I’ve studied the stars and planets for more than 50 years. From Western and Vedic astrology, to quantum physics and the ancient wisdoms of the East. On the way, I’ve peeled back the layers of my own horoscope, to understand what I came to planet earth to learn as part of my souls evolution. My painting, singing and poetry have been, and remain - the keys to opening doors to get to my most authentic soul self. That self which shows up in the world with full luminosity.

The moon placement in our astrological chart - helps to guide us on the path of self discovery. It’s why I factor in new and full moon rituals to my life with discipline and diligence, because they help with shedding the old and welcoming in the new. We are ever evolving spiritual beings.

Most recently my father’s death in his nineties, has been an illuminating time. A light has been shone into the very dusty parts of my relationship with him, and the fact that it was based on conditional love. I followed the same pattern into my marriage - so that love was based on the other’s needs, and my deep needs being hidden away. Living alone and not in a relationship with a man, for a decade, has allowed me to build from a different foundational structure to ensure that self love is well embedded. Recently I got tested to see if I had learnt my lesson. A fellow showed up on my path. Quite a nice fellow, but a fellow very similar to my father. I checked in with myself and realised that my sovereign self - so hard won - would not and could not be compromised.

Years ago I wrote a poem about the fact that we don’t choose love but it chooses us. To teach us, to expand us, to soften us. I found the poem this week - and it arrived at the right moment to join up some crucial dots.

I spoke to my Dad in spirit. The man in the moon. I asked him to make good to me by ensuring that any other man worth sharing my precious life with, arrives with unconditional love. Thus breaking karmic chains, and building paths of light into the future. Wave your wand Dad. Wave your wand. You will feel so redeemed when you do.

Julia - a sovereign being in Portugal.