May News from The Witch’s Therapist
Hi all,
It’s me, Santyna, back again, and so glad to be sharing my thoughts and reflections with you today on this New Moon.
As I have been navigating the journey of decolonizing my therapy and spiritual practice, I've been reflecting deeply on the tools I use and the traditions they stem from. Western astrology has been a guiding light in both my personal life and in the healing journeys of the people I work with. Yet, as someone of Indian descent, there's a profound pull towards Vedic astrology - a system deeply rooted in cosmic time, dharma, and soul purpose.
I'm not here to choose one system over another but to explore: What happens when we pause and truly listen? Not just to the planets and signs but to what feels authentic, grounded, and vibrant within our bodies, ancestries, and communities.
This New Moon invites such contemplation.
Western Astrology Perspective: History & New Moon in Taurus
Western astrology - the kind most of us may be more familiar with - has Greco-Roman roots, though its development pulled heavily from Babylonian, Egyptian, and Arabic traditions. It is rooted in the tropical zodiac, emphasizing the sun's position and seasons. During colonization and the Enlightenment, Western astrology was systematized in ways that made it more “palatable” for European audiences — often by stripping it of spirit and context. Later, pop culture made it digestible, even marketable.
In Western astrology, the new moon graces the sign of Taurus today. Taurus, an earth sign ruled by Venus, emphasizes stability, material comfort, and sensual pleasures. This period encourages us to set intentions related to financial security, self-worth, and the cultivation of beauty in our lives. It's a time to plant seeds (both literally and metaphorically) that will grow into lasting sources of comfort and strength. Practical steps during this time could include budgeting, developing/starting a meaningful routine, or creating a nurturing home environment.
Vedic Astrology Perspective: History & New Moon in Aries (Bharani Nakshatra)
Vedic astrology (or Jyotish) comes from ancient Indian traditions and is deeply tied to Hindu cosmology and the Vedas; a sacred science rooted in karma, timing, and the soul’s journey.
Unlike Western astrology, which uses the tropical zodiac (aligned with the seasons and the Earth’s relationship to the Sun), Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac, which is based on the actual constellations in the sky. Over thousands of years, the Earth’s axis has shifted slightly (a phenomenon called the precession of the equinoxes), so the sky we see today no longer perfectly matches the seasonal calendar. Western astrology doesn’t always account for this, but Vedic astrology does. That’s why, if you’ve ever had a Vedic chart done, your sun sign might be different.
However, it’s important to note that colonialism impacted Jyotish, too. During British rule in India, anything considered “spiritual” or “non-scientific” was dismissed or suppressed. Traditional Indian sciences, including astrology, were discredited and pushed to the margins; and even today, access to Jyotish can be controlled through caste privilege and gatekeeping.
So, reclaiming Vedic astrology as someone of Indian descent isn’t just about learning a different zodiac system. It is an act of cultural remembering,; of reconnecting with ancestral knowledge that was nearly erased or distorted by empire.
Vedic astrology places this New Moon in Aries (not Taurus), specifically in the Bharani Nakshatra. Bharani, symbolized by the yoni (the womb), is associated with themes of birth, transformation, and the cyclical nature of life and death. Presided over by Yama, the deity of death, this nakshatra invites deep introspection and the embrace of necessary endings to facilitate new beginnings. It's a potent time for inner reflection, giving back to the community, and acknowledging what must be released to make space for growth.
A Unified Approach that Feels Right for me (and it's totally okay if it doesn't feel quite right for you)
While these perspectives may seem different (one emphasizing tangible action and the other inner contemplation), they can coexist harmoniously. This New Moon offers an opportunity first to turn inward, reflecting on aspects of our lives that are ready to be released or transformed. By honouring this introspective phase, we create a solid foundation upon which to build. Subsequently, we can take deliberate, practical steps towards the intentions we wish to manifest, ensuring they are aligned with our true selves and our values.
However, if you feel more connected to one perspective or the other, trust your intuition to guide you to the right steps for this New Moon. There is no ONE correct answer, and decolonizing our spiritual practice means honouring the histories I shared above, looking deeper, connecting with your own ancestry or guides, and taking steps accordingly.
Practical Steps for this New Moon
· Reflect: Set aside quiet time to reflect, meditate, or journal about areas in your life that feel stagnant or inauthentic. What beliefs, habits, or relationships are you ready to release?
· Release: Consider a simple ritual to symbolize letting go. For example, this could be writing down what you wish to release and safely burning the paper, allowing the smoke to carry away the old (or any other ritual that feels right).
· Set Intentions: With a clear mind and open heart, identify practical goals that resonate with your reflections. These should be actions that foster stability and, comfort, along with communal self-care and growth. Ask yourself: What specific steps do I need to take to honour my reflections and insights?
· Act: Begin implementing these steps, trusting that by aligning inner transformation with outer action, you're cultivating a life that honours both spiritual wisdom and your personal journey in this life.
On this New Moon, let's commit to listening deeply to the wisdom of the stars, our ancestors, our communities, and our inner knowing.
Work Updates
All of our practitioners (excluding Maggie) are accepting new clients. If you are looking for spiritually-aligned support, check out our About Us page or you can book a free, 15-minute consultation here.
Now offering in-person art therapy in London, ON. If you’re local to London you can now book to have your appointments with Aisha at her new office near OEV.
The Inward Path retreat has been confirmed for October 21-25, 2025. Maggie will once again be supporting this community-based psychedelic healing retreat for helpers, healers and caregivers. Inner healing work requires the right context. This unique setting offers: a group of participants with shared experiences, a beautiful retreat centre located close to nature, and a group of facilitators prepared to help you witness and honour your social, emotional, spiritual and physical needs as they arise throughout our time together. Learn more here.
Thank you to everyone who responded about the new Magical Activism group. You should have received an email about our first meeting, which is taking place online today. If you are a local to London and interested, you can sign up for our next meeting here.
Upcoming Spiritual & Aligned Events
April 30
Beltane Ritual
London, ON
On this hallowed Witch’s Night we journey to the Sabbat Hills and forge forward through the portals of space and time to join the Faerie Feast! Our gathering will consist of The Red Meal Ritual and guided journey to part the veil. We will be working with and offering to the energies of The Horned God and The Queen of Faerie.
May 3
Beltane Witch's Veil Night Market
London, ON
An evening of witchy shopping, ritual, and magic. Join us at the fifth annual Beltane market hosted by Seven Sisters. The Witch's Therapist will be there with our own table and Aisha will be building a community mandala. We hope you come take part!
May 14
Holding Space Circle
Online
The political climate of America has been stirring people up with all kinds of thoughts and feelings. This circle has been created to give everyone an opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings and to be witnessed. There is power in this process.
May 15-21
Constellations: An Anarchist Festival in Montreal
Montreal, QC
Scheduled events include a bookfair, a skill faire, and a dance party. Come learn about what's possible when people come together.
May 18 - July 13
Elements of Magick
Online
Elements of Magic is the first of the Reclaiming Tradition core classes. Journeying together through earth, air, fire, water and spirit, we will work with the tools of trance, movement, sound, silence, divination and more.
June 18
Roots and Resistance
Online
Through teachings, practices, and Q&A, the gathering invites a more grounded and relational approach to change—with a recording available for those who cannot attend live.
As we become more aware of events, I will continue to post them on Instagram so please give us a follow.
And of course, we'd love to hear from you! So if you'd like to reply to this e-mail with thoughts on your favourite books and teas, the activism you're engaging in, or to let us know about an aligned spiritual event in Ontario, we would love that.
With love,
Your favourite witches
