Grovers,

What a week we've had with the full moon in Aries! I don't know about all of you, but this full moon took me on the beautiful roller coaster ride of emotions that only comes with a full moon in a sign that's in retrograde. Luckily, I'm feeling a bit more human as the energy from that cosmic episode wanes, and my hope is that you all are as well.

As we shift our focus to the week ahead (October 4 - 10), it's not lost on me that the next month will be a challenging one for us here in the United States. Friends, there is SO much going on right now, and it's during these times of emotional, physical, and spiritual upheaval that anything we deem as "non-essential" in our lives tends to fall away until a time when we feel more at peace. Unfotunately, our spiritual practice, exercise, and self care tools tend to end up in the non-essential category far too often.

I encourage us all to flip the script on that. It is during these times of challenge, stress, fear, and uncertainty that we must make time for and rely upon our spiritual practice and self-care rituals. For me, this manifests as taking extra time for quiet reflection. I rely more on my cards, my guides, and the energy I feel around me. It's not easy - I sometimes have to force myself into it - and I could certainly use more of it, but regardless I always end up grateful that I took the time to get centered and connected with my emotional and spiritual bodies.

This week, that comes with the reminder of the energy of Winter. I know, I know - we just entered Fall (and trust me, with Fall as our favorite season here at the Groves, we never want to skip this beautiful time of year!), but the energy of this week carries us right into the "return to self" that accompanies Winter.

With everything that's going on around us right now, it's no wonder that this is the card that came up for the collective for the week ahead. We are retreating back into ourselves because it's impossible to trust anything that's happening externally. Home is where we feel safest - inside the safety of the four walls that surround us as well as inside our own hearts. We are starting to notice the longer nights, leading us to prepare for rest because of the exhaustion that awaits at every corner.

My friends - let's take this time to sit in the energy of Winter. We all need a rest and a respite from the heaviness of our world. But like the wolf that is pictured on this card, let it not deter us from the work that lies ahead. Let's not sit in this energy for too long. Wolves work year round - and together, might I add - to ensure the safety and prosperity of their pack. Let's take this week to regain our strength, to emerse ourselves in self care (however that looks for you), and prepare to come out of the week renewed, restored, and ready for whatever lies ahead.