Stop Reopening Closed Doors: Trust the Path Forward

An elder once said, "Stop reopening closed doors." It’s a sentiment that rings deep within, echoing the need to let go of things that have passed and move forward into new possibilities. There’s power in this message—an invitation to release the past and embrace what lies ahead. In times when doors seem to close, it’s easy to feel disappointed or question what went wrong. Yet, in truth, closed doors often signal that it’s time for us to evolve, learn, and align with the path we’re meant to walk.

As eclipse season ushers in, this message holds even more significance. Eclipses are known for their ability to shake things up—bringing the light of awareness to things we might have ignored, swept under the rug, or clung to out of habit. I’m learning what this season truly means. It’s not just about big, transformative events (though those can certainly happen), but about internal shifts. Eclipses help us shed layers and release what no longer serves us, sometimes in ways that feel abrupt or uncomfortable.

During this time, many of us experience "jumplines," karmic breakthroughs, and even ego deaths. These moments often leave us feeling exposed, raw, and ready for something new, but they also remind us that we are constantly evolving. The spiritual work we do, the shadow work, is never truly "done." It’s a continual process of growth, re-learning, and re-evaluating who we are. As long as we are alive, there will always be more to uncover, understand, and release.

Autonomy becomes crucial in times like this. It’s easy to be tempted to revisit old situations, past relationships, or familiar spaces that once felt comfortable. But when we trust ourselves, we remember that what is meant for us will never miss, even if the road is delayed. That delay doesn’t mean it’s not for us—it simply means that there’s something else we need to do first. We might feel called to go our own way, to trust our instincts, and to not fear being separate from the crowd or the past.

Tyler, the Creator wisely said, "Sometimes you gotta close the door to open the window." It’s a beautiful reminder that while we may feel the loss of something familiar, what waits for us on the other side can often be more expansive, more aligned with our true path.

These days, I'm always looking for stories in my practice that resonate with my growth. Numerous stories mirror this sentiment of releasing what no longer serves us and trusting the unfolding of destiny. One such story comes from an Odu Oyeku Meji.

In this Odu, Orunmila guides humanity to release outdated ways and move forward, shedding past attachments and recognizing that new possibilities can only emerge if we are willing to embrace change. Oyeku Meji speaks to the need to release what no longer serves us, emphasizing that when we let go of the past and trust in divine wisdom, we make room for personal growth and spiritual elevation. It is about trusting the natural cycles of life and aligning with the flow of the universe, even when it seems like things are being taken away or altered. In this, there is a powerful lesson about "turning the page" and embracing transformation. It teaches that to truly grow and evolve, one must trust the process of change, even when it feels uncomfortable.

This Odu embodies the sentiment of stopping the reopening of closed doors—reminding us that our soul’s evolution requires us to sometimes leave things behind to allow for new experiences and opportunities to take shape. It teaches that if we persist in trying to return to what has already passed, we hinder our own progress. However, when we let go of the old and embrace the new, we align with the divine flow of life and allow ourselves to expand into new dimensions of growth and understanding.

“Let go of what has already passed, for only by doing so can you open yourself to the new opportunities that await you. Trust in the divine process of transformation, and know that what is meant for you will never pass you by.”

The lesson is clear: to evolve spiritually and personally, we must sometimes let go of old ways, relationships, and situations that we hold onto out of comfort or fear. When we persist in reopening these doors, we block our ability to walk through new opportunities that may be aligned with our highest good.

This is what eclipse season is all about. It’s a time of powerful shifts that encourage us to reflect, release, and realign. In the process, we often face our shadows—the parts of us that fear change, fear being alone, or fear the unknown. But those shadows are not to be feared. They are there to help us understand what’s still holding us back and to guide us into a more authentic, free version of ourselves.

As we navigate this period of growth and transformation, let us remember the wisdom of my elder's words. The new possibilities, the fresh opportunities, and the evolved versions of ourselves are waiting to be discovered. So, let’s stop reopening old doors and embrace the unknown with faith that what is meant for us will always find its way.

