Nikki Starcat Shields's Blog, page 10

9 Books to Inspire Us As We Build a New Society

I’ve been thinking about all the people I know who are actively working toward building a new, more conscious society. There are many ways to do this work.

One woman runs a program to feed the hungry in New York City, assembling and delivering bags and bags of donated food each week. Another helps empaths who feel immobilized and overwhelmed learn to use their gifts rather than be used by them. A healer practices and teaches a powerful technique for eliminating chronic pain. Those are just thre...

Standing for Social Justice and Equality

I consider myself an ally to people of color.



In the past, I didn’t often write about it publicly because I hesitated to offend – not offend racists, who cares? – I mean I don’t want to offend the very allies I wish to support.


But I want to talk about it here, because it’s vital to keep our work for social justice and equality front and center. This is not a passing trend or just a current event.


Racism is abhorrent.



Humanity should know better by now. Obviously we don’t. Let’s stop...

On Memory and De-Fragging Your Brain

Since 1997, I’ve been chronicling my life with a short “daily log” entry in my journal. This habit started as part of a daily spiritual practice that went along with a study of the Tarot. It serves another function, though, which is to keep track of things that I find easy to forget.

I don’t have a good memory – or not in a traditional sense. I tend to live in the present moment, and also in my imagination, which doesn’t seem to leave room for much else.

I’m a Virgo, so I keep a lot of lists, an...

Starcat’s Favorites: Magickal Staycation

As much as I love to travel, I’m currently not minding having to take a “staycation” this week instead of a more traditional vacation (thanks, 2020). Why?

Well, first of all, I love summer in Maine. I’m so blessed to live in a place of natural beauty, with easy access to beaches, lakes, mountains, and other gorgeous places. The weather is even cooperating!

Also, I’m taking this WEALTH alchemy course that’s rocking my world. I have a stack of books, a new Tarot deck, and lots of (live and recorde...

Writing with the Moon’s Phases

I’ve been keeping track of the moon’s phases, and how they affect me and my energy, for a long time now.

Applying it to my creativity in particular has been a more recent nuance that helps me plan my projects more effectively. It also makes writing more fun.

When you tap into the moon’s energy and flow with it, your writing (or other creative work) will be easier. It’s as simple as that.

You might have no problem with the common understanding that the energies are more frantic when the moon is f...

5 Reasons You Need an Author Platform Now

Have you ever heard the term “author platform?” The simplest definition: your audience of potential readers. 

These days, most agents and publishers require you to have an author platform. That’s because they no longer do all the legwork for you, in terms of getting your book out into the world. 

Whether you choose to self-publish or submit your work to a traditional publisher, you’re going to need an author platform. 

In fact, whether or not you’ve even written one word of your book yet, I reco...

Goddesses of Writing & Creativity

I’ve written before about the Muses and how to craft a relationship with them that enhances your creative power. Now let’s look at some Goddesses (and a couple of Gods) who can also infuse your creative work with some extra energy.

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’ll know that, in my opinion, working with deities is very personal. Whether you work with their attributes symbolically, trying on an archetype, or whether you believe in the literal existence of a particular Goddess m...

Starcat’s Favorites: A New Book Baby

One of my favorite things to do in this world is to create books for my fellow bookworms to enjoy. So I’m super excited to announce that BlackLion and I have a new book coming out next month!

Follow the Ebb & Flow: the Law of Attraction and the Tides of Life will be available in both paperback and ebook formats beginning August 10th!

Follow the Ebb & Flow takes you through the seasons & moon phases, demonstrating how to harness natural energies to live your dreams, with an emphasis on a regular ...

Magick with a K

The following is an excerpt from the forthcoming book Follow the Ebb & Flow: The Law of Attraction & the Tides of Life, which I’ve co-authored with BlackLion. The book will be available in mid-August.

Magick with a “K”

As promised, we’re going to delve a bit more into the idea of “magick with a k.” The extra letter is added in order to distinguish it from stage illusions – which are also quite cool, but not what we’re talking about here.

So, what is magick? The definition that we like to use is...

The Care & Feeding of A Thriving Artist

So you want to be a Thriving Artist. You decide to incorporate one (or more) of your creative passions into your everyday life. Go, you!

But now what? How do you sustain yourself for the long haul? Especially when “everyone else” seems to be either:

A) lounging on the couch watching Netflix or

B) getting thousands of likes and downloads of their latest creations.

You’re putting in the time, maybe instead of binge-watching your favorite shows, and yet where are the rewards?

Lovely one, it’s time ...