #covrvisionaryawards
you may get a last order or two in if you get to them first.
Others may be fortunate and running business as usual while still others may be struggling. Being proactive about getting this information won’t leave you guessing when customers come knocking. And if/when you reach out, on a personal level asking how they’re doing probably wouldn’t hurt. Connecting with suppliers in a meaningful way is likely to only help your business — and there’s something to be said about being a good human too.
Having full-fledged shutdowns of a retail establishment for even a few days can be damaging. Although the recent shutdowns stretched to months, the silver lining was that unlike a “normal” shutdown where
customers might visit other local shops and through that experience become attached to a competitor, the shutdown — at least in the brick-and-mortar sense — was across the board. If you were shut down not by choice, your area competition was shut down too. Your customers didn’t get wooed by your competitors down the street, but they may have headed online temporarily. Ideally you were there to meet them.
Physical locations able to pivot to become the online source held onto customers and regardless of whether those customers come back through the door when the all clear is given, if they already loved what you were selling and they have a great experience with the virtual version of you, they’re likely to remain your customers going forward.
The pandemic has been a reset button of sorts for many brick and mortar businesses. Maybe yours was a business that wanted to expand your clientele by getting more offerings online, but either couldn’t find the time or didn’t feel the burning drive to do so
as sales chugged along. Things have changed. Keep in mind, even if there’s been rough patches, if you’re taking the steps to have some online presence or making the move to strengthen your existing online presence, you’re diversifying and by doing so, you’re making your business stronger by giving you move avenues to reach customers and make sales.
If it wasn’t for the fact that nearly everything is more expensive and more difficult to obtain, retailers, especially those tending to mind, body and spirit, would be experiencing golden days.
A U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released in July of 2021 found that the percentage of people working from home (on days they worked) nearly doubled, increasing to 42% and even more
significant, the study detailed that the percentage of people who spent time traveling on a given day dropped by 17% in 2020 to 67%. What that meant for businesses catering to mind, body and spirit, was that more people were home and those people were experiencing significant changes to their daily lives and routines — in other words, they needed ways to find their centers, to experience peace and serenity even as politics became more polarized and new variants emerged. It’s no secret — as the supply chain starts to mend link by link, the polarization of society is unfortunately here to stay for the foreseeable future. Variants are likely to continue to emerge. And people are going to need to find ways to take comfort and recharge. It’s a hefty responsibility, but you’re part of that answer for them.
You’re catering to people who look to you for ways to improve their lives and ways to relax or attune their energies. What works for you? What products do you offer that help you? Is there something that helps you find your center that you don’t carry but could? Maybe it’s time to stock that item — at worst, you’d have one built-in customer for it and after the last two years you’ve gotten through, you deserve to treat yourself. •
DECK ARTISTS are harnessing powerful energy activations, steeped in magical elements, to assist in fine-tuning a seeker’s intuitive skills. Customers are in need of these energy transmissions to bolster their light and clarity to deal with issues in their hectic lives.
Paulina Fae Cassidy, Author
$23.95 / ISBN-13: 978-1572818224
U.S. Games Systems, Inc. 78 cards, 76 page book
Paulina’s instantly recognizable artwork returns with spirits to guide you through your life journey based on the RWS deck. Mystical creatures and visions assist you in developing your intuition. A perfect deck for those in search of a magical light for intuition!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MELINDA CARVER is a Spiritual Business Expert and an award-winning Author, Psychic Medium and Speaker. She is the President of the Church of Radiant Lights located in Cleveland, Ohio. Visit her page at www.psychicmelinda.webs.com to learn more.
Pamela Chen, Author and Mindy Zhang, Artist
$27.99 / ISBN-13: 978-0738762197
Llewellyn 78 cards, 100-page book
A beginner’s magical girl manga guide to divination and spell work based on the RiderWaite-style deck. The storytelling and practical insights reflect through the artwork and book. A vibrant girl power deck for anime fans!
EMPATH ACTIVATION CARDS
Rev. Stephanie Red Feather, Ph.D., Author
$29.99 / ISBN-13: 978-1591434177 Bear & Company
44 cards, 224 page book
Activate high-vibration messages and inspiration within multiple levels of consciousness with this new deck geared to assist you on your life path. The artwork features sacred geometric patterns found in the cosmos and nature. Share this strong deck with customers in search of healing.
3.8.22
“ We need women who are so strong they can be gentle, so educated they can be humble, so fierce they can be compassionate, so passionate they can be rational and so disciplined they can be free."
KAVITA RAMDASA
Published by Beyond Words
ISBN 9781582708669
Pages: 272 I Price: $19.95
With more than 20 years of experience as one of Australia’s foremost life coaches, bestselling author Shannah Kennedy describes her approach to living your best life in The Life Plan, a workbook that gives you a collection of simple strategies designed to build your confidence, prioritize your goals, and make your dreams a reality in a changing world.
