Every month’s New Moon is an opportunity to clear our space for healthy new influences to enter. It’s a monthly stopping-point to do an account of where er have been and consider where we wish to go. No matter what spiritual background you come from, participating in this monthly exercise can help you connect to your soul’s purpose and plan steps to get closer to it. Give yourself permission to connect authentically with yourself this month. Since we live in a Universe that is constantly moving, each month the New Moon is at a different place in our Cosmos allowing us a chance to plant different intentions throughout the year. A new cycle begins this time in Sagittarius which is about transforming our layers and growing into authenticity.
Be part of a collective event done by people all over the world! Write your list after 2:20 am EST on Friday, December 7th, 2018. WORD FOR THE MONTH Adjustment FOCUS AREAS Compassion, forgiveness, control, discretion, regeneration, tenacity, adventure, expansion, and intuition. HEADS UP Happy New Moon in Sagittarius! This cycle we are being called to alchemically take what was learned and established in the last New Moon in Scorpio and transform it into something else with the Sagittarian energy of this New Moon. Last month we had focused energy of self-forgiveness, and this month this energy continues with the self, but that of self-transformation. We all fall prey to our emotions, and sometimes must ask for forgiveness. The energy of Sagittarius helps us exercise forgiveness, but understanding as well, that not only do we mess up sometimes, so do others. Compassion lays in the midst of the lesson of forgiveness and provides beautiful energy as we end the year. We are given the opportunity to lift the veil of sorrow from our lives by exercising compassion. Find out what lights your fire, then give others the freedom to blaze their own. Fire is a source of life and should burn the way it’s needed for the individual. We are all genetically different, and therefore, have different fires. Use this new cycle to work through the discomfort that comes from processing emotions, as it will benefit you tremendously. The Cosmos promise that there will be a rainbow after the storm. Sagittarian energy always brings with it the phoenix arising from the ashes. What needs regeneration in your life? Process your pain, whatever it is, by having compassion on yourself, and watch what type of beauty and perspective arises from that. This is a good starting exercise for us as 2019 will have a big focus astrologically on you, and your inner self, the process of individuation. In 2018 we have been working on our reaction to the outer world around us, but the focus is shifting internally in 2019. We all have to work through our layers and tap into our authenticity, as our future holds the need for us to do so. The temperance card is often associated with the Sagittarius Zodiac due to its mutable energy of transformation. This month we have the ability to take something and change it—to temper it. Water and fire temper each other, they in a sense regulate/balance each other. Tempering occurs when we let opposites attract; just as negative electrons always look for positive protons. Since nature needs to regulate its polarities, we too need to find what balances us out. This New Moon cycle is urging us to have our feet in different places so that we aren’t stuck to one side. There is merit to this, as having an open mind to how other people live provides a much more loving space and environment for life. You may notice something you never saw before when walking in the shoes of someone else which is an additional exercise in compassion. Aspects of life and society are changing all around us, some at exponential paces, because our world is in chaos. Bring that external change, internally. Sagittarius’ other symbol of the mythical half-man/half-horse who reflects our urge to rise above “animal instincts” can help us realize our true human potential. Earth is changing and is calling for us humans to live on a new vibration, and that’s why so many of us are being called to turn internally, find spirit, and live a more authentic life. Sagittarius is playing its part this cycle in this cosmic unfolding, and ultimately provides hope. As always, a drop of wisdom - aim to forgive yourself for past mistakes instead of feeling guilt. With light and love, Kat Lahr HOW TO MAKE A NEW MOON LIST: Gather paper and a pen, pencil, marker or other type of writing utensil. Review the focus areas for this month and begin to think about how they apply to your personal and professional life. Write a list of what your hopes, dreams, goals, priorities, wishes, and prayers are for that moment. Typically no more than 10 is recommended. Be very specific, or extremely vague. Review last month’s list and revise them on this month’s list, if necessary. Place your notes somewhere safe and special to you. Some tape them to a window, under a lit candle, or leave them in their notebooks on their desks. Create the space that works for you. Leave it there all month until the next New Moon. Allow and have faith in the power of inter-connectedness in our universe to manifest your list. -- KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU WANT -- Join my New Moon Club to get this reminder every month.
0 Comments
Every month’s New Moon is full of chances to search for new and inventive ways to make progress as the energy of the Universe opens up to receive new seeds to grow. Fresh starts are always highlighted and will help all of us to look at elements of our life with new perspective. No matter what spiritual background you come from, participating in this monthly exercise can help you connect to your soul’s purpose and plan steps to get closer to it. Give yourself permission to connect authentically with yourself this month. Since we live in a Universe that is constantly moving, each month the New Moon is at a different place in our Cosmos allowing us a chance to plant different intentions throughout the year. A new cycle begins this time in Scorpio which is about letting go of unhealthy patterns and junk in our lives.
Be part of a collective event done by people all over the world! Write your list after 11:02 am EST on Wednesday, November 7th, 2018. WORD FOR THE MONTH Transformation FOCUS AREAS Commitment, soul mates, forgiveness, empowerment, personal responsibility, self-mastery, and passion. HEADS UP Happy New Moon in Scorpio! We are being urged with this New Moon to free ourselves from restrictions and negativity. Unfinished business is being illuminated in this dark Scorpion energy as emotions are raw and exposed. Although self-examination may be uncomfortable under these energies, the outcome is a more refined human and psychological healing. We will continue to repeat patterns until we learn from past experiences and mistakes, and this New Moon in Scorpio wants us to clear out some of these lingering unhealthy energies in preparation for the upcoming new year. Scorpio gives us a straight path of accessing our intuition to know what to leave behind before the fresh start. We are often reminded by the daily news of what can happen when people reach their breaking point and have lost their sense of true inner power. We too have our own stories to add. Personal pain is a normal part of our existence. However, we are not invisible and do have a place in our world. This New Moon in Scorpio can be dark, but just as the stars pepper our sky, so does the joy in the small things we encounter daily. Scorpio reminds us of our mortality in this season of death, but also of the power we have to find and enjoy illumination in the many opportunities provided to us during our day. Raise your antennas and make it a priority to find joy every day, even in something as small as seeing a child sing, or enjoying a latte with extra cream. Make a commitment to regain your power by showing yourself love and compassion. None of us lead perfect lives. We are all on a journey of learning and growing. Practice radical forgiveness first with yourself, then exercise that skill on others. This is a time to solidify our own philosophies. What are they? What are your personal truths? Take some time this cycle to consider what these are. If you have trouble with this exercise or need some help facilitating this, consider bringing an amazonite crystal into your space. This stone has its links to the ocean, the place of primal creation, bringing us back to the vibration of our beginnings before we lost touch from society’s conditioning. Use this cycle to reframe what you do with information that comes your way. Place your own lens on it and gain your personal perspective. With Mercury retrograding this month as well, it’s time for revisiting some life lessons. Review what you have learned in 2018 as a way to prepare your space for the upcoming year change. Numerologically speaking, we will soon be transitioning from a number 2 year, to a number 3 year. This can be viewed as moving from a social year to one of your own personal needs. In other words, moving from we to I. We have a profound opportunity to move past old karmic patterns developed from our interaction with others to clear space for focusing on the beautiful internal you. Any last-minute expansion of this personal space will come through now as we dive into the watery depths of this Scorpio New Moon, as we are being called to heal ourselves first, then our world. As always, a drop of wisdom - make partners not enemies. With light and love, Kat Lahr HOW TO MAKE A NEW MOON LIST: Gather paper and a pen, pencil, marker or other type of writing utensil. Review the focus areas for this month and begin to think about how they apply to your personal and professional life. Write a list of what your hopes, dreams, goals, priorities, wishes, and prayers are for that moment. Typically no more than 10 is recommended. Be very specific, or extremely vague. Review last month’s list and revise them on this month’s list, if necessary. Place your notes somewhere safe and special to you. Some tape them to a window, under a lit candle, or leave them in their notebooks on their desks. Create the space that works for you. Leave it there all month until the next New Moon. Allow and have faith in the power of inter-connectedness in our universe to manifest your list. -- KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU WANT -- Join my New Moon Club to get this reminder every month. Scientific randomness in the universe goes beyond particles at the molecular level and can extend to everything we encounter in our lives. Random Library Book is a series of my walks down different library aisles and I randomly pick out a book. I bring light to books that might otherwise get lost in the large repetitive physical aisles of a library.