I Have Many Dreams, Do You?

NOTE THIS WAS WRITTEN EARLY FEBRUARY AND I THOUGHT I HAD POSTED IT BUT IT'S NEVER TOO LATE AND IT'S STILL RELEVANT

Dreams: A Journey Through Time, Spirit, and Consciousness

In light of Martin Luther King Jr. Day this week, I’ve been reflecting on the profound concept of dreams. While Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech has shaped history, this post isn’t about that dream—it’s about dreams in their many forms. Since the beginning of time, I’ve been a dreamer, and dreaming was the first gift I discovered upon arriving on the earthly plane.

Over the years, I’ve unraveled layers of my ancestry, lineage, and spirit, often guided by dreams and the unseen realms. My nana, my mother’s mother, was also a dreamer. Recently, I discovered that she kept journals of her dreams throughout her life. Dreams have been a bridge between these realms, offering me insights, guidance, and connections that have shaped my life.

The Grand Canyon: A Portal of Dreaming

Years ago, during a December full supermoon, I traveled to the Grand Canyon with a dear friend. It was an impromptu journey that turned into an unforgettable spiritual experience. The land’s energy was palpable, and everything felt aligned, from the sunset to the unexpected upgrade of our hotel room.

While exploring a museum at the canyon, I felt a powerful pull to collect some driftwood—a practice I now realize connects to ancestral ties. Little did I know then that the Mojave Tribe, whose dreams shaped their spiritual and cultural practices, once called this area along the Colorado River home. Through a divination reading in the following years with my cousin, I learned about a spirit guide from the Mojave Tribe, who has walked with me in every reincarnation. I wondered if I was a part of their family in a past incarnation. When my cousin revealed my guide, everything clicked. The sticks I had collected, the spiritual pull of the canyon, and my dreams all wove together of ancestral connection.

The Mojave people honored dreams as sacred, using them to guide their leaders, medicine people, and communities. Their ceremonies included singing cycles of dreamed songs that retold myths and journeys, reinforcing their identity and spiritual strength. Learning about their practices illuminated why dreams have always felt like a cornerstone of my own spiritual path.

The sky transformed into a breathtaking masterpiece as the sun set over the canyon. My friend and I shared a joint, reminiscing about our college years and spiritual journeys, while the horizon reflected the moon's ascent.

When the moon rose, it was enormous—so close that I felt I could reach out and touch it. The air felt heavy, like the moon’s energy was pressing down on everything. Later that evening, back at the hotel, I realized I couldn’t sleep. My chest felt weighed down, and the cannabis still in my system heightened the sensation. It wasn’t an anxious feeling, but it was intense—like I was caught in the moon's gravitational pull.

This experience was entirely new for me. I had always appreciated cannabis as a companion for relaxation or heightened clarity, but that night was different. The combination of the moon’s immense presence and cannabis’s lingering effects felt overwhelming, as if my body and spirit were struggling to settle under such powerful forces.

Cannabis and Dreamwork: A Complicated Relationship

Cannabis entered my life during college. My first experience was lighthearted but ineffective—I didn’t even know how to inhale properly! Over time, I developed a relationship with cannabis that was both beautiful and challenging.

Initially, cannabis felt like a tool for relaxation and creativity, but as my spiritual journey deepened, I noticed how it began to interfere with my dreams. Sativa strains heightened my anxiety, and even indica-forward hybrids clouded my mind, creating a fog that dulled my ability to receive clear messages through dreams.

When the pandemic forced us into isolation, many of us turned to substances to cope. I realized that while cannabis has its place in ritual and introspection, it required mindfulness and moderation to avoid hindering my spiritual gifts.

Cannabis in Shamanic Practices

Shamanism is an ancient spiritual practice that predates organized religions and spans cultures worldwide. At its core, it is about connection—between the physical and spiritual realms, the self and the collective, the human and the divine. Shamans serve as intermediaries, navigating unseen dimensions to heal, guide, and retrieve wisdom for their communities.

