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      We All Have a Little Witch In Us—These Wellness Rituals Will Help Bring Out Yours

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      No doubt about it–fall is magical. The leaves change into all sorts of vibrant hues, the scent of cinnamon is everywhere you go, and the chill in the air bites in a way that almost feels personal. It’s a season that feels so alive, so it’s no wonder that fall is directly tied to mysticism. So much so that one of the key images of the season is a witch (Hocus Pocus, anyone?). Of course, with that title also comes dated stereotypes of what it means to be a witch: flying broomsticks, evil cauldrons, and a desire to eat children. But the true definition of a witch isn’t so easy to nail down.
      Historically, witches, or people accused of being witches, have come in many different forms, but most of them were women, and they were far from monstrous. Rather, they were masters of wellness, specializing in herbalism, midwifery, and other healing practices. Modern women are turning these rituals more mainstream, finding deep connection to the earth and nature, and leaning into practices that enhance their quality of life. So if you really think about it, embodying your inner witch is in itself a wellness practice. Read on for some wellness rituals that witches throughout the ages have used and loved that will help amplify your health for fall and beyond.

      1. Be more intentional with essential oils
      Scent is known to trigger both emotion and memory, so you can use scent to enhance your sense of self and impact the way you relate to the world around you. Instead of just the typical diffusing lavender oil to relax or sniffing peppermint oil for energy, DIY your own potions (see what I did there?) so you can tap into the kind of energy and emotion you associate with that scent at any time. Sniff or diffuse a wide range of essential oils (eucalyptus, lemon, etc.) and either see how the scent makes you feel or you can associate an affirmation to the smell.
      To take it a step further, blend your own concoction by starting with a base like jojoba or extra virgin olive oil, and pour into a small vial with a roller ball for easier application. Add a few drops of the essential oil of your choice to the base (essential oil alone might be irritating for the skin, which is why you combine with another oil to dilute) to rub onto temples, wrists, or other pressure points when needed. Top off the vial with some flower petals or fresh herbs to enhance the smell while beautifying the blend. As with all rituals, remember that setting an intention for the practice will amplify its effects. Assign a word (like bravery, compassion, or confidence) to your potion and apply the oil to your skin whenever you need to be reminded of that intention. 

      2. Update your bath routine
      Baths have been important for both hygiene and ritual for centuries. Water has often been used not only to cleanse the body, but also your mind and energy. And when you’re intentional about supplementing your bath water with herbs, flowers, or crystals, you can amplify its healing properties. Forget boring bubble bath–there are countless combinations you can create when devising your bath ritual. I like basil or eucalyptus plants to relax muscles, lavender or chamomile to relax the mind, rose petals and basil for skin glow, or crystals like Rose quartz and Amethyst to clear out anxious energy and invite peace into your space. 
      I believe that if you’re drawn to a particular plant or crystal, your intuition is guiding you to use it for your benefit. But if you’re a researcher like me, feel free to hit the books (like here or here) for all the healing properties that plants and stones have to offer. Go wild and apply whatever calls to you. Once again, bath rituals are sealed by the intentions you set for them, so think about what you’re cleansing, renewing, healing, or inviting in.

      3. Light some incense to reset energy in your space
      Many different cultures throughout history have burned herbs and incense as a way to clear stale energy from a space to make it feel vibrant and fresh. With the rise in palo santo and sage becoming more mainstream, it’s important to honor and remember where they come from, so do your research and honor the ritual. For incense, Frankincense and Myrrh are two options that have withstood the test of time and are still known for their healing properties. When it comes to lighting herbs and incense, do your research and find a type that calls to you to clear out space in. your home. 
      And remember, intention has to be at the core of any ritual. If it’s not, the practice is just fluff. Set the intention to clear stuck energy and invite fresh, loving vibes into your home. As the scent lingers, visualize the space being utilized in a way that feels good to you. This is a great ritual to do consistently, especially when you’re using your space as a work-from-home set-up. This ritual can help you meet specific goals at work, or ease out of work mode into relaxation. 