Religion and Self-Acceptance: A Study of the Relationship Between Belief in God and the Desire to Know By John F. Haught This book was first published in 1976 by New York's Paulist Press. Sitting at 189 pages, the book appeared to have been read three times since its life on that library shelf in the Philosophy section. Flipping through the pages I began thinking about the questions of life that just do not go away. Where do we come from? Does God exist? Why are we here? Why an ultimate fate of having to decide to believe in God or not? Author John F. Haught takes the reader through his questions on religion and why we have such a desire to know. This book would be of interest to those who enjoy deep philosophical views on religion. Every month’s New Moon is full of opportunities to those who take advantage of personal reflection. Fresh starts are always highlighted and will help all of us to look at elements of our life with new perspective. No matter what spiritual background you come from, participating in this monthly exercise can help you connect to your soul’s purpose and plan steps to get closer to it. Give yourself permission to connect authentically with yourself this month. Since we live in a Universe that is constantly moving, each month the New Moon is at a different place in our Cosmos allowing us a chance to plant different intentions throughout the year. A new cycle begins this time in Libra which is about continuously transforming ourselves and society.
Be part of a collective event done by people all over the world! Write your list after 10:47 pm EST on Monday, October 8th, 2018. WORD FOR THE MONTH Foundation FOCUS AREAS Partnership, teamwork, peace, social, beauty, passion, fairness, balance, and counseling. HEADS UP Happy New Moon in Libra! This is the first New Moon of the season change and it is a wonderful time to achieve some grounding and balance in our lives. This energy is urging us to balance and attend to everything that is a priority in our life. This balancing act is easier said than done when work tends to be where we spend the most energy. But don’t forget to protect yourself. Your day can’t always be about everybody else. Libran energy is urging us to take time for ourselves every day, in a quiet reflective state, to relax and check in. This New Moon is reminding us that we have many things that are important to us, and doing them all in the right quantity is crucial to our happiness and ultimate survival. All around is an epidemic within humanity of poor emotional, physical, psychological, philosophical, relationship, behavioral, social, creative, and spiritual health. Everyone is dealing with too much. These are side effects of negativity, fear, inequality, capitalism, and patriarchy. When will it end? The amazing thing is that you get to actually decide how you want to feel. Libra is continuing to push along a new vibration of energy that the Earth has been churning up that more and more people are connecting with. It all begins with taking regular moments for you. For the self. Libra also brings with it an energy of detoxification. Our lives are heavily bombarded by chemicals, not just in our food, but our air is full of what comes out of our cars. We breath that in everyday, all day. This also includes the detox from society and it’s conditioning. The root cause of self-esteem issues is confusion about who we really are and what defines us. Getting to know our real-selves, and connecting with our inner light that defines us, requires a healthy body. Therefore, clean living, a healthy diet, exercise, and mental health are most important. Pay attention to what in your environment is poisoning you, then do something about it! A radical transformation with this New Moon is a possibility. An invigorating burst of energy and initiative is at our disposal. Issues that started, or were brought up at the beginning of the year, are called up for review again. Circumstances and patterns from then may be reliving themselves. This is an opportunity for us to review our responses and immediate environment. Is it amazing? How do you feel about it? Does anything need to change? This energy, however, is overall positive and can resolve ongoing problems, finish things that were started, or collect upon investments made (time, money, or physical). The New Moon in Libra is also concerned with the human element of personal relationships, and the human qualities of kindness and appreciation. This is a time for giving our relationships their due attention and giving them priority. Resolution of conflicts is in focus. You may feel more sympathetic to those who you are in relations with. Make it a priority to reinvigorate happiness, social goals, and friendships. As always a drop of wisdom - channel negative energy into ambition and hard work. With light and love, Kat Lahr HOW TO MAKE A NEW MOON LIST: Gather paper and a pen, pencil, marker or other type of writing tool. Review the focus areas for this month and begin to think about how they apply to your personal and professional life. Write a list of what your hopes, dreams, goals, priorities, wishes, and prayers are for that moment. Typically no more than 10 is recommended. Be very specific, or extremely vague. Review last month’s list and revise them on this month’s list, if necessary. Place your notes somewhere safe and special to you. Some tape them to a window, under a lit candle, or leave them in their notebooks on their desks. Create the space that works for you. Leave it there all month until the next New Moon. Allow and have faith in the power of inter-connectedness in our universe to manifest your list. -- KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU WANT -- Join my New Moon Club to get this reminder every month. Leo Viribis from Alchemical and Rosicrucian compendium, ca. 1760 Every month’s New Moon provides a fresh opportunity to wake up areas of your life, create space for renewal, new perspectives, and beginnings. No matter what spiritual background you come from, participating in this monthly exercise can help you connect to your soul’s purpose and plan steps to get closer to it. Give yourself permission to connect authentically with yourself this month. Since we live in a Universe that is constantly moving, each month the New Moon is at a different place in our Cosmos allowing us a chance to plant different intentions throughout the year. A new cycle begins this time in Leo which is about following the heart to manifest a new direction for ourselves.
