intention and action + east london bakery + sebastião salgado + tarot book + reflections + habits + vintage cinema + candles + yorkshire + real italian pasta + wishes for the new year
“As a matter of fact, astrology is really not just about the stars, it is the psychology of over 5000 years, from the old and the middle ages.” JUNG, C.G
“Such conviction came with that first astrological reading. This permanent interest, this fascination, this love has never left me... Astrology forms one of my basic languages for psychological reflection.” James Hillman
*PLAYLIST: Oasis, What’s the Story Morning Glory?
You understand your priorities changed when your first purchase on Black Friday is a book about the Tarot and its symbology edited by Taschen, part of their Library of Esoterica edition, a series documenting the creative ways we strive to connect to the divine. “For those fascinated with the occult, but wary of dabbling, this gorgeous art book on tarot may be the answer,” said The Times. Okay, I did not buy just that, but my shopping selection is also reflecting practical choices that are not there to fill a void.
One of these days I also checked my goals list for 2021. I was surprised at how things are being manifested. Did you do this check? It’s true when they say to watch out for what you desire. It only reinforced the idea that doing my morning pages is not only a path for my own creativity but definitely one for my own divinity too. Writing, journaling, is a way of communicating to the Divine and letting her/him know what you want. And this energy just stands there. That’s why I highly recommend you to write your goals for next year. And take action. The intention is nothing without action. So yes, journaling is a blessed habit I created this year and intend to keep it.
This year started in the unknown. I changed my career direction, lost part of my stability, learnt to live with more restrictions due to the pandemic, but at the same time, I recalculated my route, reinforced my spirituality and priorities as well as connected to my inner knowledge, my creativity. And things started to unfold again. When we align to ourselves, the world aligns itself too. This is the most important lesson I am having from 2021. Stability just naturally came together.
Some lessons? Didn’t like the movie or the series? Move on. Don’t go until the end. Are you doing something for yourself every day? Self-care is never too much. Go for a walk, listen to your favourite music, explore being in your own company, have that food you like so much, don’t be afraid of reconnecting to someone you think you should (sometimes people are not that strong as you are) and know your hidden wounds. Take your wounded child for a ride and give her attention. You will have better relationships in life. Eclipses are great for that awakening.
Have flexibility in your routine. The routine does not need to be boring or repetitive. By the way, flexibility can be your routine. Go and see other places and cultures. When travelling, don’t compare the place with where you live. Every place has its own angels and demons. Expand your vision. Alone and together. Pay attention to the omens, to the numbers that appear frequently to you. Give a chance to books that suddenly appear on your screen or vision. They will have a message you need to read.
Breathe, have a diary, write about your emotions, eat seasonal ingredients and trust Mother Nature. Connect to her somehow. Learn a new language or improve an existing one. It’s a delicious thing. You are out of your comfort zone not taking too much risk. Take good care of family and friends. When with them, be with them. Even better among food. Like this, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. And just understand that things happen for you, not to you. This perception changes everything. If all is well, I wish your new year to be aligned with your purpose. Simply and powerfully like that.
Aries
One of the best bakeries in London, Flor, will open from 11th December a branch in the Spa Terminus. You can always expect to find sourdough, rye, porridge loaves as well as croissants, seasonal danishes and staples like lardy buns and brown butter cakes.
Taurus
A dear friend mentioned The Dusty Knuckle and you will love this hidden gem in Dalston. Cafe and bakery. Simply like that. Their options of rye bread and focaccias are worth the visit. The industrial look, the open kitchen and the outdoor area are as inviting as it looks.
Gemini
Stay at home and watch And Just Like That... It will be released on the 9th. So watch out for the girls back again, so you face your different personalities in each of them, Gemini!
Cancer
Keep an eye on this brand, my dear sign: Star Child. They supply only the best quality organic and wildcrafted herbs, using organically grown and sustainably harvested sources. Explore their oil, natural incense, candles, ceramics and perfumes ranges.
Leo
The Christmas season is to splurge with friends and family, right? What about visiting the newest addition to the London dining scene Isola? Yellow is the main colour in the decoration, a perfect match to your sign. It’s also that perfect spot to bring sunny Sicily to cold London!
Virgo
Being an Earth sign, the exhibition Amazônia, in the Science Museum, seems a must-go for Virgos. Sebastião Salgado presents a breathtaking photography exhibition that celebrates the indigenous peoples and varied landscapes of the Brazilian rainforest.
Libra
Do you enjoy the happy and relaxed atmosphere of brasseries? The Acoustic seems a nice choice for this winter season, Libra. Nestled in the Stoke Newington area, provides a menu of brunch classics with a Turkish accent.
Scorpio
Connect to your cult side and book a ticket to see a movie on the big screens at Curzon Hoxton. The chain recently opened this cinema in the east and has this hipster atmosphere we all kind of like. Sodo, my current favourite pizzeria in town, is next door if you want a warm-up during the trailers.
Sagittarius
I am spending Christmas in Yorkshire this year, in the north of England. What about visiting the area you too? Harrogate is one of the loveliest cities I have ever been to in the UK and you won’t complain about the world of wildlife in nearby cities.
Capricorn
Lina Stores is definitely one of my favourite places to have Italian pasta in London. The light green colour and the panettones and confetti all over the place make me feel at home. They have now opened a new restaurant in the City and it seems just the right place to mix business with pleasure. Ops!
Aquarius
Dalston Lane has some pretty cool stores for east London visitors. Meadows is my favourite and will match perfectly with my fellow Aquarius readers. Different clothing, tarot decks, mystical books, candles and even workshops to create your own terrarium.
Pisces
Do you need more cosiness for this winter season? I know you do. Well, The Pure Scent is a very good option if you want soy candles done in the right way. Made in E17. Which means a very independent business.
Experience to the fullest the last month of 2021 and see you next year! With kind, love, respect and generosity. x, NB