Hello world!

As a techie-turned-mystic, I can’t help starting my first blog post with “hello world”. For the uninitiated, this is always the name of the first application you write when learning a new programming language. It’s also the default name of the first demo post in a brand new WordPress website. And this site is built in WordPress, so here we are.

With that, I want to introduce myself to you. My name is Mara and I am something of an accidental mystic.

Years ago, the floor of my Christian worldview — and my entire church community support system — dropped out from under me when I decided to leave my psychologically abusive husband after eighteen long years. I suddenly found myself a single mom of four tweens and teens, navigating spirituality alone in what felt like the vastness of the cosmos. I have been deconstructing my long-held beliefs ever since then.

This exploration led me through many twists and turns, and eventually to the discovery of astrology — specifically modern, evolutionary astrology. I found astrology to be amazingly accurate in identifying patterns of human behavior. It helped me understand myself and others better. As I studied my own chart, I found explanations for why I had struggled with certain patterns, and why some habits were so ingrained in me. I also realized that there were a lot of hidden gems — personal potentials that I hadn’t tapped into. I have studied astrology deeply for three years now, and I love sharing my discoveries with anyone who is curious.

My astrology studies led almost inevitably to tarot. There are many parallels between the two, with the most obvious being the Sun, Moon, and Star cards in the Major Arcana. But beyond that, a whole system exists matching tarot cards to planets and astrological signs based on the archetypes they represent. Tarot readers often incorporate astrology into their readings and vice versa. Tarot readings can provide extra guidance and context when you’re trying to gain perspective on the circumstances of your life and how they might play out.

My overall approach to both astrology and tarot is grounded, curious, and evidence-based. At the same time, as I’ve studied these and other tools for understanding the universe and my own place in it, one of the best outcomes has been a sense of enchantment. Everything in my life seems better in some way now. Hard times aren’t as hard. Good times feel more magical. I have not only healed my inner child, but given her room to come out and play. Magic, wonder, and enchantment are no longer relegated to the realm of childhood or fiction. They are a real and genuine part of my life. And as a result, I’ve felt a desire to share that magic with others. I am excited that you’re here reading this. I imagine you might be looking for re-enchantment, too, and I invite you to join me on the journey.