Be part of a collective event done by people all over the world! Write your list after 2:57 am EST on Saturday, August 11th, 2018. WORD FOR THE MONTH Heart FOCUS AREAS Love, creativity, confidence, courage, release, reflection, freedom, recreation, and children. HEADS UP Happy New Moon in Leo! We are well within the Eclipse season with this 3rd a New Moon Solar Eclipse in Leo being the last one for the year. That means right now the Moon is passing in between the Sun and Earth interrupting the flow of energy which gives a sort of cosmic reboot. As a result, New Moons with Eclipses are super-charged New Moons, creating an atmosphere of starting over and refreshing your space. The entire planet is being called to direct our attention inward and to our past. We are to take care of personal business and tie up loose ends before we move on to the next phase of humanity. This may mean its time to confront what’s hidden in our shadows which can be a daunting task. To help, feel with your heart this next month and find that connection with your higher power, whatever that is for you. Last New Moon in Cancer we stirred up emotions, and this month’s eclipsed New Moon continues this theme with unpredictability, intensity, and impulsiveness. We are living at a time of extremes. Many will say that nothing major happened when the year of the Hopi prophecy came to be in 2012. But in fact, something did happen. There was a shift in the Cosmos that started the beginning of the current global stage we are experiencing. We are 6 years past that cosmic tipping point and the energy is continuing to flow over. People are acting up all over the world. Emotions are heightened everywhere causing reactivity of various natures. If your anxious, nervous, or feel out of control, you’re not alone. We are living at a time of extremes. People all over the world are getting out of that vibration and joining a different one that fits better with their inner truth. Do your best to avoid getting distracted by the surrounding drama, as those on the higher frequency are warriors for the good of the whole, not only the self. This New Moon in Leo is calling us to make a greater commitment to community. It’s time to get out of the tragedy of commons we are living in—we must begin to think about the health of our community, and not just short-term personal gain. Our choices for short term personal gain is harming the planet. Only those that have the talents and skills to do this will survive today’s tumultuous societal energy. To do this you must have a heart of a lion, symbolizing courage and strength. We are fortunate enough to have a Solar Eclipse in Leo this New Moon to help provide this heeded fortitude. The old paradigm is dying. What looks like destruction is actually the beginning of new life. Just as in the primordial chaos that developed life on this planet, we too will reform society and make sense and order out of the current disorder. We all have a purpose in this transformation. What will jump-start your heart into action? Consider what moves your soul and begin working with it. If you have citrine crystals, keep them close this month, as Leo is the sign most closely related to the Sun, and citrine has always been known as the sun-stone. Citrine carries the energy of the Sun and is energizing, life-giving, and stirs the soul into action. Use Leo’s energy this month to have the will to trust our hearts and find out what it wants and needs. As always, a drop of wisdom - be a giver, not only a user. With light and love, Kat Lahr HOW TO MAKE A NEW MOON LIST: Gather paper and a pen, pencil, marker or other type of writing tool. Review the focus areas for this month and begin to think about how they apply to your personal and professional life. Write a list of what your hopes, dreams, goals, priorities, wishes, and prayers are for that moment. Typically no more than 10 is recommended. Be very specific, or extremely vague. Review last month’s list and revise them on this month’s list, if necessary. Place your notes somewhere safe and special to you. Some tape them to a window, under a lit candle, or leave them in their notebooks on their desks. Create the space that works for you. Leave it there all month until the next New Moon. Allow and have faith in the power of inter-connectedness in our universe to manifest your list. -- KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU WANT -- Join my New Moon Club to get this reminder every month. Every month’s New Moon is an excellent time for making a fresh start or starting a new project. All possibilities on the table for future planning. You get the opportunity to can question old habits, behaviors, and beliefs as you search for new and resourceful ways to make progress. Everyone can benefit from a burst of energy and initiative that marks the start of the New Moon’s 28-day cycle. No matter what spiritual background you come from, participating in this monthly exercise can help you connect to your soul’s purpose and plan steps to get closer to it. Give yourself permission to connect authentically with yourself this month. Since we live in a Universe that is constantly moving, each month the New Moon is at a different place in our Cosmos allowing us a chance to plant different intentions throughout the year. A new cycle begins this time in Gemini which is about a finality of something ultimately providing an opportunity for new.
Be part of a collective event done by people all over the world! Write your list after 2:44 pm EST on Wednesday, June 13th, 2018. WORD FOR THE MONTH Death FOCUS AREAS Writing, open-mindedness, acceptance, communication, spontaneity, education, nostalgia, indulgence, and finality. HEADS UP Happy New Moon in Gemini! This month’s Moon is considered Super, meaning that it will be within its closest approach to Earth. This indicates there is a lot of energy being moved. People living along the ocean shorelines often take notice of the wide-ranging tides in the few days after a supermoon as the difference in high and low is particularly accentuated. This is timely because next month’s New Moon starts a busy eclipse season making this month’s cycle perfect for putting an end to some major aspects of our lives in preparation for upcoming transformational eclipse energy. Sometimes we need just a little extra push of energy from the moon’s close fly-by to help jolt us over whatever holds us back. One big driver of holding on to patterns that no longer serve us is our family and cultural upbringing. Ancestry will be highlighted as where you come from and the experiences you had in the past come up for review as you consider what makes up YOU. Long-held or conditioned perceptions can finally be shattered. There are always new angles and ways to look at things. Philosopher Wayne Dyer said “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” To start, take some time this next cycle to recover from our auto-pilot busy way of life. Consider ways to live simpler, increase your joy, obtain more rest, and have light-hearted attitude to any challenging inter-personal issues. Then begin to notice how our attitudes begin to change with it. This New Moon can bring out untrustworthy behavior. Be ready for heightened emotions within yourself and others. Allow these emotions to have their space, just begin to place boundaries on them. Everyone is fighting some battle, no matter what echelon of life they live in. Gemini energy can help us choose compassion over conflict. With courage, it really can be that simple. Compassion stems from this basic idea that we all are fighting something internally. Gemini brings out this primal component of the human condition — we all suffer in some capacity. I have come to learn that it’s alright to go through pain and feel our way through it as long as we don’t get stuck there. This time around if you feel the beginnings of wallowing, be proactive and process the feelings instead of pulling the victim card (the easier way out). This is how we begin to place boundary lines around the emotions that rule us. Gemini’s energy this month will help us navigate these complicated emotional waters if we get on our boat and make the journey. The Gemini energy this month also reminds me of the message behind the 10 of Swords tarot card. There is no turning back from the fatal wounds of the 10 swords — there is no hope from that kind of situation. A bitter-end sometimes must, and do, occur. Gemini’s energy continues to help us release things from our past that no longer serve a purpose. Some situations are not meant to be revived and some patterns and behaviors are not meant to be relived. Think about what in your life you’ve been fighting a losing battle against? Maybe it’s time to surrender? After a time of healing from the grief, hope is restored — a new direction born out of ruin and despair. This duality is represented by Gemini’s twins, the good and the bad, the yin and the yang, our conscious and the subconscious, the dead and the alive, hope and despair, old and new. Without one, we cannot see, understand, or appreciate the other. On a lighter note, this Gemini New Moon brings with it the ability to tap into the collective consciousness easier and obtain psychic connections. Become attuned to your experiences at a deeper level and begin to see what the Universe has in store for you. Set intentions for new beginnings wherever they feel right and get ready to watch them manifest during the upcoming eclipse season. As always, a drop of wisdom - be willing to let things fall into place instead of forcing. With light and love, Kat Lahr HOW TO MAKE A NEW MOON LIST: Gather paper and a pen, pencil, marker or other type of writing utensil. Review the focus areas for this month and begin to think about how they apply to your personal and professional life. Write a list of what your hopes, dreams, goals, priorities, wishes, and prayers are for that moment. Typically no more than 10 is recommended. Be very specific, or extremely vague. Review last month’s list and revise them on this month’s list, if necessary. Place your notes somewhere safe and special to you. Some tape them to a window, under a lit candle, or leave them in their notebooks on their desks. Create the space that works for you. Leave it there all month until the next New Moon. Allow and have faith in the power of inter-connectedness in our universe to manifest your list. -- KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU WANT -- Join my New Moon Club to get this reminder every month. Ask Kat Advice Column
After many years of working in various disciplines and industry sectors, none as a therapist, Kat is willing to tackle life's biggest (and smallest) personal questions. Email Kat your questions. _________________________ Kat, My little sister is 17 years old, a senior in high school, and dating a boy for about a year now who she has trust issues with. He seems to be a pretty good kid and really likes her, yet she always finds reasons to be upset with him, and in return, she is constantly unhappy. For example, she gets upset when she looks at his phone and finds him looking at Facebook pages of female friends they both go to school with, or when he talks with other girls in his classes. I love it that she comes to me for advice, but I am out of ideas of what to tell her as she seems to be going in the same circles, and changes nothing in her thinking, as the boy really hasn't given her any real good reason to worry. I hate seeing her unhappy her senior year, and would like for her to enjoy these times in her life as we both know it’s over quickly. -The Big Sister ************** Sis, Trust is not something that comes easily at a young age, it takes us into our adult years to really get an understanding of what trust is all about, and even for adults this can be hard. What makes it more complicated are the individual circumstances your sister has been in. Does she have trust issues with her parents? Was she abused as a child? Has she had prior boyfriends that she has caught cheating? Has she been abandoned by other authority figures in her life? What kind of baggage is she dealing with that’s making trust difficult for her? Some other questions to ask can be, is she overweight? Does she have bad acne, or an embarrassing scar? Self-conscious issues, especially in high school, can be very difficult for female teens especially. Your best bet is to be there for her to vent and not always try to fix. When you do try to fix, analyze what is the root cause, because usually it’s always some type of inner personal wound. Then work on that with her, by having her aware of it. She may or may not be able to do so quickly, so tell her to take it easy on herself. Trust will take time to learn. And without all doubt, remind her that if her man is cheating, she will eventually find out, and usually pretty quickly in high school. Lastly, she is a senior, which is a good distraction from everyday teen high school issues. Get her excited for prom, graduation, college, and the like. Good luck and trust that your sister is experiencing what she needs to in order to handle something properly in the future. -Kat Scientific randomness in the universe goes beyond particles at the molecular level and can extend to everything we encounter in our lives. Random Library Book is a series of my walks down different library aisles and I randomly pick out a book. I bring light to books that might otherwise get lost in the large repetitive physical aisles of a library.