      4. Future journal to become the person you want to be
      You didn’t think I’d write a witchy post without at least one nod to spell-casting, did you? Journaling is a powerful way to cast daily “spells” because you are quite literally alchemizing your thoughts into tangible words on a page. Journaling in itself is a little bit magical. When you journal your intentions for how you want to feel, what you want to be doing, or how you want to be acting in the future, you’re better able to visualize yourself in that future role. This makes it easier to embody yourself in that role now, which is one of the fastest ways to manifest the life you want.
      So go ahead and write about the higher version of yourself. Then focus on all the elements I just laid out: how you want to feel, how you want to act, and what you’d like to be doing in the future. Take a few moments to embody who it is you’ve just written about, and notice how your energy shifts. If that’s not magic, I don’t know what is.

      5. Choose a single-word affirmation for each day
      If journaling feels like too lengthy an endeavor, another quick alchemizing trick is to choose a word or phrase that you want to embody on any given day. For example, if you have a big meeting you’re a little nervous about, “capable” might be your word of choice. Visualize yourself completely personifying this word and feel free to write it down somewhere that will be visible to you all day long, like on a post-it note by your desk. It can be just as powerful to embody a single word as it is to envision an entire future for yourself, so long as you set the intention to make it stick.

      6. Connect with nature on a regular basis
      Science has proven that electrons on the earth’s surface can transfer energy from the ground to our bodies, calming our nervous systems. We know that nature is healing. But guess what? Cultures, tribes, and world religions have known that for thousands of years (including witches). Anyone with a keen sensitivity to shifting energy will argue that the effects of this particular ritual are undeniable. Try earthing or grounding, which involves walking barefoot outside, or forest bathing, which means being in nature (a trail, forest, park, etc.) to reap more benefits.
      Take a moment to feel your bare feet on the ground in whatever way feels comfortable. Visualize any energy that does not serve you being pulled into the ground, feel gratitude for the oxygen that trees and plants supply, and check in with yourself if there are any insights that come up for you. You might be surprised what comes through. This is an especially good ritual for those of us with busy minds because it encourages us to slow down and reconnect to our inner voice of wisdom. Trust me when I say, your nervous system will thank you.

      How Make the Most of Cozy Girl Fall More

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      The Self-Care Activity You Should Try, Based On Your Zodiac Sign

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      Constructing a self-care routine that makes you feel good and empowers you to live your best life is all about finding activities that you enjoy and boost your mood. So if you’re tired of the same old face masks or bubble bath self-care routine, it’s time to switch things up. We look to the stars to tell us how to spend our time and even what career moves to make, so why not look to them to see what self-care activity we should be trying? We’ve got you covered. Read on for the activity you should add to your self-care toolkit based on your zodiac sign. 

      Get physical
      If your Sun is in Aries, you likely thrive in challenging situations and competitions; this is when you feel most alive. If you feel bogged down by emotions, try getting some movement in and releasing those feelings with some type of physical activity. Hit the gym, take a kickboxing class, train for a marathon—do something that involves challenging yourself and moving your body (Psst, want to know which type of workout is best for Aries? Click here).

      Pamper yourself
      Taureans are highly connected to the physical world and love the luxurious. You are immensely aware of your body and have a deep appreciation for sensual pleasures. You find comfort in the tangible and are all about enjoying the pleasures of life. Book or give yourself a mani-pedi, splurge on a full spa day, or DIY spa treatments at home. No matter how you treat yourself, make sure you feel pampered. 

      Learn something new
      Geminis are highly curious and like to collect new information. They also need to recognize and nourish both their introverted and extroverted sides, so self-care for Geminis means having equal time alone and with others. Try researching a new subject, taking a class, or watching an exciting documentary to spark your curiosity, then discussing your thoughts and new findings with a friend or family member. You can also join a book club to have some alone time reading to recharge, and then come together as a group to care for your extroverted side and discuss. 

