“Every day in every way I’m getting better and better.”

– Émile Coué

This famous statement was given to us by Émile Coué back in the 19th century.  Many consider Coué to be the father of modern-day affirmations.  Living in Troyes France, he owned and operated an Apothecary from 1882 until 1910. Intrigued by the concept of hypnotherapy he studied under French physicians Ambroise-Auguste Liébeau and Hippolyte Bernheim, both champions of hypnotherapy as a method of healing.  

This branch of psychotherapy introduced the concept of autosuggestion, which Coué incorporated into his own practice. When he dispensed medication, he included a positive message and encouraged his customers to repeat them often, mantra-like, throughout their day. The affirmation noted above was his default, considering it a prescription for all and every ailment.

Coué observed that when a person combined taking their medication while using positive autosuggestion, they had better results than those who did not. This strengthened his resolve that each of us has the power to cure themselves. This technique of autosuggestion for self-healing is often referred to as Couéism or the Coué Method. However, Coué refused to take credit, and continually stressed that he was not a healer, but one who taught others to heal themselves.

“You have in yourself the instrument of your cure.”

Full Wolf Moon

January 17, 2022 at 6:48 p.m. EST

Western calendars are based on the movement of the sun, whereas Indigenous calendars follow the lunar cycle. Because there are generally thirteen moons per year, their calendar does not match up with your typical twelve month calendar. Two other names for the Wolf Moon include Severe Moon (Dakota), and Frost Exploding Moon (Cree) named because the extreme cold will crack through the trees. The First Nations Ojibwe tribe considered the January Moon the first moon of Creation. They called it Mnido Giizis (Spirit Moon). It is believed to have been created within the dance of the northern lights. They consider this is a time of going within to honour the silence of winter and realize our place among the creatures of the 'Great Mystery'.  

More than likely, January's Full Moon received the name Wolf Moon (Algonquin) because wolves  were  often  heard howling outside their villages this time of year, at least more than usual. Originally it was thought that wolves howled due to hunger during the winter months, but today we know it is for other reasons. Howling and other wolf vocalizations are generally used to mark territories, find other pack members, bolster social bonds, and organize hunts. Spiritually, wolves are intricately linked with the night and the moon. Many ancient and modern spiritual beliefs, like shamanism, believe everything alive contains a living spirit, including animals and plants. These spirits  are connected and interwoven within all things to show us the texture of our reality. 

On the eve of the 17th Moon will oppose her brother the Sun in the last degrees of watery Cancer. Moon symbolizes night and represents our shadow self and the subconscious. She contains the intuitive energy influencing the yearning of our deeper souls for self-discovery and inner wisdom. There is so much growth available to us when we live in rhythm with her cycles.

A Pinch of Sage

for January 12 - January 19, 2022

The current state of the world has left people disconcerted, insecure, even fearful. Time to ignore the relentless messages of dread, disorder and hopelessness that spill from the myriad forms of media. It is a time for stability, to take back the power of who and what influences our emotions. Centre yourself as the heavens transfer their energy to the Taurus/Scorpio axis. Next month all planets will travel direct in the sky, and we will feel that shift here on Earth.

You feel as if you are standing at the gateway, uncertain of what the next couple of years will bring. Trust that which your heart already knows. You are not alone in your journey. You have your ancestors, the ancients who walked the soil before you, and your Spirit Guides here to help. They are present, with you, at this very moment and you have access to their wisdom. Reach out to them as they can decipher the blueprint of your very essence.

Seek solitude, breathe. Ground yourself in the basic values and principles that have gotten you this far. You have worked hard thus far and your dedication to those you love is second to none. You have built a home, a life, it is, after all the responsible thing to do. The foundation exists and it supports your growth. Now is the time to focus on Spirit. Seek out and live your purpose as that is where you find the spark of existence. You’ll discover joy in doing even the most mundane task because it is powered by intent. Pause and rejoice every attainment, no matter how small as it tells the universe you’re grateful, and ready for more.