Objects in Motion: The Circulation of Religion and Sacred Objects in the Late Antique and Byzantine World. By Hallie G. Meredith Wondering past the religion section of the library, I randomly grabbed this anthology which contains a series of papers that had their origins in a symposium convened while the editor was a Research Fellow at the Bard Graduate Center of New York in May 2008. The compilation was produced in 2011. The book contains 129 pages and is illustrated throughout in black and white. The Publisher is the British Archaeological Reports. Flipping through the pages, I found this be a tough read, but worth it for those who want to study religion and how sacred objects are circulated within culture at a very specific time frame in humanity. My daughter suffers from a rare type of headache called Ice Pick headaches, or in other words, idiosyncratic – meaning, doctors have no idea what to do about them or why they happen. We are on a journey to help find the root cause and help her to heal.
We have seen various types of doctors, and I mean many, and have tried to heal her in various ways. All the while my husband is having intermittent back pain over the past several years and a friend of his suggested he read the book, Healing Back Pain by John Sarno. After my husband read the book, he recommended that I read it before moving forward with our next steps on our medical journey to heal our daughter’s ice pick headaches, which included acupuncture and seeing a gastroenterologist. So this book review is given from the eyes of a mother trying to do just that – heal her daughter’s headaches, not necessarily her back pain. Nonetheless, the book’s content was relevant in more ways that I could have imagined. The author of the book is a physician who has had it with traditional medicine’s way of healing back pain. He has seen misdiagnosis all too often due to misunderstandings of what is really going on with the patient. Doctors are taught in medical school that the issue is due to structural abnormalities in the body. However, Sarno was seeing that there was no correlation in his patients between the physical output of the pain to the diagnosis and traditional treatments, which were simply not effective. This turned him in a direction that defined the rest of his career, as he developed the theory that back pain was caused by TMS, or, Tension Myositis Syndrome. In this book, Sarno discusses his theory that TMS is a syndrome in which the disorder is benign, because there is nothing physical causing the back pain. He goes into length theorizing that any physiological abnormality stems entirely from a person’s emotional process. TMS, in medical terms, is defined as a change of state in the muscle that is painful. Pain from this condition can show up in muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments, all brought on by tension. Essentially, the mind causes the pain. In this book, his focus is on TMS of the back, neck and shoulder muscles that lead to typical back pain. He notes, after careful diagnostic tests to rule out cancer, tumors, bone disease, and other serious diseases, TMS is the cause of most physical ailments, not just back pain. He provides several examples throughout the book that showcase the psychological role played in physical disorders in human biology. This book theorizes that the root cause of our emotional instability that causes the physical TMS pain, is repressed emotional energy. It is our tendency as humans to not feel these painful emotional responses, so as a defense, the body releases the repressed emotions through physical pain, thus causing the TMS symptoms to begin. Sarno goes on to discuss common structural diagnoses given by doctors to explain the pain and gives his evidence and explanation as to why they are not only incorrect, but over used. He gives many observations he has experienced while practicing, throwing doubt on these diagnoses. Further, he gives compelling statistics of his TMS diagnosis and positive treatment outcomes. He has found that recurring symptoms and failure to treat the pain successfully are characteristics of TMS. Since psychology plays a huge part in TMS, the following are all unconscious triggers due to the repressed emotions: low self-esteem, anxiety, anger, narcissism, and so much more. The magnitude of the emotional issue directly determines the magnitude and type of symptoms our brain chooses. The book speculates that our subconscious is an equally strong force in bringing these emotions to consciousness, as well as suppressing them. Finally, Sarno discusses our need for defense mechanisms, which include headaches, ulcers, constipation and many other common ailments, as the expression of our body’s need to find a release for the emotions that have been repressed. This book mentions that it’s in our unconscious state where these repressed issues lay and we are not even aware of them. In fact, he goes on to say that when we find out what they are, through his proposed method of psychological healing, we are often surprised at what we find. Treatment consists of listening and learning about TMS and how the subconscious is handling our emotional pain. The two main objectives of the treatment are based around knowledge and then changing the brain’s behavior by acting on that knowledge. It’s about knowing, and accepting, that our brains are causing us pain. When we find out what it is that is bothering us emotionally, we can then begin to heal. He notes that some, but not all, patients suffering from TMS have to go through therapy to help work through the psychological issues. In fact, he notes, only a small percentage actually have to go through therapy. TMS is definitely an interesting diagnosis, theory and concept. Sarno mentions similar theories other people from various professions have presented with evidence along the same lines of physical disorders having a psychological basis. He has written many published medical papers on this topic. Unfortunately, Sarno’s theories have been rejected by most doctors as difficult to apply using the contemporary medical dogma of our day. Sarno states that one of the issues blocking acceptance of his theories is the fact that most physicians do not accept that emotions play a significant role in causing physical disorders. Sarno wrote this book hoping to reach younger, more open-minded medical students with his holistic, mind-body treatment of back pain, as well as to encourage those who suffer from the pain, to consider an alternative approach. He further states that TMS, in all its forms, even beyond back pain, is a public health problem that needs to be addressed and won’t be until the medical perception of the cause is altered. Therefore, his last goal of the book is to raise awareness to this reality. Every month’s New Moon which is a perfect time for fresh beginnings, as the energy of the atmosphere opens up to receive new seeds to grow. All possibilities are available as you make future planning a priority. Everyone can benefit from this energy surge and do some internal house cleaning. No matter what spiritual background you come from, participating in this monthly exercise can help you connect to your soul’s purpose and plan steps to get closer to it. Give yourself permission to connect authentically with yourself this month. Since we live in a Universe that is constantly moving, each month the New Moon is at a different place in our Cosmos allowing us a chance to plant different intentions throughout the year. A new cycle begins this time in Virgo which is about adapting to our changing circumstances with nurturing energy.