Whether you are years into building your career, have a family, and want to re-evaluate your life or you’re newly out of school and looking to plan your future effectively, this book will both motivate and give you the tools to start fresh and help you succeed — all while feeling like you have a life coach in your pocket cheering you on.
Published by Riverhead Books
ISBN 9780735210653
Pages: 256 I Price: $28
Everybody has regrets, Daniel H. Pink explains in The Power of Regret. They’re a universal and healthy part of being human. And understanding how regret works can help us make smarter decisions, perform better at work and school, and bring greater meaning to our lives.
Packed with true stories of people’s regrets as well as practical takeaways for reimagining regret as a positive force, The Power of Regret shows how we can live richer, more engaged lives.
Published by Harper Collins
ISBN 9780063030787
Pages: 320 I Price: $28.99
Master Your Mind, Master Your Life is a spiritual guide, a collection of stories, and a trusted step-by-step program to help us master our thoughts and navigate any situation. Marcus takes us through a hero’s journey of emotional and spiritual awakening, backed by the latest science. Each chapter ends with a section called “Into the Dojo,” in which he offers two different prescriptive treatments. The first option is universally accessible. The second option is a more advanced method, which includes an exploration of the great transformative practices and medicines of the world.
Wise, profound, and brutally honest, Marcus shows you how to fight the programming that keeps you from optimizing your life, teaches you to train your ego, recognize resistance, form a community of allies, face your inner critic, and confront your traumas all to unite your mind, body, and spirit.
Published by Schiffer Books
ISBN 9780764362415
Pages: 32 I Price: $16.99
Through the eyes of 10-year-old Benjamin Giroux, being odd is different, and different is a good thing. This is what the then fifth-grader hoped to convey in his poem, beginning every few sentences with “I am,” about what it is like to live with autism. Inspired by a school assignment, Benjamin’s raw and emotional words poured out onto the page, but when he feared they were not any good, his parents shared the poem with friends and family. Little did they know that it would go viral and end up inspiring thousands of strangers who identified with him to share their support. Now for the first time, Benjamin’s iconic poem “I Am Odd, I Am New,” comes to life in this lovingly illustrated picture book with a foreword written by the National Autism Association. So whether you know the poem, or it is new to you, discover how Benjamin’s honesty will reassure children of all ages that it’s okay to be different.
Stewart Copeland & Ricky Kej, Ponderosa www.divinetidesmusic.com
The new album collaboration from legendary five-time Grammy-winning drummer and percussionist, Stewart Copeland (The Police), and Grammy-winning Indian music composer and environmentalist, Ricky Kej, features a variety of stellar artists from around the world. As I write this review, the album is currently a Grammy nominee for Best New Age Album, and it is easy to see why. The album can be described as a nine-track musical feast for the soul that brings together a richly hued fusion of musical tapestries, while retaining the esthetic of Ricky’s Indian roots. Truly enchanting.
Sherry Finzer, Heart Dance Records www.sherryfinzer.com
Out of this world peaceful to the “nth” degree, here we can feel our innate connection to each other and to all. We are also invited to reconnect with ourselves in a profound way. Recorded at “The Tank” in Colorado, this solo flute album is based on livestreaming work Sherry did for a popular meditation app. Over the course of weekly livestreams, she made many connections with listeners. The improvised pieces on “Connections” were created for 16 of those listeners, with the 17th track dedicated to all who listen to and use Sherry’s music for peace and healing. Outstanding.
Peter Phippen & Ivar Lunde, Jr., Projekt Records www.peterphippen.com
If we could transport ourselves to ancient times and beam ourselves back to the present, carrying with us the wisdom of the ancients, we might find ourselves in a whole new world. Here, in this hauntingly beautiful flute album, that seems more than possible. Peter, and co-producer/synthesist, Ivar Lunde Jr., have created 12 tracks of music, spanning about one hour, that is a captivating combination of ancient and modern flutes, synth, and the extraordinarily interesting therein. The synergy between the ancient and the contemporary instrumentation gives this album its rich hues, profundities, and distinctly magical vibe. Utterly transfixing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: DYAN GARRIS is an award-winning New Age recording artist, award-winning author, and music reviewer, who has recorded and produced 14 albums. Garris’ recordings include a series of independently tested music and meditation CDs that earned The National Health & Wellness Stamp of Approval. Her music can be found on Pandora, Spotify, iTunes, SiriusXM, Muzak, Music Choice, airlines, and more. To know more, visit www.DyanGarrisMusic.com
FOR BUSINESS OWNERS, the beginning of the year is a time to begin planning and acting on goals that can make your business more profitable – such as developing a marketing strategy that can continue helping you to stand out from the competition. If you’ve set your sights on achieving business growth this year, check out our top five tips for marketing success:
Customers and businesses both evolve over time, and it’s important that marketing materials stay fresh and accurate. Out-of-date marketing collateral can create confusion and harm the trust developed with customers.
