The Darker the Path, the Brighter the Light

“I am out with lanterns looking for myself”

–Emily Dickenson

Hi sweethearts, it’s Fox.

It sure has been a while! I hope this email finds you lovingly running your fingers through the beauty of your life, regardless of how “right” or “good” it feels. Also, have your dreams been hella cinematic lately? Mine have: from rescue missions at sea to living my Little Women-fantasy in dark-colored covens. Tis the season for deep dreaming and dark wonder.

There's truly a reason why every major religion has a light festival this time of year. The shorter days and longer nights can make it easy for us to feel swallowed by our shadow. But what if the light wasn't there to dispel the darkness, but merely the perfect pin-prick (a star) to guide us through it? Maybe even to “a newborn child” or the next beautiful self?

Enter The Hermit, a quiet guide through the shadow self. Unlike other shadow guides in the deck (I'm thinking of The High Priestess and The Devil) this tender guide is devotional and conjures a feeling of sacrifice. I think of Jesus when he really sits with his fate or Gandalf when he knows what sacrifice he must make for his loved-ones to live (only to be reborn again later in the story...) The Hermit shows us our dark path but gives us a little fairy in a jar that whispers to us the truth of the universe: you will always triumph if you allow transformation.

I'm wondering what your path is right now, dear reader. How far does it stretch and what do you feel is at the end? And what might your lantern look like? Is it, perhaps, a light saber? A flashlight? Who is guiding you forward? Who are your Guides and Creators, your Polytheistic Chorus, your Wisest Selves?

Gather them together and ask for a sign, a light, an orb, a star; something just bright enough to entice you down the dark staircase where so many of your beautiful selves have been patiently waiting all year long for your love & attention.

In Love & Wonder,
Fox