Be part of a collective event done by people all over the world! Write your list after 2:30 am EST on Wednesday September 20th, 2017. WORD FOR THE MONTH Healing FOCUS AREAS Order, practicality, integrity, adjustments, habits, adapting, details, truth, nostalgia, and flexibility. HEADS UP Happy New Moon in Virgo! This month continues the work that began with the total solar eclipse last month. Continued minor adjustments are being made as we chip away towards our long-term goals. Take pride in all of the little accomplishments along the way, yet be prepared to do more. There is some chaotic energy with this new cycle as we begin the healing process by looking at our pain right in the face. It is time to face our stuff and what we are carrying around. By doing so we can finally begin healing. Without this crucial step of conscious head on awareness, wounds will not begin to heal. Anything unresolved within our energy field will keep manifesting itself until then. This month we may become more aware of what our deepest wounds are in preparation for necessary healing. Sometimes things in our lives simply cannot change until we fixate on them. Patterns will continue and the same painful scenarios will manifest again and again. This month, take notice where that stuck energy is present within you. This Virgo New Moon will guide us on this healing journey. All you have to do is make it a priority. Virgo energy is about caring and healing of the mind, body, and soul. If you meditate, imagine a purple flame transforming all your wounds. Ask the purple flame to transmute anything you wish to change or eliminate from your life. The Law of the Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be destroyed, only changed. The purpose of the purple flame is for transformation of whatever unhealthy lingering energy needs changing. Beyond the emotional, physical, and spiritual healing, an environmental purging of our house, closet, files, car, can be beneficial with this month’s Virgo energy as well. This is because this month’s New Moon also coincides with the equinox, which is one of two times a year that our days and nights are equal in length. We are switching gears and headed in a new direction after a brief moment of balance. Tap into the joys of being in balance, but be ready to shift quickly out of it in the other direction. Circumstances are dramatically changing, both for the best and worse. By purging and cleaning our internal and outer spaces, we can be ready to receive new energy with this shift of directions. Family and ancestry is important this cycle, as nostalgia creeps in. What’s incoming may not be pleasant as some understand on a deep level how unfair life can be and have souls that are damaged as a result. It can be very easy to fall victim to life circumstances. What has been passed along to you? What genes, talents, habits, beliefs do you store within your psyche? Where is it that you feel a victim? Where are you in denial? It is a time to do a realistic self-check-in of our lives and own up to where we are at and get out of victim mode. No more bypassing, but instead, full throttle ahead through the bricks that form the walls. Channel any nervous energy that comes up during this process towards one of love and compassion for yourself and others. Unexpected circumstances can change our outlook, behaviors, plans, and more. Pay attention to what is currently in disruption in your life. This is what is being renewed. Let it be. Become flexible to the changes that have come, as more are coming. Right now is the time to be adaptable. This is just the beginning of your transformation that began with the eclipse last month. As always, a drop of wisdom - source your powers from the inner spirit and not the outwardly world that is currently in turmoil from these transitional times we are in. With light and love, Kat Lahr HOW TO MAKE A NEW MOON LIST: Gather paper and a pen, pencil, marker or other type of writing utensil. Review the focus areas for this month and begin to think about how they apply to your personal and professional life. Write a list of what your hopes, dreams, goals, priorities, wishes, and prayers are for that moment. Typically no more than 10 is recommended. Be very specific, or extremely vague. Review last month’s list and revise them on this month’s list, if necessary. Place your notes somewhere safe and special to you. Some tape them to a window, under a lit candle, or leave them in their notebooks on their desks. Create the space that works for you. Leave it there all month until the next New Moon. Allow and have faith in the power of inter-connectedness in our universe to manifest your list. -- KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU WANT -- Join my New Moon Club to get this reminder every month. A New Moon is a perfect time for fresh starts, as the energy of the atmosphere opens up to receive new seeds. A Solar Eclipse with a New Moon makes setting new goals, plans, and intentions even more important because its influence lasts for six months instead of four weeks. No matter what spiritual background you come from, participating in this monthly exercise can help you connect to your soul’s purpose and plan steps to get closer to it. Give yourself permission to connect authentically with yourself this month. Since we live in a Universe that is constantly moving, each month the New Moon is at a different place in our Cosmos allowing us a chance to plant different intentions throughout the year. A new cycle begins this time in Leo which is about breaking up blockages in our lives to allow for transformation.
Be part of a collective event done by people all over the world! Write your list after 2:30 pm EST on Monday August 21st, 2017. WORD FOR THE MONTH Shifting FOCUS AREAS Vision, creativity, leadership, change, independence, confidence, honor, power, evolution, and revolution. HEADS UP Happy second New Moon in Leo! That’s right, earlier this month we already had a Leo New Moon. This second Leo New Moon happens to be a Total Solar Eclipse, which interestingly only passes through the United States and is the first Total Solar Eclipse to pass over only the U.S. since the country’s founding in 1776. As global politics shake up the world, Leo’s fiery energy has a message to give, one specifically for the U.S., the other for all of humanity. Beginning and ending energies are at play here, life and death, transformation and transmutation. The Universe knew we needed to have two Leo New Moons in a row, as an extra dose of its roaring energy is needed in order for the impact to be clear. These circumstances are not coincidental. Humanity needs a big reality check: we need to unite as one species and support each other for our future — it’s our responsibility. Leo’s double whammy informs us that a paradigm shift is needed, not these simpleton ideas that don’t address the complexity or multitude of the problems with society; how we eat, educate, do healthcare, handle disagreements, distribute justice, and more all need to change dramatically. Leo’s magnitude provides an astrological seismic movement toward major shifts. Get ready, things are about to get interesting from a collective human societal perspective. Lasting and profound changes are coming with Leo’s doubled up energy, backed by the Total Solar Eclipse. The strong energy in this Leo New Moon is helping us shed what pollutes us. Purity, according to Hindu concept of Saucha, extends to purifying the rational, emotional, spiritual, and social contamination. Humanity at a global level is in need for some major purification from hate, a plethora of injustices, vanity, greed, debt… This is what the human race has come to? Some of us won’t have it. We have a lot of work to do. The energy of this Total Eclipse New Moon is starting this purification process and attempting to bring Saucha on Earth. The same punch of double Leo energy can be applied personally as well. Wake up and pay attention. You need to find out right away how to use your personal power. When you use your power, what is it used for? This New Moon occurs at 29 degrees Leo, where the royal star Regulus resides, also the heart of the Leo constellation. Instead of rationalizing everything, we are being called to lead from the heart — to feel, to tap into our feelings, and promote charity and love. Draw Leo’s rays of light into your heart to illuminate your beauty. This Eclipse New Moon wants us to find our heart and begin a new story. Have a new vision that resonates with your personal inner light instead of your rational mind. This potent Eclipse New Moon in Leo wants us to align our future with our souls and will create a pathway to our subconscious allowing us to finally release things that no longer serve us. You may find this period easier to connect with your spirituality and inner personal knowledge, leading to flashes of insight if one is aware and pays attention. Be present. Reflect on your day once it ends. Solar Eclipses block the light of the Sun with the Moon. Ancient humans believed that during a Solar Eclipse, the light of the Sun temporarily gave way to darkness in order to be transformed and awakened. Leo is ruled and represented by the Sun, which symbolizes our ego because it is at the center of our solar system providing us the light needed for all things to be. When darkness falls during the New Moon Eclipse, we are called to shed that ego and expose our true selves, also known as our soul. If you have started soul searching, it will be now that you find it. This will expose our shadows — our regrets, despairs, heartaches, fears, and deepest wounds. Dissolve them in the light. Let them finally go. Eclipse energy can stick around for over six months, providing a gestation period until things transform as needed. So, have patience as you begin to see the changes in yourself and in society. It will take some time for the dust to settle and see the clarity and truth that will be obtained. Therefore, go with the flow and do not make sudden judgments or decisions until clarity arrives. The transformation has begun and something will end and something will be birthed. Move with the energy of change. A major societal awakening is occurring, and the more your personal life has become awakened to the vibration, the better for humanity’s fate. Impurities in humanity’s consciousness is clouding our ability for acceptance, love, and equality. The Universe is saying “enough is enough.” Those who begin purging these pollutants will collectively be the ones that save human life here on Earth. Even fate can be changed by a collective human willpower. As always, lead from the heart with compassion, instead of the mind with overzealous will. As always, a drop of wisdom - move towards life, instead of death With light and love, Kat Lahr HOW TO MAKE A NEW MOON LIST: Gather paper and a pen, pencil, marker or other type of writing utensil. Review the focus areas for this month and begin to think about how they apply to your personal and professional life. Write a list of what your hopes, dreams, goals, priorities, wishes, and prayers are for that moment. Typically no more than 10 is recommended. Be very specific, or extremely vague. Review last month’s list and revise them on this month’s list, if necessary. Place your notes somewhere safe and special to you. Some tape them to a window, under a lit candle, or leave them in their notebooks on their desks. Create the space that works for you. Leave it there all month until the next New Moon. Allow and have faith in the power of inter-connectedness in our universe to manifest your list. -- KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU WANT -- Join my New Moon Club to get this reminder every month. Every New Moon is a time of reset, signifying a beginning point in time and space. It is a good time for putting all options are on the table as you put yourself at the center of your future plans and set intentions to honor what’s important to us. No matter what spiritual background you come from, participating in this monthly exercise can help you connect to your soul’s purpose and plan steps to get closer to it. Give yourself permission to connect authentically with yourself this month. Since we live in a Universe that is constantly moving, each month the New Moon is at a different place in our Cosmos allowing us a chance to plant different intentions throughout the year. A new cycle begins this time in Leo which is about being the leader directing your life.