The word "shaman" comes from the Tungus people of Siberia, but similar practices exist across continents: the Sangomas of South Africa, the Curanderos of Central America, and the medicine people of Native American tribes. What unites these traditions is the belief that all beings are interconnected and that the spirit world holds answers to our earthly dilemmas.

One of the most powerful tools in shamanic work is the altered state of consciousness, achieved through drumming, chanting, breathwork, fasting, and the sacred use of psychoactive plants. These states allow shamans to journey into the "Otherworld," encountering spirit allies, ancestors, and archetypal energies. Herbs were selected and used with intention; their properties were carefully matched to the purpose of the ritual or healing. Each herb carried unique energetic qualities and was chosen not only for its practical effects but also for its symbolic and spiritual resonance.

Dreams hold a unique place in shamanic traditions. They are seen not as random neural firings but as messages from the divine. Many indigenous cultures view dreaming as a practice in itself—a skill to be cultivated and honored. For the Mojave Tribe, dreaming was central to their leadership and medicine practices. Leaders were often chosen based on the clarity and depth of their dreams, which were considered a direct line to divine guidance.

Cannabis has been revered in many spiritual traditions for its ability to bridge the physical and spiritual realms. In shamanic practices, it’s used to expand consciousness, connect with spirit guides, and access visionary states. When approached with reverence, cannabis can enhance spiritual rituals, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all tool. In no way I'm saying what has worked for others will work for you.

If you’re considering incorporating cannabis into your spiritual work, intentionality is key:

• Choose the Right Strain: Sativas can energize and uplift, while Indica support relaxation and introspection.

• Set an Intention: Approach cannabis as a sacred tool, not a recreational escape.

• Dose Mindfully: Start small and listen to your body to find the right balance.

Herbs for Dreaming and Rituals

Some herbs enhance dreaming, while others create protection or ground the practitioner during rituals.

Herbs for Dreaming

1. Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris): Known as the "dream herb," mugwort enhances lucid dreaming and facilitates journeying. Burn it as incense or brew it into a tea before bedtime.

2. Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea):  This flower induces euphoria and vivid dreams, often used in sacred rites to connect with the divine.

3. Valerian Root: While primarily known for relaxation, valerian can deepen sleep and make dream recall sharper.

4. Calea Zacatechichi ("Dream Herb"): A favorite of the Chontal people of Mexico, this herb enhances dream clarity and provides profound visions.

5. Yarrow was commonly used to stop bleeding and for protection against negative spiritual influences.

Herbs for Ritual Work

1. Frankincense and Myrrh: These resins, burned during ceremonies, purify the space and raise spiritual vibrations.

2. Hyssop: Used for cleansing and protection, hyssop helps release spiritual blockages.

3. Rue: A powerful protector, rue wards off negative energies and enhances spiritual vision.

4. Bay leaves were often burned to amplify intuition and aid in receiving prophetic dreams

5. Juniper was burned to create a protective barrier during ceremonies.

6. Sage was burned to cleanse the energy field and purify spaces.

Ritual Offerings

Herbs were offered to the spirits of the land, ancestors, or deities as part of ceremonies.

1. Tobacco is a universal offering in many indigenous traditions, symbolizing respect and connection.

2. Cornmeal and herbal bundles were laid on altars or sprinkled in sacred spaces as acts of gratitude and reverence.

Dreaming as a Sacred Gift

I no longer bring flowers into my home, and I’ve significantly reduced how often I smoke. I’ve experimented with edibles but learned that keeping them in my system interferes with my dream work. Rarely do I smoke and sip tea at sunrise, meditating to receive a download. However, through conversations with other medicine women, I’ve heard mixed experiences: some have felt mounted by spirits during their cannabis journey, while others have received their most profound downloads.

