June News from The Witch’s Therapist
Hey everyone!
As promised, we're back with our second instalment of The Witch's Therapist monthly newsletter. This month’s newsletter is coming to you from Maggie and next month, Santyna.
This installment features Maggie's favorite tea and the book they are reading, the activism they are engaging in and a short list of events. Our hope is that you that you can find some comfort in the struggle or perhaps curiosity and courage to also engage in ways that support Gaia, nature, Mother Earth, our planet.
As you can see, there's a lot to explore in here, so you might want to grab a mug of your favourite beverage before you dive in. Or perhaps scroll through and see what section most catches your interest right now.
Books & Teas
I’m extra (Taurus Sun, Cancer Moon, Gemini Rising) aso obviously I’m drinking 2 teas that I’ve combined in a specific ratio to make the perfect cup of tea. The ratio I used is ¼ Earl Grey and ¾ Strawberry. This is reminiscent of an old tea called The Earl’s Garden and it is my go-to favourite.
I’ve added links to my local tea shop: Earl Grey Supreme Strawberry Black
Book: I am in the process of finishing Decolonizing the Body by Kelsey Blackwell. This book has helped me better understand colonization and imperialism and the ways these systems dehumanise and devalue our bodies. This book is rooted in somatics, which are practices that centre internal physical sensations, perceptions, and experiences found in the body.
This book has helped me deepen into the wisdom my body holds and soften my intellect enough to create a more rhizomal way of being (as opposed to hierarchical where my brain is the smartest/most sophisticated). It’s short and filled with reflection questions and I would highly recommend checking it out.
If you are in London, Ontario, Mandala Books usually carries a copy or she can order it for you and it is usually only $1-$2 more than Amazon (support Sue’s retirement instead of Jeff Bezos 13th yacht).
What Activism I’m Engaging in
The Canadian Palestine Social Association has a WhatsApp with daily actions I engage in.
I've been working with IFS for Palestine to bear witness to and create space for Palestinians in the IFS community. We hope to move the IFS model towards more inclusivity and capability for dismantling oppressive systems.
I've been attending my local university encampment, offering my presence and monetary support to help sustain the students and their efforts. If your town has a university, they probably have an encampment. I highly recommend you check it out.
What Inspired me This Month
On May 9th, I entered Little Gaza, the encampment at my old university. I've been there on multiple occasions and have been witness to some of the best examples of humanity. People singing, dancing, helping others get haircuts. People telling stories about their families, their journeys, their culture's history. People creating art, weeping, studying for exams, cleaning and organizing food. I was invited to eat, to sing, to dance. I was held when I wept. I was encouraged when I was uncertain and thanked when I helped. This space was sacred, taken care of and made to be safe.
I'm so grateful to those who created this sacred space and the folks who continue to inspire action that invites collective growth.
Work Updates
Our therapist Santyna Brar has a few more openings for new clients. You can learn more about Santyna here or reply to this email to book a free, introductory call with her.
After months of searching, I’ve finally secured another psychiatrist that will be able to provide Ketamine and Psilocybin Assisted Therapy. My hope is this will help us work through the current waitlist and make room for additional clients in the near future. If you are interested in this work, I promise to update here and on Instagram when there are openings.
I will also be running a Ketamine Healing Retreat for first responders in the fall. If you or someone you know identifies as a first responder, you can visit the new website page here for more information and to apply.
Spiritually-Aligned Events
Saturday, June 15
This event will feature over 20 non-monogamous creators, who will share their top tips, big ideas, and personal stories from their polyamorous journeys with all proceeds from the event going to Medical Aid for Palestinians. Online event with recording afterwards. Get more details.
Friday, June 21
Indigenous Solidarity Day
This in-person gathering in Wortley Village (London, Ontario) will feature a Sunrise Ceremony, Singers, Dancers, Food, Vendors, Community Service Providers, and more. Get more details.
Saturday, July 13
Witches of London, Ontario Picnic: A gathering of local witches under the trees. RSVP required by June 13th. Get the details here.
Thursday June 13-16
Wild Ginger Witch Camp: While the camp, I believe, is full for this year, I am adding this to this email so you can add it to your calendar for next year. Admissions usually open sometime in March/April. More details here.
Temple of the Red Moon: A weekly gathering to sit in spiritual circle with other women & femmes and commune on the cries of the earth to address the collective dark night. Get the details.
Monthly New & Full Moon Journey: These can be really intense so I encourage you to check in with yourself and your capacity. I will be running integration circles in the near future but until then having some additional supports to help you process this deep work can be helpful. Follow SevenSisters for details as she usually releases the event a week before the new &full moon.
Breaking the Spell, Decolonizing Spirituality: 2 hour lecture, meditation and workbook with spiritual practices and ritual suggestions. This is a digital product that you can sign up for right away. Get more details.
Grief & Rage Cafe & Rituals: Sasha Heron is running free and virtual events for everyone rising up for a free Palestine. These events are aimed at coming together as a spiritual community and upregulate into our rage. Our rage is powerful. Our rage will fuel the revolution that is so badly needed. Find her Instagram and offering list here.
Western University Encampment - there are tmany activities happening here each day, including vigils, prayers, processing through art and more. I highly recommend you check them out. Daily agenda is posted here. Other encampments are happening around Ontario so if you have a university near your town, please check it out. I imagine they have a similar series of events and supports.
As I 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 & Santyna