      Try therapy or journaling
      As a Cancer, comforting loved ones is what fulfills you most. You love to take care of other people and help with their problems. However, as a natural empath, you tend to take on those problems and prioritize your own needs last. The best way you can care for yourself is spending time to mentally and emotionally work on you. Schedule some time with a therapist to talk about your feelings (it will be a much-needed change from listening to everyone else’s!) or try journaling to reflect on your needs and get any negative emotions out on paper. 

      Create something
      Whether they like it or not, Leos are born stars who need to shine. To care for your truest self, tap into your creative side and then share it with the world. Of course, getting involved in your local play or impressing the crowd at karaoke night will give you a rush from all the applause, but you can also try starting a blog or taking creative photos for friends and family. The attention-seeking part of you will feel nurtured and loved through sharing your work with other people, and your creative side will feel fulfilled. Leos, don’t dull your sparkle—you feel best when you shine. 

      Declutter your home
      Virgos, you often feel the need to be perfect and need a reminder that perfection isn’t possible (or enjoyable). However, a clean home can help you feel more in control of your entire life and helps you feel more centered in your environment. Instead of focusing on how to make your home “perfect,” identify where you can use your decluttering skills to purify and organize to make your life simpler instead of putting more pressure on yourself. BTW, decluttering your mind counts too. 

      Make a list of positive affirmations
      Libras like to keep the peace and feel most fulfilled when they’re well-liked. While your ability to bring harmony and prioritize other people’s feelings is admirable, it often means you forget about your own needs and maybe focus more on being liked than being happy. To revert your attention back to your happiness instead of the happiness of other people, make a list of go-to affirmations to recite daily or go-to when you need a little extra support.

      Schedule alone time
      Although they may not reveal their emotions to other people, Scorpios can have intense emotions very easily. To care for yourself, it is essential for Scorpios to release your feelings safely so you don’t have built-up resentment or emotions you haven’t let out. Scorpios enjoy privacy, so self-care is about retreating from people and doing whatever makes you feel safe. Make sure you have “off-time” to not only recharge, but also to release any built-up emotions through meditation, journaling, or even just taking a nap. Schedule it into your calendar and make alone time intentional every day. 

      Try something new
      It should come as no surprise that these fire signs feel most alive when they’re on an. A Sagittarius feels most nourished and fulfilled when exploring something new, so it’s important to continuously try things and be exposed to new experiences to feel your best. Let your intuition guide you and try that activity you’ve been dying to try or maybe even the one you never thought you would do. Take a cooking class, book a solo trip, find a new hobby, explore a new city, or read a totally different genre. You’ll be surprised to find how invigorated it makes you feel. 

      Take more breaks
      Capricorns, you’re probably only reading this article because everything on your to-do list has been finished. With your Sun in Capricorn, you tend to make sure every item on your to-do list has been completed before making time for self-care or even for fun. Nourishing your mind and body doesn’t come easy to you. In fact, you might even see it as a reward, not as a necessity. Taking breaks (and learning to be OK with taking breaks) is the best thing you can do to care for yourself. So if you must, add “relax and do nothing” to your to-do list, and then make sure you do it. 

      Volunteer 
      As the most detached of all signs, Aquariuses don’t show or talk about emotions very often. They don’t like to dwell on negative feelings and care about finding solutions more than focusing on the problem. If you don’t feel inclined to self-reflect through journaling or meditation, care for yourself through caring for others instead. Find a project you care about, and then raise money or donate your time to help. You’ll feel good helping a good cause and will feel recharged when you’re putting your time and effort to good use. 

      Do something creative
      Unlike Aquarius, Pisces are very comfortable discussing their emotions and feelings. You’re incredibly intuitive, empathetic, and can often take on other people’s problems and feel them yourself. Because of your dominant empathy, you probably feel the need to escape quite often, so channel these emotions into healthy forms of escapism. You thrive when you use your creativity and feel your best when you are able to work your imagination. To you, art is like meditation. Try painting, creating music, or writing fiction to soothe your mind and get out of your current reality for a little bit. 

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