Dreams have always been my portal to understanding the world beyond the veil. They’ve connected me to my ancestry, offered warnings and blessings, and illuminated paths I didn’t even know existed. Whether enhanced by cannabis, strengthened by ancestral ties, or honored as they come, dreams remain one of the most profound ways to connect with the divine. Let’s celebrate the power of dreams—not just as a vision for a better future but as a sacred gift that ties us to our past, our present, and the vast mysteries of the universe.

What are your dreams trying to tell you?

Saturn’s Square: Your Mid-30s Reality Check

When I was just coming up to my 26th birthday, I befriended someone already deep in their Saturn return. At that time, I wasn’t as well-versed in astrology as I am now. She projected so much fear onto my own approaching Saturn return because hers had been traumatic. I hated it. If you know me, and you haven't yet experienced your Saturn return, you know I don’t lean into fear when discussing it. Quite the opposite, actually—I remind people, especially those already doing the work, that they will navigate it well as long as they sharpen their discernment and recognize their lessons the first time. Take it from me! Don’t touch the hot stove three times!

This friend endured so many hardships that weren’t necessary. Then, I entered a relationship with someone who had a Scorpio stellium. When he turned 33 and I was 28, I noticed his experience mirrored my friend’s, who was also approaching her 33rd birthday. Both of them were being dragged through the mud—it was painful to witness. But they also kept putting their hands on the fire repeatedly, refusing to learn the lessons. I later realized it was no coincidence that I experienced them both at the same time. There was something significant about the magic of 33, and that’s when I became obsessed with researching why.

During the lockdown, I had ample time, and I chose to deepen my astrology studies. My entire Saturn return unfolded while I lived with my grandparents. If you’ve listened to my most recent podcast episodes about Brazil, you may remember my story about being evicted from my house and losing my job on the same day—it happened right at 27. None of it was my fault, so I flowed with the change rather than resisting it. Because of that patience, I was rewarded. It was a challenging time, but looking back, I realize it prepared me for what lay ahead—especially the pivotal transition at 33.

When I turned 31, I reflected on that time and on what I had witnessed with those two people. I wondered how my own 30s would unfold, especially during a period of unpredictable, rapid change. I learned about my own stellium and how others could serve as mirrors for self-discovery. Stelliums hold immense influence, depending on their placement. While my ex’s stellium was in Scorpio, mine was in Capricorn, concentrated in the outer planets. Outer planets move slowly—some take up to 20 years to transition signs and over a century to complete a full return.

WHAT IS A STELLIUM?

A stellium occurs when three or more planets are clustered in the same zodiac sign or house, creating a heightened focus on that area of life. This concentration of planetary energy amplifies the traits and themes associated with the sign. For example, a Capricorn stellium—especially one involving outer planets like Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn—manifests as a strong drive for discipline, ambition, and structure. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the planet of time, responsibility, and long-term growth, meaning individuals with this stellium often feel an inherent pressure to achieve, build legacy, and master patience. However, this placement can also create intense challenges, particularly around self-worth and the burden of societal expectations. Capricorn stellium natives may experience recurring lessons in resilience, boundaries, and redefining success on their own terms. The Saturn square in the mid-30s acts as a pivotal moment for those with a Capricorn stellium, testing their foundation and pushing them toward either transformation or stagnation.

SATURN SQUARE

A Saturn square is a major astrological transit that happens in your mid-30s—usually between ages 33 and 36—when Saturn forms a 90-degree angle (a square) to where it was when you were born. It’s often called a “mini Saturn return” because it echoes similar themes, but in many ways, it can hit even harder.

Think of it like this: your Saturn return (around 27-31) was the first big wake-up call, pushing you into real adulthood. You probably had to face hard truths about your career, relationships, and personal patterns. Then, you spend a couple of years adjusting, trying to build on what you learned. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out—boom, here comes the Saturn square. It’s like a test to see if you really learned your lessons or if you’re still making the same mistakes.

WHY DOES IT FEEL STRONGER THAN A SATURN'S RETURN?

