Hi Loves!
Just a short little message for you today.
In the most earnest possible way, I’m feeling very aware that February 17 (Lunar New Year) is just around the corner. It’s been so lovely spending all of January in a contemplative state, getting all centered and rooted in my intentions for the rest of the year. I think it’s safe to say I’m never going back to a “new years day” sort of approach; six weeks feels so, so cozy.
At the turn of the calendar year, I committed to welcoming as much magic as possible, and have been leaning in. I’ve been carrying cool rocks in my pockets, paying attention to the moon, and creating all sorts of daily, weekly, and monthly rituals for myself.
I’ve also drawn two more of Andrea Durfee’s Gaia Oracle cards in the time since I learned the lesson Caves was meant to teach me during the first half of last year.
I drew the first, Canyons, in July, after putting Caves to bed, and drew the second, Sedimentation, during the most magical girl’s trip with bestie Olivia in October.
I’m inclined to share some reflection on this magic with you today. 🧚♀️
First of all, look how color-coordinated and composed these two cards are. I’m moved by that, alone.
But these cards are a thematic pair in many ways.
Here’s the text for Canyons…
CANYONS
Looking along the bends in the river before her, the goddess admires the strata and finely layered character within the expansive cliffs that make up her being.
Our lives flow like rivers, winding their way through time. We follow a path carved out by our ancestors. A continuous movement of energy over the Earth. Lives laid down before us in layers of differing experience and expression. We are a part of this legacy. Look up from your riverbed and take in the depth and story of the canyon sculpted by you and yours.
…Nothing could have prepared me for the bends that would come in the latter half of 2025. I do feel like I’m made of stratified cliffs (I’ve actually used an elevator shaft as a metaphor for this exact feeling), and I’m learning to appreciate my layered character more deeply.
The path carved by my ancestors is mostly full of trauma, but the part I play in this particular legacy is to end it. I’m proud of the steps I’ve taken in that direction during the past six months, and I’m looking forward to sculpting the canyon in new ways as I move forward. This lesson feels complete to me today.
Then, the text for Sedimentation…
SEDIMENTATION
Layer by layer, the goddess has emerged. Fused by time and compression, she is made up of a rainbow of life experiences, large and small. She is relaxed into her being, and centered in her authority.
We are a compilation of experiences, informing how we view and interact with our environment. And while your experiences have built your perspectives and help create your unique characteristics, they do not define you, and can be transformed and strengthened. Celebrate your story and layered self, and remember that you can alchemize them every day.
…It’s been a while since I’ve read this, and it’s really hitting home right now. I feel so grateful for Andrea’s beautiful work in my life. I am learning to celebrate my story and my layered self. I am relaxing into my being and centering in my authority.
The idea of alchemy has been popping up in SO many mysterious ways over the last year-ish. I’m planning to actively pursue this arm of esoteric philosophy in the coming year. I’m determined to continue to alchemize my experiences and perspectives toward a more verdant overall character.
Olivia and I are going on another magical little retreat this weekend and obviously I’ll be packing Andrea’s cards. I’m excited to see what project they have in store for me next.
Happy Wednesday!
Love,
Emily