Using fresh, new collateral sends the message that your business is professional and detail-oriented, while ensuring that marketing efforts align with your business’s goals. Brainstorm new ideas for collateral that can be added to your business toolbox like updated business cards, brochures, promotional products, product labels, and more. Introduce one to two new pieces early in the year to get the company off to a fast start.
In today’s digital world, having an up-to-date website is critical for success. A company’s website is the online representation of the business. Businesses
owners need to ensure the website is visually appealing and easy to use to help encourage customers to browse and learn more. The overall goal should be to catch the customer’s attention immediately and keep them interested using a relevant and engaging design. Businesses should review their existing website and identify areas in need of improvement. Take a look through the analytics to determine which pages are frequently visited to
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: RYAN FARRIS has spent over 20 years in print, marketing and marketing technology. Ryan currently serves as COO and President of AlphaGraphics and PostNet. Ryan has been a leader in public companies, private companies and several of his own companies, including one in the print and fulfillment space. Ryan grew up in Texas and currently resides in Colorado with his wife of 20 years and his three children. For more information, visit www.alphagraphics.com or www.postnet.com.
better understand how the average user navigates the website. If the page is visited often, make sure it has all the proper and up-to-date information available. It is also important to check the overall content on the website. All services and product categories should be clearly identified and newly introduced services or products should be added if they haven’t been. Make sure to add or update images on the website to create more engaging landing pages.
Consumers see hundreds of messages a day — in their email inboxes, social media feeds, and a multitude of other channels. It is your job as a brand to stand out and influence customers to purchase your services or products by appealing directly to the customer. To do that, you must understand who your target customer is and what challenges they face. Include targeted messaging in your marketing materials to develop a strong, meaningful connection with the customer.
Companies are always evolving, along with design trends and consumer interests. As these changes occur, it may be necessary to reimagine the overall imagery of the brand. It is important to examine your current branding and determine if it accurately represents who your brand is and what it offers. If your branding doesn’t reflect who you are, it is time to give it a refresh. That can include updating imagery, rethinking your mission statement or tagline, reworking the brand’s messaging, and much more. The first half of the year is a perfect time to consider these things.
Testimonials can be a company’s best friend. While paid advertising and marketing helps your brand reach a broad audience, word-of-mouth marketing and consumer trust remain highly important. Testimonials from satisfied customers are a powerful marketing tool. Make sure there is a place on your website to highlight testimonials. Reach out to loyal customers and ask for a testimonial.
By following these five keys to success, your business will be one step closer to gaining an edge over your competition and reaching greater success this year. •
IF YOU REALLY WANT TO DO SO ETHING YOU’L FIND A WAY, IF YO DON’T, YOU’L FIND AN EXC SE. JIM ROHN
Coalition of Visionary Resources, COVR
310-259-0335 I www.covr.org
Coventry Creations
800-810-3837 | www.coventrywholesale.com
Crystal Earth Studio
866-345-1910 | www.crystalearthstudio.com
DeVorss
800-843-5743 | www.devorss.com
Esprit Creations
352-316-6130 | www.espritcreations.com
678-918-8403 | www.gaiasworld.com
www.galison.com
International Fashion Jewelry & Accessory Group, IFJAG
843-734-1098 | www.ifjag.com
International New Age Trade Show, INATS
707-293-9189 | www.inats.com
Inner Traditions
800-246-8648 | www.innertraditions.com
www.limetreedesign.com
www.margotelena.com Llewellyn Publications
877-639-97-53 | www.llewellyn.com Mandala Arts
800-344-8072 | www.mandalaarts.com New Leaf Distributing
800-326-2665 | www.newleaf-dist.com
www.newworldlibrary.com
Jewelry
800-779-7952 | www.nirvanaonline.com
www.papier.com/us
www.peakandvalley.co
800-937-3223 | www.soundings.com Steven Halpern/ Inner Peace Music back cover 800-909-0707 | www.innerpeacemusic.com
U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
800-544-2637 | www.usgamesinc.com
& English Sales Association, WESA
800-295-1041 | www.wesatradeshow.com
and Meow
717-229-1138 | wholesale.zenandmeow.com
‘Sonic
• Alpha 8 Hz brainwave entrainment
• A Natural ‘Sonic High’
• No cannabis products necessary to enjoy the music
• The original #1 bestselling CHAKRA album of all time!
• Over 800,000 sold worldwide!
• 2012 GRAMMY® nominee
• Alpha 8 Hz brainwave entrainment
• 60 weeks! on Top Ten New Age chart
• Often imitated, never equaled!