Even though it’s called a “mini” Saturn return, the Saturn square can feel even more intense for a few reasons:

1. It’s Less Talked About – People hype up the Saturn return, but no one warns you about the Saturn square. It can catch you off guard because you’re not expecting another shake-up so soon. HA!

2. The Stakes Are Higher – By 33-36, you’re no longer in your "figuring it out" phase—you’re supposed to be building stability. If you’re still stuck in cycles of self-sabotage, toxic relationships, or a career that drains you, Saturn is not going to let you ignore it anymore. Some of us escape the lessons of our Saturn's Return, but Saturn's Square never forgets.

3. It Demands Action – Unlike your Saturn return, which is about realization and change, the Saturn square is about application. It asks: Did you actually grow, or are you just going in circles? If you didn’t fully handle your Saturn return lessons, this transit will force you to face them.

   
   

Many people are still integrating their Saturn return as they approach 30 or 31. While Saturn returns occur approximately every 30 years—first between 27 and 31, again around 60, and once more at 90—each return serves a unique purpose. The first Saturn return is a rite of passage, marking the transition into true adulthood. It’s a period of serious reflection, requiring us to reassess past choices, address childhood wounds, and solidify the direction of our careers and relationships.

After the Saturn return, there’s a crucial one-to-two-year period of adjustment. This is when people move, change jobs, enter or leave long-term relationships, and settle into their post-Saturn return reality. Then comes age 33—the next major milestone.

HOW TO OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES OF SATURN'S SQUARE

This transit isn’t about punishment—it’s about refining your foundation so you don’t keep repeating old patterns. Here’s how to navigate it with grace:

• Be honest with yourself. This is a time to recognize what’s not working and stop making excuses. If something feels like it's breaking down, it’s probably not meant to last.

• Let go of what no longer serves you. If a job, relationship, or belief system isn’t aligned with who you are now, Saturn will push you to release it—and the sooner you do, the smoother things will go.

• Seek wisdom from elders. The best advice often comes from people who have already been through this phase. They can offer perspective on what really matters. Though eldership is important during life in general. It's even more important if you are a healer or practitioner, I say this because this time can really trip you up if your aren't careful and aware. Like this article mentions- Saturn Square is ALL mental and it will challenge every emotion and thought.

• Tend to your soil. Instead of clinging to the past, focus on what you want to build moving forward. Think of this time as pulling weeds so new growth can flourish. I can't say this enough-BATHS, BATHS, BATHS! Be sure to keep the Ori clean so your mind is clear and fed with good food; books, affirmations, music, movement, meditation,etc.

• Trust the process. The lessons of your Saturn square are not here to break you—they’re here to level you up. It wasn't until I wrote this post that I'm always remind how patient I have to be. Patience doesn't mean I'm not participating and just not doing what I can to grow. But something my Saturn's Return taught me was how to lean into the movement and not go against the tides when they are high. Being patient unlocked abundance in ways had I been busy and all over the place; I'd probably missed them.

  
  

By the time you come out of this transit (usually around 36), you’ll feel like you’ve reclaimed your power in a way you never have before. This is when people make their greatest comebacks, start the most aligned careers, and enter the healthiest relationships of their lives. Chile, one more year and I'm in the clear, my heart goes out to all those in the swing with me!

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM OUR NODAL PLACEMENTS

I know, I know- after ALL that, the last thing you want to hear is about another planetary shift in the stars. But, it would be a crime for me NOT to mention this component. During this age, we also experience our second North Node returns; the first takes place during ages 18-19.

