Nikki Starcat Shields's Blog, page 19

Starcat’s Favorites: Extra Self-Care

It’s that time of year – the winter blahs have set in. Yes, the days are longer and there is the promise of spring. At the same time, at least here in northern New England, it is still quite cold and damp.

The perfect time for extra self-care! I’ve been practicing compassion for myself and taking extra down time when I need it. So far (knock on wood) I haven’t been sick – I think because I’m being mindful of treating my body well.

Sometimes this looks like drinking extra water and doing my hu...

Weaving the Cord

I’ve been having some fantastic in-depth metaphysical conversations lately – it must be the time of year. Winter seems to hold more space for slowing down and going deeper. BlackLion and I are leading a series of calls over at Good Vibe University called “All Things Woo-Woo.” On yesterday’s call, we were talking about spellcasting.

It was so uplifting to speak with a group of New Age conscious co-creators, most of whom are spiritual but not religious, about the practices and ethics of the Pag...

Why Pessimism Is Lazy

I’ve been noticing lately that some of the most intelligent, creative, and spiritual people I know, when talking about the future, suddenly default to pessimism. This is the case whether they are talking about their personal prospects or the fate of the Earth and her inhabitants.

On some levels, it’s understandable. We’re bombarded by a news cycle that’s centered on all the things going wrong. We’re trained by our culture to look for the problems in our lives, even if they are just 5 percent...

Starcat’s Favorites: Greeting a New Year

Photo by G.E. Nelson Photography

I remember when I used to hate winter. I don’t so much, anymore. Granted, the cold, ice, wind, and snow are not my favorite things to be out and about in. But the landscape certainly is beautiful, and I like slowing down during this time of year and going into my creative cave.

Thankfully, I’ve crafted a life where I can do just that.

For someone who loves writing, reading, editing, and learning, doing so in the comfort of my warm home while winter does its sn...

Allowing the Flow of Life

I had a really big year of change in 2017. I know, I know – we all did, really. On global, national, regional, community, and personal levels. It’s been crazy!

Change is the only constant, as the saying goes.

But, seriously. It was intense. I have a friend who is an astrologer, and he predicted it just about perfectly in a reading I had with him last January. (He says 2018 will be smoother sailing for me, and I trust it will be so).

Even though some really heavy stuff happened in my personal...

Starcat’s Favorites: Transformation and Witchery

Wow. What an autumn it’s been so far. I’ve been undergoing a huge transformation – which seems to be a theme for many of us, lately. I like to think that the Universe is helping us spiritually-focused types to “level up” (to use a gaming term), so that we can continue to help with the expansion of human consciousness. It feels very intense, overwhelming, and powerful, but also exciting and inspiring!

My lovely daughter ElvenTiger has now settled into her new home in Colorado. She’s got a “bri...

Evolving Spiritual Practices

This summer I celebrated an unusual anniversary: 20 consecutive years of daily spiritual practice! Yes, really. My practice, as you might imagine, has evolved quite a lot over the last two decades.

Recently, my morning practice involves 30 minutes of silent meditation followed by bullet journaling. The meditation itself includes a chakra clearing as well as other energy work. My daily bullet journal session includes (among other things) making a list of things I’m grateful for from the previo...

Starcat’s Favorites: Wake Me Up…

It’s hard for me to believe that summer is coming to an end. This is an especially poignant time, as my beloved daughter ElvenTiger is moving to Colorado in less than two weeks (on the day before my birthday, as it happens). I’m so thrilled for her, to be launching herself into adulthood in such an adventurous and fun way.

I’m also really sad, because I’ll miss her regular presence in our household.

Yesterday we went out, just the two of us, to walk along the beach, play some Pokemon Go, and...

Play Powers Creativity

In the society we live in, it can be tempting to take things oh-so-seriously. I mean, that’s what the news media (and the advertising embedded within it) is all about. It’s jam-packed with fear, things going wrong, and how to plan for the worst case scenario. It’s based on doing The Right Thing and following the herd.

How very boring!

Those of us who are more playful by nature – you know, the artists, rebels, and black sheep – don’t fit into the mainstream notion of what it means to be a resp...

Starcat’s Favorites: The Soul of Summer

If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, you know that I absolutely LOVE summer. So here I am, in my glory! Picnics, swimming in the lake, fresh strawberries, journaling in the hammock, playing Pokemon Go, hanging out with family, beach time with friends, and attending outdoor concerts.

Ahh, this is the life. Remind me of it, please, when I’m bemoaning living in Maine next winter.

Are you taking some time off to sit on the deck, relax at the beach, or chill in the hammock? Here’s some...