New Moon Divination: October 2, 2024

We live in precedented times. In a cosmological sense, planets move in an infinite dance that repeats its steps even as we travel through an ever-expanding universe. In a very ordinary sense, history repeats itself, yes? I try to think of it not so much as a doomed cycle; rather, we have learned more every time we see the pattern, and so we have an opportunity to engage with it differently. 

The election cycle has been heavy on my mind, is what I should have led with here. That context is woven through my reading for this new moon. Please apply the grains of salt that make the most sense for you and your own life. 

1. Overall Theme: Broom, because we have work to do. This is an ogham that reminds us to focus on the basics and to use the tools we have. The simpler, the better. It’s too easy to get caught up in tangential matters, while neglecting the basics. Get your flu vaccine and your COVID booster. Check your voter registration. Chop wood, carry water. 

2. Potential & Allies: Holly, for balance and justice. But this is not sweeping justice (despite the tempting Broom pun). This is precise – a scalpel, rather than a sword. Holly calls us to defense and discernment and decision.  

3. Static & Obstacles: Witch Hazel, for magic and hidden knowledge. It gets in my way, sometimes, to think I need to wait for 100% certainty in order to act. Or maybe I tangle myself around a suspicion that there is some secret inimical force, waiting to undermine my efforts, such that I never put my full strength behind it. Remember: we have work to do. If we wait for perfection, we’ll miss our window to make progress.  

4. Letting Go: Yew, for gateways that we have to go through over and over and over again. It’s important to realize that this work is never done. Even victory won’t make the world stop spinning. Even defeating one foe (monstrous thought it may be) is not the end of vigilance. Yew reminds us to let go of thinking this is the last step; it’s simply the gateway to the next cycle.  

5. Helping Grow: Aspen, for confrontation of fear. Aspen calls us to courage and shields us while we tremble. Again, if we wait until we aren’t scared to take action, we’ll never act. Do it scared. 

   
   

Dame Maggie Smith, may she rest in peace, had a quote for just about everything. And about this, she probably would have reminded us, “All days are scary.” 

Whatever you’re aiming for, I hope you find the tools to help you keep doing the important work for yourself and those you care about. 

Brightest blessings,

Nicole

P.S. I’m so grateful to be sharing new moon divination with you all each month. If you’re a new subscriber, WELCOME! Past months should be archived on the blog now, but please let me know if you need me to send any along to you directly.