Be part of a collective event done by people all over the world! Write your list after 4:46 am EST on Sunday July 23rd, 2017. WORD FOR THE MONTH Self FOCUS AREAS Strength, desire, sensitivity, self-discipline, confidence, joy, creativity, initiation, and empowerment. HEADS UP Happy first New Moon in Leo! That’s right, later on this month we have a second Leo New Moon (which happens to be a Total Solar Eclipse). The Universe must feel that we need double of Leo’s vigor. Leo is symbolically represented by the Sun, bringing us energy to be happy and live with joy. The Sun is the center of our solar system and provides us the light needed for all things to be. Persian poet Rumi once wrote “Every tree becomes beautiful when touched by sunlight”. Draw Leo’s rays of light into your heart to illuminate your beauty. There is a lot of change coming up and Leo is preparing us by providing the ability to focus within and to find wisdom for next steps. This first of two Leo New Moons starts at the very beginning (0 degrees) of Leo’s constellation in the sky, carrying with it a sense of primordial essence. Where do we come from? What are our beginnings? How do they affect us? This is a fantastic time to review what morals, values, and beliefs you carry from your youth, your beginnings. Do they still fit? Are there patterns that need to be broken? Leo sheds a lot of light on these parts of ourselves if we notice them and open our hearts. Leo’s energy can help you get through any memories of childhood trauma that still influence your life today. Stand tall and confident in front of these personal issues this month and break any of those chains with Leo’s provided strength. Pull the reigns, take the wheel, get in the driver’s seat, however you hear it, do it. It’s your fire that’s igniting this New Moon. Don’t let other forces direct your soul and interfere. Don’t let them put their venom on you. Take charge with fire, as the energy of the Leo New Moon will provide force to make this happen. It may be time to roar and say what’s needed. Tap into your personal power that’s been stashed away. Bring forth your light this month. Don’t worry what anyone thinks, but instead roar louder than them and feel what empowerment is like. Don’t follow the crowd, but instead be authentic. Feel the immense joy you will have when you do. Your creative self-expression will be at a high this month. Tap into this and apply it as needed. Where are your talents at? Do what gives you joy and makes you smile. Go after what you want with fiery energy. Step into YOUR power. Yes, you have power, and lots of it. Don’t give it away to others. Reclaim it. The lion symbolized by Leo has a sense of an ego impulse to have it all; rich, famous, smart, beautiful, sexy, respected, health and well-being, a beautiful house, a nice car, diamonds… What do you really desire? As you become more conscious of your soul’s purpose, your desires will align authentically as well. Start by digging deep into your heart to find what you meaningfully desire. This intense self-awareness will bring true self-consciousness allowing you to be aware of your purpose. It is time to set along this path of inquiry if you haven’t already. This New Moon cycle in Leo provides us an opportunity to love thyself. Take notice about what’s so great about you and find moments for self-love. Indulge and get back in touch with all the shimmery aspects of yourself. Where do you shine? What makes you amazing? Why do people turn to you? Don’t cover this light, but instead let it shine forth brightly and allow the Universe to attract back to you those on your vibration. As always, a drop of wisdom - integrate awareness of another person’s reality, instead of judging them. With light and love, Kat Lahr HOW TO MAKE A NEW MOON LIST: Gather paper and a pen, pencil, marker or other type of writing utensil. Review the focus areas for this month and begin to think about how they apply to your personal and professional life. Write a list of what your hopes, dreams, goals, priorities, wishes, and prayers are for that moment. Typically no more than 10 is recommended. Be very specific, or extremely vague. Review last month’s list and revise them on this month’s list, if necessary. Place your notes somewhere safe and special to you. Some tape them to a window, under a lit candle, or leave them in their notebooks on their desks. Create the space that works for you. Leave it there all month until the next New Moon. Allow and have faith in the power of inter-connectedness in our universe to manifest your list. -- KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU WANT -- Join my New Moon Club to get this reminder every month. Woman Carrying The Bull by Vladimir Fokanov, 2009 Every month’s New Moon is a good time to reset intentions and do an account of where you have been and where you wish to go. Mother Nature has given us this tool to help us find our purpose. No matter what spiritual background you come from, participating in this monthly exercise can help you connect to your soul’s purpose and plan steps to get closer to it. Give yourself permission to connect authentically with yourself this month. Since we live in a Universe that is constantly moving, each month the New Moon is at a different place in our Cosmos allowing us a chance to plant different intentions throughout the year. A new cycle begins this time in Taurus which is about seeing things from a grounded, practical, and realistic perspective.