The Second North Node Return is a powerful checkpoint in your life’s journey, happening around ages 36-38 when the transiting North Node returns to the exact placement it was in at your birth. The North Node represents your soul’s purpose, the lessons you’re here to embrace, while the South Node is your comfort zone—the skills and patterns you’ve mastered in past lifetimes but must evolve beyond. Right now, the North Node is moving through Pisces (with the South Node in Virgo), calling for deep spiritual surrender, creative flow, and faith over logic. For those of us with strong Virgo or Pisces placements, this transit is pulling us toward balance—letting go of perfectionism (Virgo South Node) and embracing intuition, artistry, and trust (Pisces North Node). The Saturn square happening in this same period only amplifies this shift, forcing us to break outdated structures and realign with our soul’s mission. If you’ve been feeling the call to pivot careers, step into a leadership role, or fully embrace your gifts, your North Node Return is activating that path. This is a time when the universe sends clear signs—opportunities may appear that feel like destiny, but only if you’re open to receiving them. It’s an invitation, a gift, to fully step into the life you were meant to lead.

MY TRUTHS FROM MY 30'S

Now at 34, approaching 35, I can confidently say—yes, my hypothesis was correct. My 33rd year was beautiful—my "Jesus Year." In India, 33 is considered a sacred number, a significant life stage. I embraced that attitude throughout 33, and it truly blessed me. I try not to approach astrology with fear, but rather with gratitude for the lessons these ages bring.

Age 33 is a "10th house year." In astrology, the 10th house governs career, public image, and life direction. This year marks the peak of a 12-year cycle that began at 24. The technique of annual profections teaches that each year, our ascendant shifts into a new house, influencing different areas of life. The 10th house year at 33 brings career-defining moments, major public shifts, and a sense of culmination.

At 33, I enrolled in an entrepreneurship program in Chicago. I turned 33 in the middle of the program, and it was a powerful moment of clarity—I finally understood my mission here on Earth. Everything aligned divinely.

While 33 opened me up, 34 completely fleshed me out. It burned away the illusions I had mistaken for stability. I have a planetary AND house stellium, double WHAMMY! It forced me to confront the overwatered parts of my garden—areas where I had been pouring too much energy, turning the soil to mush, making it impossible to build a solid foundation. It made me focus on the neglected areas, the ones that weren’t growing, even though they were right before my eyes.

Now, on the verge of 35, I have simply shifted my perspective. I smell fresh soil. I see sunlight touching the parts of my garden I once ignored because I was too fixated on what wasn’t thriving. I had to stop victimizing myself—a pattern I had observed in others struggling through this age range. I took notes from those who remained stagnant, bitter, and engulfed in self-pity, and I studied the ones who used this period to rise stronger. 34 got dark fast, but elders and my ATR community played a crucial role in guiding me back. It took wise Black women pulling at my heartstrings to speak life into me.

One elder told me to let my seeds fall—to spread my arms wide and release control over where they land. She assured me I’d be surprised by what sprouts when I finally open my eyes. Some seeds are outdated, no longer meant to grow. That’s okay. 34 is the age to tend to the soil, to reassess what’s worth cultivating. I believe these years are even more crucial than a Saturn return. This is the stage where people either break or rise from the ashes. It’s when I’ve seen the greatest comeback stories unfold.

This is why I say—don’t be afraid of this phase. Embrace it. Learn from those who have gone through it before you. Recognize the patterns. Tend to your soil. Let go of outdated seeds. And most importantly, keep your eyes open to the blessings that come when you lean into growth rather than fear.

THE LAST WORD

Here’s the thing—you don’t have to go through it alone. Depending on your birth chart, this could also be your first major Pluto transit, bringing deep transformation, resurfaced trauma, or even a complete identity shift. If you’re feeling like everything is unraveling, you’re not imagining it—you’re in the thick of a rebirth. In my experience, this is when even the most independent people finally seek support. And that’s a good thing. Therapy, spiritual guidance, and community are essential during this time.

So ask yourself: Who are the people in your life who truly understand what you’re going through? Are you surrounding yourself with those who can hold space for your evolution, or are you clinging to relationships that keep you stuck? Building a solid community of like-minded souls—people who have also faced Saturn’s hard truths—can make all the difference.

Ya'll already know I love a good playlist as a soundtrack to life transitions so this is something I created not too long ago for myself moving through the waves. Hope it serves someone else out there. Take care fam.