The morning of the solar eclipse held the promise of adventure, despite the ominous forecast of thunderstorms. My friend Jamie and I embarked on our journey from Pearland, winding our way through Dickinson toward Galveston. As we approached the Strand, the storm’s impact became undeniable. Water pooled in the streets, rising rapidly, turning the roads into shallow rivers. Parking my little Kia Soul as close as I could to our destination, we braced ourselves for the sprint to the door. Shoes in hand to avoid slipping, the water lapping up to my knees, I wrapped myself in a thick yoga mat in a vain attempt to stay dry. My dress, however, bore the brunt of the storm, its hem soaking up the floodwaters as we rushed inside.
The sanctuary of Living Life the Happy Way provided warmth and comfort. Towels were offered to dry off, blankets to wrap around us. We had arrived for the New Moon Women’s Breakfast, led by Christina of Moonlight Vibrational Healing. The air carried the inviting aroma of fresh coffee, caramelized bananas from the banana foster French toast, and sweet cantaloupe. As we settled in, Christina led an enlightening discussion on the Aries New Moon and the astrological influences at play. My Aries placements in Chiron and Jupiter meant this was a profound time for healing, self-discovery, and stepping into my power.
Christina introduced us to the plant allies of the day: rose and jasmine. She encouraged us to incorporate them into our personal rituals—whether as tea, sachets, or in conjunction with orange candles for manifestation. We then engaged in introspective activities. While some journaled with prompts, I sought answers through Oracle and Tarot decks. Later that evening, I synthesized the readings into affirmations and personalized rituals, deepening my connection to the messages received. The gathering concluded with a guided meditation, and as we stepped outside, we were greeted by a transformed world—storm clouds had given way to clear skies, the streets now dry and inviting.
With spirits high, Jamie and I ventured further down the Strand to explore metaphysical shops. Our first stop was Mysticatz, where I took a significant step in my entrepreneurial journey. I introduced myself to Cathy, the owner, to inquire about joining her roster of Reiki practitioners and vendors for upcoming metaphysical fairs. Though she expressed interest, she emphasized the need for a formal vetting process. This inspired me to later work on refining my website and social media presence, ensuring I was prepared for the opportunity.
Inside the shop, I indulged in my growing ability to sense crystal energies. Cathy’s husband took note and presented me with three stones—Moldavite, a Herkimer diamond, and Libyan desert glass. As I held them in my non-dominant hand, a surge of energy coursed through me, resonating at my solar plexus and throat chakras. To my amazement, he intuitively mirrored my sensations. Though the Herkimer diamond was beyond my budget, I selected a powerful amethyst and a charoite stone, along with rose oil for my next full moon ritual. Our exploration continued at Heaven and Earth, where I acquired a large fluorite palm stone and a box of Third Eye Chakra tea, aligning perfectly with my intention to enhance my intuition during this Aries New Moon and solar eclipse energy. The alignment of bold self-exploration and heightened spiritual awareness felt deeply synchronistic.
The day’s journey led us next to the Healing House, where Erin Arnett and her husband John facilitated an Embodied Movement class. The atmosphere of the studio—bathed in soft light and adorned with white and purple drapes—invoked a sense of serenity and spirituality. As I moved freely to the rhythm of the music, I concentrated on releasing what no longer served me, channeling energy through my chakras. At times, I danced across the floor; other times, I leaned against the wooden walls, stretching and surrendering to the movements my body craved. Despite fleeting distractions—wondering if Jamie was enjoying herself or thinking ahead to dinner plans—I remained present in the experience.
Erin concluded the session with a heart-centered reflection on gratitude. As I placed my hands over my heart, memories surfaced—sitting in the shade with my first horse, a lifelong dream realized; cherished moments with my husband, built on deep understanding; and, most poignantly, gratitude for myself. Tears welled in my eyes as I acknowledged my resilience, my courage, and the journey I had undertaken—from escaping an abusive marriage to earning my PhD, from raising three sons to manifesting the life I had always dreamed of. In that moment, I resolved to honor myself with affirmations: I am brave, I am intelligent, I am kind, I am powerful. I will no longer dim my light.
Feeling uplifted, we invited Christina to join us for dinner at the Original Mexican Cafe. Over the din of a boisterous table nearby, she shared wisdom that resonated deeply. She reminded us that we held the power to clear our own energy, that we did not need external validation to protect our spiritual well-being. She also advised me on the importance of integrating lower chakra work, cautioning that while my crown chakra was highly active, unresolved emotional wounds could prevent me from fully embodying divine wisdom.
On the drive home, Jamie invited me in to see her space, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to visualize her in her home environment. I see so much beauty and depth in her, recognizing her own need for healing. When I finally arrived at my own home, I intended to clean physically but instead found myself drawn to metaphysical cleansing. I journaled extensively, processing the revelations of the day, weaving together the synchronicities, lessons, and spiritual affirmations that would continue to guide me forward. The energy of the Aries New Moon and the solar eclipse had propelled me into action, reaffirming my path toward embracing my highest self.
The journey was far from over. But this day had been a powerful step in claiming my light, my purpose, and my spiritual evolution.