Be part of a collective event done by people all over the world! Write your list after 7:16 am EST on Wednesday, April 26th, 2017. WORD FOR THE MONTH Stability FOCUS AREAS Appreciation, kindness, security, money, pleasure, patience, contentment, self-worth, boundaries, personal awareness, caution, and large-mindedness. HEADS UP Happy New Moon in Taurus! This cycle provides us an opportunity to consider what we are blossoming into this spring season. Where do you wish to go? The nutrients available in a soil make a big difference in how seeds grow, just as our past presents the foundation from which we go next. Have patience, as with all gardens, growth will be slow, and you should prepared to nurture it over the long haul. Taurus energy brings us strength to build our world the way we want to no matter what is in our soil — not with luck, but instead hard work and will. Dig your feet into the dirt and like a bull make headway after your goals. Don’t forget to also have enthusiasm for everything you do as well. Taurean energy is confident and proud, after all, it was your hard work and effort that will get you there! Taurus is represented by the bull, which are both fierce and gentle. Taming our inner bull can be tough. What riles you up? What turns you from being passive to unraged? Take notice. What does predictability mean in your life? What are your unconscious impulses directing you consciously? This New Moon in Taurus wants you to take notice of your brutal instincts. The color red sets off the bull’s anger. What is your color red? Being aware is the first step in controlling rage and being able to tame. Through the fierceness of our personal will we can create abundance in our life. Believe that your needs will be met. You do have control. You are not helpless. You are courageous and capable. Repeat this mantra, or similar one, to help you ground to the energy of the Earth and remind yourself that you can be in control and that you are. Grab a hold of your life and make it sacred. Take breaks from being on autopilot and become more aware of what you attract. Taurus is an earth sign, allowing us a great passage-way to grounding and release especially after all the recent transformational energies of previous New Moons. We have an opportunity to settle in and ground the energies that have been unearthed. Turn on music and let it guide your feet, imagining a release of energy into the ground. After, listen to your body and feel what its telling you. Taurean energy wants us to take care of our bodies, this capsule our soul is in for the time being. What do you feel beautiful in? Truly define it for yourself. Be creative and bond with your inner-self. It cannot wait for you to see it rawly without the lenses and conceptions of the outer world. It’s time to put down your heavy load and heal your body. You do not need to carry that impossible weight of society’s issues, or someone else’s, on your shoulders. Humanity is currently diseased with selflessness. Taurus is about having so much self-love that your gratitude and appreciation for the world becomes tangible. The universe is saying to slow down, stop, listen, and think about your needs and everything else will fall into place. Rest, relaxation, and simple pleasures may be the best way of working with the healing energy that Taurus brings. This all helps us to ensure that we have created a solid foundation before leaping ahead. That’s what Taurus energy is all about and will allow you to go with the flow and not rush, but instead, find comfort and contentment with your current situation. Fully appreciate what you have already as the foundation for what’s to come next. As always, a drop of wisdom - preserve and protect our beautiful planet, instead of take it for granted. With light and love, Kat Lahr HOW TO MAKE A NEW MOON LIST: Gather paper and a pen, pencil, marker or other type of writing utensil. Review the focus areas for this month and begin to think about how they apply to your personal and professional life. Write a list of what your hopes, dreams, goals, priorities, wishes, and prayers are for that moment. Typically no more than 10 is recommended. Be very specific, or extremely vague. Review last month’s list and revise them on this month’s list, if necessary. Place your notes somewhere safe and special to you. Some tape them to a window, under a lit candle, or leave them in their notebooks on their desks. Create the space that works for you. Leave it there all month until the next New Moon. Allow and have faith in the power of inter-connectedness in our universe to manifest your list. -- KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU WANT -- Join my New Moon Club to get this reminder every month. Mask with Two Lobster Claws that Hold Snakes by Frans Huy, 1555 Every month’s New Moon is access to new beginnings, allowing us to dream about and appreciate what our priorities are. Before the technology revolution, humanity used nature to mature their consciousness. No matter what spiritual background you come from, participating in this monthly exercise can help you connect to your soul’s purpose and plan steps to get closer to it. Give yourself permission to know yourself better this month. Since we live in a Universe that is constantly moving, each month the New Moon is at a different place in our Cosmos allowing us a chance to plant different intentions throughout the year. A new cycle begins this time in Aries which is about re-inventing of oneself as needed.
Be part of a collective event done by people all over the world! Write your list after 9:57 pm EST on Monday, March 27th, 2017. WORD FOR THE MONTH Self-discovery FOCUS AREAS Honesty, new beginnings, assertiveness, innovation, exploration, initiating, and self-reliance. HEADS UP Happy New Moon in Aries! We have just entered the spring equinox, which is indicated by the Sun moving into Aries. Equinoxes are the two times of the year when the amount of light and dark are the same. Balance has arrived. Honor your journey up to this point. It is who you are today. This New Moon in Aries represents the ram, providing us the energy to approach life from head on, as a ram would do in battle. There are competing and combative energies all around us, and the month’s New Moon provides us the ability to pioneer through any flare-ups. Being straightforward like a ram however needs courage. One must have confidence and passion behind strong actions and words. Honor who you are. Just be yourself. What does that mean? If you have a hard time defining attributes to describe you, then begin to consider mindfulness. Begin by breathing, catching notice of that which sustains you. Immediately you are drawn in to the present. The breath is powerful. Then be honest with yourself on what you find about your authentic self as you begin self-discovery. We often don’t only need to be forgiving of others, but also of ourselves. We are all human in nature which is imperfect at its core. Tap into the strength that is given to us, with this New Moon in Aries, to help you peel back the layers of who you are, or who you think you are. It takes immense energy to shed away all that our society and environment has placed on us. The goal is to get closer to being pure and authentically you. Take off any mask you may be wearing and tap into your natural impulses without judgement. Make choices in your best interest. The energy is to focus on you. Be self-reliant in places where your dependence is unhealthy. Stop abandoning yourself for other things. Let joy manifest from being content. Not looking for the future and what’s next to come or how to get there, or what you need to do now to make it happen. Just be. And Just be you. Not what your told to be. What do you really want to “be” as perceived by others? Take time to become conscious and deconstruct why you believe the things you do. What type of inner programming of attitudes and beliefs reside with you? Know the source of your emotions and whether or not those attachments are worth it. As always, a drop of wisdom - move towards life, instead of death With light and love, Kat Lahr HOW TO MAKE A NEW MOON LIST: Gather paper and a pen, pencil, marker or other type of writing utensil. Review the focus areas for this month and begin to think about how they apply to your personal and professional life. Write a list of what your hopes, dreams, goals, priorities, wishes, and prayers are for that moment. Typically no more than 10 is recommended. Be very specific, or extremely vague. Review last month’s list and revise them on this month’s list, if necessary. Place your notes somewhere safe and special to you. Some tape them to a window, under a lit candle, or leave them in their notebooks on their desks. Create the space that works for you. Leave it there all month until the next New Moon. Allow and have faith in the power of inter-connectedness in our universe to manifest your list. -- KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU WANT -- Join my New Moon Club to get this reminder every month. For thousands of years, print publishing was the main way in which information has been passed down to the people for their consumption. Today, the publishing industry is in the process of being reinvented through innovative disruption and this 3rd Annual State of the (Indie) Publishing Union is a summary of the current state. Combining of the old with the new is the theme—where the author is the publisher and where the reader can also be a publisher. The industry is in an Era of Convergence after being disrupted by the internet.
