[This was originally written and formatted for an email broadcast. You can receive monthly New Moon Letters through my email list]

​

Welcome to spooooky season!

Let’s swim through dark waters

Today arrived and I was genuinely curious what would be this month’s New Moon message. It is always an intuitively guided message that I share. Nothing major has been coming through as my energy has been in a “void” cycle, A.K.A. pause and ground.

However, while riding my bike through the fall colors and dipping sun of Vermont, a thought came to me.

I felt my energy being drawn to the dark side of life. Earlier I had been riding through a park that was so cheerful and shiny with joy. There was a playground and a grouping of trees. I could tell these trees loved being present to hold space for the joy of children that run around near and under its branches. Then my gaze looked under the tree where it was darker. Light didn’t reach that area as easily and I felt into the spookiness of it. It reminds me of when you turn a corner and all of a sudden you are in a very quiet and dark street at night. No one is around and it feels a bit eery.

This tree was a perfect example of the dark and light within one being. The tree didn’t have “bad” intentions or “good” intentions. It existed in neutrality. The tree existed without shame or guilt for the dark shadows under its branches, or the bright light of delight of the exterior that I witnessed. The tree offered so much to this park and the many animals, insects, and humans, simply through its natural existence.

It brought me to reflect on this thought.

​

What if we approached the dark aspects of ourselves and our life with the same level of enthusiasm and gratitude as we approach the light aspects of ourselves and our life.

​

We can swim in the dark while being centered in our heart to guide us.

​

This is a way to honor our nature while maintaining balance of the two.

Have you ever swam in a body of water that you couldn’t see the bottom? Doesn’t it feel like something might come up and grab you? These thoughts of fear of the unknown can be transformed into trust through breath.

Breathe in confidence and trust, exhale fear. Bravely explore what exists in the shadows with playfulness and curiosity.

This could also look like sitting with yourself in silence and breathing with intention. Sitting in the unknown can feel just like swimming in dark waters.

Every New Moon since starting these emails, I have noticed my experience of surrendering into the shadow of the moon comes with more ease and grace. Thank you for being here and part of my devotion to nature’s cycles.

​

I wish all of an insightful and transformative New Moon. Let’s continue swimming in the darkness, centered with our heart.

​

Love,

Erika

​

A Few Favorite Moments of September

Trevor Hall Concert – Hearing him sing Green Mountain State was epic! I left the concert overall feeling so nourished and happy. Good vibes from that man and his ensemble of musicians.

Getting quotes for a custom frame for my artwork!

Apple picking with Ramona my niece. It was her first orchard visit.

Nature is unique and quirky and a piece of art in itself. The flowers are from a neighbor who scattered cosmo seeds and let their lawn grow wild instead of mowing. The second image is from the bike path. This plant was so interesting with spiked balls hanging from a vine. Witnessing these things always reminds me nature is the ultimate artist and designer of epic spaces.

Teaching my niece to ride a bike after I pick her up from Kindergarten. It was so inspiring to see her excited to learn and her rapid improvements and advancement within 1 block!

Receiving feathers on my running / walking route – And celebrating a milestone goal to run 3 miles consistently! This has been my intention for a few years now.

Diving deeper into this book that continues to re-affirm my innate indigenous knowledge and the importance of re-awakening it in myself.

 

Expanding my reach to share these New Moon Letters and other offerings is greatly supported by word of mouth! If you have a friend or family member who would enjoy what receiving what I offer, send them this link.
​

erikajulia.com

Artist, Writer, Wellness Guide