Hello Friends:

If you've seen the movie Chocolat, the opening scene is a hooded character making her way through a harrowing gale, determined to begin a new life. That's what it felt like to me this past eclipse season and full moon in Aries.

I've left my role at Marketing for Hippies with immense gratitude for the experience of nearly two years of creating meaningful change and impact within the organization, and I wish Tad and the team success beyond measure. The decision wasn't without months of deep personal assessment about how patterns within relationships (familial, intimate, work, etc.) still show up for me. Thankfully, I am catching it sooner and able to redirect my energy in more productive and effective ways.

Since letting that go, I have attracted some wonderful new people and opportunities, which I'm excited to explore. But not until I honor the fallow. My habit is to go after the next challenge (5/2 Emotional Manifesting Generator!!), but I am taking time to immerse myself in expert counsel, deep friendships, and creative self-reflection.

I tried to celebrate these past accomplishments, but realized I didn't know how to celebrate. There wasn't anything I wanted to buy, and nowhere special I wanted to go. So I went to Ski Shores and brought my watercolors to journal, and then went to my monthly facial at Skin Zen. The following day, I started by journaling at Abby Jane's Bakeshop, then I set out to visit new shops like Letterpress Play, The Herb Bar's new location, and Jerry's Artarama to find tinctures, teas, and art supplies.

Below are some tools I thought you might enjoy knowing about. I'm hosting a creative lunation ceremony on Tuesday evening here at the lake for those who would like to gather. I'm going to try and host them every new and full moon, so pencil in those dates for future planning. I decide usually a few days before.

If you'd like to co-create strategy for a new project or business, or simply understand some optimal timing or available cosmic energy, schedule time at Ritual Resonance.

The Assessment That Matters Most

Many of us have businesses or have careers that require us to use the next few months to assess the year and prepare to plan out 2026. Astrologically, it is a big shift after 2025, a "9" year of endings. Those who read this newsletter have likely been doing the inner work to heal unhelpful patterns and behaviors, as well as releasing those things that we have outgrown. Depending on your natal chart, you might be dealing with a health issue, a financial issue, or, like me, relationship issues, particularly the one with myself ;)

I really appreciate Loren Crawford's 3-Dimensional Assessment Framework. Here is the worksheet for you to download a copy and fill out, but I'll describe it as succinctly as possible here.

Most of us have been taught to focus on external measurements like KPIs and goals met or exceeded. Stability or scaling might also factor into our yearly planning. But I posit that the internal assessments will be the biggest indicators of external success. Your self-worth will show in your opportunities (or disappointing lack thereof). Your deeper patterns, behaviors, and habits will be driving these results. Your daily routines might be who you are on autoplay.

Some of us are driven and will barrel through any challenge (hello Generators) to get something done, but often burnout, failing relationships, or illness are part of that package.

The mental, emotional, and energetic patterns determine a lot of our results. Fulfillment and engagement also need to be measured within any organization or collaboration. How are you measuring and refining your well-being and authentic expression?

Dimension One: Limiting Patterns​
We all carry mental habits that once kept us safe but now quietly limit our potential—the inner Controller, Hyper-Achiever, or Avoider that runs the show when we’re on autopilot. Mapping these patterns reveals where you’ve been reacting instead of consciously responding.

Dimension Two: Wisdom Access​
Beneath the noise lives your deeper knowing—the part of you that sees clearly, trusts your gut, and leads with grounded confidence. This dimension asks: When did I honor that inner voice this year? When did I override it?

Dimension Three: Energy Awareness​
Your life force tells the truth before your mind does. Which relationships, projects, and environments expanded your capacity and which ones that and which ones drained it? Energy awareness helps you design conditions for sustained creativity and peace.

These three dimensions form a living map of your growth that honors the invisible work beneath visible outcomes. As Loren reminds us, “Leaders who master these dimensions don’t just perform better; they create new possibilities for themselves and their organizations.”

Grab a cup of tea or thermos of cocoa as you sit outside reflecting on the questions in the worksheet with curiosity. May it plant robust seeds for a more fruitful and peaceful 2026.

Choices vs. Decisions

My mentor says that we make hundreds of choices a day: what to wear, eat, where to go, when to leave for the appointment... However, when we make a "decision," it's an indicator that fear is present. Because if we're just making choices, we're taking action. When we feel the need to "decide" on something, we're likely taking an action from something we've created significance about. This could be a choice to end a relationship (and have the necessary conversations) vs. a decision to end a relationship (mind puzzles on outcomes, feelings, etc.), or a choice to move (as you take all the steps to do that) vs. deciding on whether to move (fortune-telling on how it might turn out).

Just something to consider...

New Moon in Libra Gathering

On October 21, 2025, 08:24 AM EST, a New Moon at 28º21′ in Libra asks us to look at how we’re showing up in our relationships, both with others and with ourselves. It closes the wickedly intense eclipse season and opens a new cycle that’s all about balance, healing, and finding our way back to wholeness. For those with strong cardinal Aries, Cancer, Libra, or Capricorn placements, it may bring new people into your world or help you see existing connections with fresh eyes. It’s a beautiful time to notice our patterns, make small but meaningful changes, and pay attention to the quality of our presence, the way we listen, and the energy we bring into the spaces we share.

Please reserve your spot here.

Gentle Flow & Sound Bath

Every Sunday, I teach a Kripalu Gentle Yoga & Sound Bath class at The Yoga Common, from 6-7 p.m. This is a relaxing practice in one of the most nourishing and picturesque studios in Austin. Join us here.

The Goddess in Politics

Besides the No Kings demonstration, I was invited to Annie's List: changing the face of power in Texas by electing progressive women by my dear friend and board member, Joi Chevalier. At their latest dinner gathering, they featured Senator Sarah Eckhardt and other inspiring speakers giving the state of current affairs. If you are thinking of running for office or would like to help run a campaign, they provide training, funding, staff, and other resources to help. If you feel called to donate, please visit their website.

This is a shorter newsletter. I'm in the throes of rebuilding a past dream of mine using my own methodologies of strategy, research, and planning. I'm readying to give you an insight into my process of what I take my clients through when building their companies or launching products.

Thank you for reading this far and for your support of my work.

Please let me know how you are.

With much love,

Monica

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