In science, it is said that galaxies, like the one we live in, are a result of some massive star explosion (supernova) that left debris randomly scattered in its radius of influence. The gravity of some big pieces begin to attract to one another and material begins to coalesce. Order begins to form from the mess and galaxies are thus born to the beautiful organized chaos within time as the particle’s gravity's continue to converge. Today, publishing is in this state of convergence. The industry’s new energies are coalescing to form order where needed. It’s a bad news with a good news report that I am sharing this year. I had some doubts and worries about the industry but feel encouraged as I see energy forces gravitating and uniting. However, with all things in nature, we get flavors of everything, including the bad. Just like in Hollywood, the Jedi’s and the First Order forces of the world are natural and forever existing and are competing with each other. Without one we could not find and appreciate the other. So where exactly is there order being made amidst the chaos? Convergence in publishing is all about the combining of the old with the new—where the author is the publisher, and where the reader can also be a publisher. Here are some concepts that seem to be getting heavier in their gravitational pull: Easability: The digital disruption has created a beautiful avenue to publish pieces of content easily: think Amazon, Lulu, Smashwords, Wattpad, social media, blogs, and email newsletters. Readers too can access what they want to read simply as well. Between RRS feeds, online magazines, content generators like Reddit, Medium, and promotion generators like Bookbub and Library Thing. Publishing and reading content has become convenient and quick. Less is more: Smaller pieces of content are being published. Long gone are the days that a book has to be a certain number of pages with a specific look and feel to be authentic. Publishing can be anywhere from a 140-character text, to a long novel. Between webpages, blog posts and comments, people are able to express themselves with less words and can still be just as influential. Book series have become popular as a result, and alongside this our attention spans becoming smaller. Mobile: Yes, there are still some that love to read with a physical book in their hands and enjoy the sound and feel from the turn of a page. But truth cannot deny that even those people have turned to their mobile phones for posting or reading on social media, commenting on blog posts or articles, or just simply reading their favorite authors and magazines on their phones while they wait in line, sit on the train or the toilet… Readers are able to consume published information anywhere because of mobile devices. Some companies are getting better at understanding this type of human behavior, but there is still a lot to learn. Humanity is still evolving to this shift in our way of life, as everything is mobile now—from working and paying bills to contacting friends and reading your favorite newspaper. Data: Human data analytics are paving the way for research into everything about us. There is no longer an appropriate time for reading (at home in a comfy chair, at the library, outside feeling the wind blow) —anywhere and at any time we can read and consume published material electronically. Modern marketers are studying this and using technology and data to make sure content reaches the right people, which is the basis of current success in discoverability in publishing today. Therefore, it’s necessary for indie publishers to turn to content generators like Medium, LinkedIn Publishing, Goodreads blogs, Booksie, and the like for marketing their work and to tap into the data intelligence they are experiencing. Distributing content to different platforms is an important convergence in this new publishing era so that readers interested in your content can find you through use of their data analytics. At some point, discoverability in publishing won’t be the problem. Everyone has then become a publisher: The most apparent and important part of this current publishing convergence. You, me, mom, your eleven-year-old cousin, grandma even. The digital disruption has allowed anyone who has an internet-capable device to publish anything: thoughts, feelings, to-dos, articles, expert advice, political commentary, bullying, what they cooked… Perhaps we are having an identity crisis? I guess that means anything that can be typed (or talked to text), or recorded for video, is considered eligible for publishing. Everyone now has a voice and we have yet to truly understand what that means to society. It’s truly empowering and liberating and we are all still getting used to it—where available. There are still some parts of the world where internet access is controlled and I am often reminded how many of us take for granted our easy access to it. For example, for free at your neighborhood library, or never if you live in North Korea as under 5% of their population has internet access, or Cuba where internet is only available at government controlled "access points” and Saudi Arabia were about 400,000 sites have been blocked, including any that discuss topics dissenting with the Islamic beliefs of it’s monarchy. But before I digress too far, almost everyone, even those who do not consider themselves authors, writers, or artists, are publishing. Some experts believe that the number of books available on the internet in digital libraries will exceed that of the physical books in the Library of Congress. So then how does one distinguish themselves? That’s what’s up in the air. Discoverability and differentiation may slowly be converging, but there still isn’t yet a good mechanism for discovery and competitive advantage. Even though data analytics is paving the way, many creatives with real publishing talent are still lost in the dust, either not sure how to follow along the disruption wave, don’t have the financial resources to get there, or have yet to get that lucky or serendipic break seen by “Shades of Grey”. Thus, Darwin’s theory of evolution still wades on, churning away, allowing only those with skill, resources, and luck to pull through and survive. Creative artists now have editorial independence if they want it and if they have access to what’s needed to evolve and survive. This entails some sort of branded content—they have to be business owners as well. What’s when one becomes an indie publisher—one that steps out on their own with self-conscious construction, creates their own message, their own style, their own passion, and has business sense of some sorts applied to their overall design, developing a competitive advantage and expressing passion to some extent. Unfortunately, not enough business schools have yet jumped on this opportunity to provide focused niche business classes to creatives, and many art and writing schools have yet to include business classes into their instruction. This convergence will come next. It’s the absolute only way creatives and writing schools can survive the intense Darwinism present in publishing (and well everywhere else for that matter). To digress a little more, countries like North Korea, Cuba, and Saudi Arabia will not see growth in their economy or people if they continue to censor internet use and will be the first to be eaten by proven Darwinian science. This also means that many won’t survive to see the future of this publishing convergence. Now that anyone with access to the internet can publish anything at any time to everybody that uses the internet for anything–Amazon’s publishing and retail business should be scared. As society continues to be drawn to the internet to publish everything about their personal lives, imagination, and expertise, Amazon will eventually no longer be the main distribution channel for publishers, or main retail channel for readers. Every social media and content generation system will collectively bring Amazon down to its knees—potentially—unless Amazon puts the creative artists and writers first instead of their profits, and give us access to what publishers in the 2.0 world need: data, data, data. Companies that will survive this convergence will give data to their publisher, or they will find other ways to distribute their content, because we can publish anything, anywhere, at any time, and have an audience looking at it, whether that be cousin Joe, your old boss, or the audience your spouse organically built from his newest novel. As an indie publisher living within this current environment, I have entered a renewal period, where out of it will be a breath of new life. A version 2.0 of TC Publishing will arise where I’ll take all the lessons learned from being an indie publisher over the last four years and re-strategize. The sea doesn’t like to be restrained, and neither do I, but indie publishers have many obstacles to overcome in these rapidly changing, chaotic, and converging waters. My galactic ship has scars, holes, and war wounds that it’s a must for TC Publishing’s survival. I must take some time to step back to build the ship stronger. I am going to re-think indie publishing by going back to design. This renewal period for TC Publishing will shed away the concepts of traditional publishing that no longer apply and are damaging. The sea, in its unrestrained form provided the environment that produced life on Earth, and it is with that spirit of experimentation and survival that I am eager to see what comes of this transformation. One of the first lessons I have already learned during this renewal period is that I spend too much time on TC Publishing as a business and not on my writing. Therefore, my first strategic move is to go back to the reader and writer in me, and connecting with my own pains and needed gains from the perspective of a creative artist and not that of a business person—then build a business model around my needs as an artist—not just to patch holes to stay afloat in the raging sea. Instead, add a new spoiler wing, larger bullet-proof windshield, or flag claiming my allegiance to the indie empowerment movement to help build community and strength. As today’s societies around the world experience uprooted governments—laws, standards, religion, traditions, lifestyles, medicine, and other conservative and traditional structures are being reinvented—or disrupted. There is more than just publishing being reformed in our modern world. Change is a sentiment being felt everywhere around the world and a more progressive movement where the new values of the majority need to be taken into consideration in order for people and companies to capitalize on these new convergent technologies. One recent addition to the publishing industry in this sense was the creation of the first “publishing startup incubators”. It is within these open innovation spaces that new structure in publishing will come that will give Amazon fair competition, force big traditional publishers to reduce their ebook costs, new models for discoverability tools from data analytics will be built, more distribution options, elimination of exclusivity, and lots more. Better cooperation between publishing and technology will emerge and as a result, finalize the convergence trends mentioned above and bring about more. The movement here is currently small, but as results begin to show positivity, more interest will emerge. Real value from the publishing convergence will not occur until these publishing incubators become more mature. Then, the gravitational pull that these incubators will generate will be hard to overcome. The Death Star was always destroyed, while the galactic pull from the center of formed galaxies continue to emit light and force beyond what anyone can fathom. Jump into the light my fellow creative friends and avoid being blown up in the Death Star, because you will if you continue to keep and follow the rules of the old game—they no longer apply. See other reports on the State Of The (Indie) Publishing Union: 2016 2015 |
Kat Lahr
|