Setting intentions

It's been a big month, filled with lots of changes. Here in the UK, we had a new Prime Minister and a new monarch in the space of 48 hours. On a smaller scale, we've been planning our next campaign at work, the buses have all changed (unfortunately not for the better), and, of course, the season has now changed.

It's a strange feeling. My friend likened it all to walking into a shop to find they've changed where everything is - it feels familiar, but at the same time confusing. Well, a number of my local shops have done this, so I have to agree.

I find that I do quite well with change, but it's the uncertainty of everything that unnerves me. While I love the early parts of autumn - and I strive in spooky season - there's the part of my brain that's getting louder and louder to remind me that Seasonal Affective Disorder is just around the corner, like it has been every year for the last 15 years. That voice needs to shut up.

I'm about to go on what will seem like a tangent, but I promise it lines up...

I've been working on my Stargazer badge this month, which is also going towards the Wild portion of the Carpe Diem badge (alongside Codebreaker, which I completed last month). I've found it quite refreshing going out on walks in the clear evenings to unwind and spot some constellations. I've also found it really interesting to look at the planets and the moon and read up about the way the moon affects us here on earth.

Then there's magick. I've always been intrigued by magick and witchcraft - the real kind, not the kind you see in Halloween films. While I can't say that I'm drawn to the practising side of it, I do find it fascinating to learn about. And as part of reading up about the moon, I discovered the practice of guiding your intentions around the phases of the moon.

Well, I'd like to stop feeling like I'm treading water, and I'd like to shut up that negative part of my brain while I can (or at least turn down the volume). Today is a new moon, so I'm going to plant the seeds of my intentions in the hope that I can watch them grow and flourish over the next 29 days.

I'm going to do this in a personal diary, though, as there are some things it's important to reflect on for your eyes alone (plus the Diarist badge!). However, the focus will be on self-care, reducing stress and turning the negatives into positives - instead of being pissed off about the terrible new bus timetable that practically cuts me off from the outside world on Sundays, I can use it as an opportunity to make Saturdays all about exploring and Sundays all about badge work and relaxation.

Whether you're a diarist looking for a new angle, someone whose also intrigued by modern witchcraft, or if you're just feeling a little lost like me, I highly encourage you to do the same. I also recommend subscribing to Emma Cownley's Copy Coven newsletter. While it's mainly aimed toward professional copywriters, she has great tips on journaling, personal reflection and adding a dash of magick to your writing that anyone could find useful.

See you for a spooky special next month, pals. 🎃 🍂