December News from The Witch’s Therapist
This month's newsletter is coming to you from Justine Barre, the new Sex Educator and Intimacy Coach at The Witch's Therapist.
Happy New Moon in Sagittarius! Let’s embody all the ways that anti-authoritarianism can help us deepen our erotic connection to ourselves and our partners. This new moon calls on us to reject the patriarchy and capitalistic structures that profit off of us hating our beautiful bodies. That make us afraid of all the ways our bodies might deviate from the one, narrow, sanctioned version of what a ‘good’ body is; what a desirable body is. Your body is good. Your body is desire itself. To love your body, and allow others to love your body, is a radical act. The new moon asks you be radically accepting of all the ways our bodies can bring us pleasure.
As a new moon ritual, I recommend Emily Nagoski’s concept of ‘savouring’. Cook your favourite meal, and eat slowly. Share a bowl of ice cream with your partner and feed each other. Go for a walk and feel the cool air on your cheeks. Inhale the warm fur smell of your dog or cat and have a good cuddle. Savour all the ways that our beautiful bodies are capable of experiencing pleasure.
What I’m Reading
As the new Sex Educator and Intimacy Coach at The Witch’s Therapist, I’ve been really excited to dig my teeth into some of the latest work by famed researcher Emily Nagoski PhD: ‘Come Together - The Science (and Art) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections.’ Nogoski is famous for doing some of the only research on women’s pleasure and desire, and they do not disappoint in this new book. Maintaining a sexual connection in a long-term relationship is HARD, and this book offers a compassionate, and creative look at the many ways couple can become unstuck and find their way back to their erotic selves. They take a look at how FEAR and ANGER or PANIC and GRIEF often move to surround LUST, so that in the floor plan of your emotions, you can no longer access eroticism, and then how to rearrange your floor plan with PLAY and CARE - opening new doorways to pleasure. They deep dive into many of the ways disability, gender roles, and body image upend your desire for sex. The main thesis however, is my new motto: PLEASURE IS THE MEASURE. I can’t wait to apply these teachings in my sessions with individuals, couples, triads, and polycules.
Hibernation
Is it just me, or has this November been particularly grey and desolate? As a witch who is staunchly anti-capitalist, I take this dark season as a cue to minimize my to-do list; to be careful how much I take on, and to slow down. We are mammals. This is the season where we take our harvest into our warm den, get cozy under some blankets, and rest. Even though this is the holiday season, and it’s easy to feel like you’re running off your feet, I challenge you to take one night this week, clear your calendar and get somewhere cozy for when it gets dark at 4:30pm. Since I’ve been so excited about reading right now, at 4:30pm I’ve been making myself an Earl Grey tea with lots of honey, getting in bed with my small dog Butter, and reading for a few hours before I have to get up to do the dinner routine. Choosing slowness in your life can be hard, but it’s worth it. This conscious ‘stopping’ has helped me to honour the dark, and not fight it.
Work Updates
Welcome, Aisha Husseini, our resident, spiritually-aligned art therapist! In addition to Aisha being trained in providing psychotherapy, art therapy and being spiritually attuned, she is also trained working with children (8+) from spiritual families, which is a so rare. You can reply to this email and set up a free, 15-minute session if you're interested in her services.
Our resident Sex Educator and Intimacy Coach, Justine Barre, is accepting new clients. Justine brings a deep praxis to her Sex Education and Intimacy Coaching sessions. She is deeply researched in the area of human sexuality and has been an educator on the topic for close to a decade, ranging from jealousy in ENM, to the how-to’s of different kink practices, and everything in between. She works with individuals, couples, triads, and polycules. You can reply to this email and set up a free, 15-minute session if you're interested in exploring whether her services are right for you.
Megan's practice is nearly full and as such only has space for 1-2 new clients. If you've been considering working with Megan, now is the time to reach out and book your free 15-minute session.
Santyna's new course, The Magician's Path, is now enrolling. Join her on a 5-week journey where you’ll explore your values, identity and sense of purpose. Over five weeks, you’ll gain an understanding of your personal motivations, beliefs, and preferences offering clarity to fuel your spirituality. This is a 5-class workshop offered at the introductory price of $250. Reply to this email to get signed up. Class is limited to 8 participants.
Upcoming Spiritual & Aligned Events
Mediumship Development
Hamilton
Learn techniques to connect with guides, ancestors and past lives. Discover how your intuition is speaking to you and practice channeling in a safe supportive space.
December 11
Cocoon Circle: Shadow Work
Toronto
This free, biweekly event (between Toronto and Hamilton) is a community space to learn more about shadow work. Every two weeks, we gather for informative evenings of community, connection and reflection. Each circle explores a unique topic, sparking insightful discussion and activities on different aspects of shadow work and inner growth.
December 15
Full Moon Celebration
Online
A free 45-minute Zoom circle, where you’ll navigate this cosmic energy in community, finding serenity amidst the celestial dance, until you can reach a state of blissful sleep and much needed restorative rest. All are invited to experience the magic.
Babalu Aye Orisha Cleansing Ritual
Hamilton
Babalú-Ayé is an Orisha (or deity) and is often sought after for his profound power to heal afflictions and bring good health. This cleansing ritual, deeply rooted in tradition, uses specific offerings, herbs, prayers and songs to engage with the Orisha’s benevolent force.
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,
Maggie, Megan, & Santyna
