Issue #32 The Magic Heron Newsletter – What creature teaches us about mystery and independence?

Welcome to the 32nd issue of The Magic Heron Newsletter, a fortnightly newsletter with a focus on journaling, writing, and learning nature’s wisdom through midlife. 

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Texas, May 8, 2022

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Hi there !

How are you doing this week? What have you been doing to enjoy spring? I’ve been working out in the yard, raking, watering, and cleaning the patio area. The temperatures are still fluctuating back and forth between the 80s and then down to the 50s. 

We’ve had lines of thunderstorms dropping baseball-size hail and 70+mph winds this week. Thankfully, we were on the edge of that storm and only got pea-sized hail. Then, of course, the next night was a frost advisory. I love our wild weather, but so glad we were spared the hail.

This week I’ve been drawn to watching the feral cats that live on our block. I’ve seen them laying on my front porch chair just watching the world go by. And then I’ll see one napping on top of the cab of my pickup before I go out to run errands. 

Other times I’ll look up from the computer at the window and I’ll see them scurry from my yard to the other side of the street. There is an orange Tabby one, a calico colored one, and a white mottled colored one. My neighbor has a Siamese cat that sits in her window in the afternoons and he’s gorgeous!

I’ve had a few cats throughout my life, but I’ve mostly been a dog person. Maybe it’s the midlife phase I’m entering, but I’m learning more and more that I’d rather have the “Cattitude” of not giving a **** about so much in life and focusing more on what I want to do for me from now on. 

More independence, less having to take care of so many other “beings”. Do you ever feel this way? I’ve taken care of so many other beings since I was a little kid (family, kids, toxic people, gardens, livestock, animals, more animals, and more animals) and I’m ready to explore just what I want to do in life now. 

And, I’ve been inspired by a lady who hosts our weekly Zoom calls on creating printables. She says she doesn’t do anything unless it’s fun. Work, free time, family time… she doesn’t do it unless it’s fun. She has a good attitude and a good perspective!

Stay tuned to future newsletters as I make new decisions for my life 🙂

So, this week’s Newsletter Spirit Animal is Cat.

This week’s Newsletter Spirit Animal

Cat Symbolism and Meanings:

Cats are loved and hated around the world in all cultures and have about as many myths based on good vs evil.

They have been worshipped and villainized and have influenced our imaginations through legends, lore, and stories. 

Mysterious, silent, and stoic, cats have been represented as guardians of the Otherworld/Underworld. They keep the secrets of the Otherworld and gaze upon the world with guile, knowing it doesn’t see or understand the depth of their knowledge. 

Black cats, witchcraft, unpredictability, superstitions, and all the symbolism that goes with them have also been a part of human (mis)understandings of cat behavior and nature. In old European lore, once an understanding of something, whether true or not, was accepted, people adopted the meaning and superstitions went viral. 

Other cultures worshipped the cat, where it was considered a guardian of the home and a symbol of domestic goodness. In Egypt, cats were held sacred. 

Cat Symbolism:

• Astute
• Clever
• Selective
• Secretive
• Mysterious
• Intuitive 
• Intelligent
• Independent
• Supernatural
• Watchfulness

Cats are cunning, clever, and resourceful. They can teach us about change, flexibility, and adaptability. If cat has made an unexpected appearance in your life, it might be a message to shake up your habitual routines and make a new change in your life. Be more flexible in your thinking.

Cats can also be aloof, teaching us to step away and distance ourselves from people or situations. Sometimes the best solution for a problem is to step away from it. Cats already know this!

Cats are mysterious and display strange behavior and antics. This symbolism of magic and psychic power is an asset we can harness, teaching us a lesson about the value of our uniqueness. Sometimes the ones in life that reap the broadest benefits in life are ones that are bold, unpredictable, with a little crazy mixed in.

Cat teaches us to go within and trust our own hearts, minds, and souls to find our own truth.

–

Recently Published . . .

New in the Etsy Shop!

1. SPIRIT ANIMAL CAT, Animal Guide Totem Meanings, Spirit Companion, Spirit Companionship, Printable Journal Prompts and Cards

2. Cat and Mouse Toy Print Printable Stationery, Pattern Background, Letter Writing Paper, Lined, Unlined, Planner Inserts, Notepaper for Women

–

Recently Published . . .

New Books!

1. Notebook: Blue Green and Lavender Vintage Floral Design | 8.5 x 11 | college lined pages | 120 pages 

2. I’m Creating Magic, It’s What I Do: A Writer’s Notebook | college lined pages | 120 pages

Virtual Book Fair!

The Herbal Academy is having a sale of up to 50% off on textbooks, companion workbooks, herbal recipe guides, and forager’s pocket guides. 

Virtual Book Fair

Interesting links . . .

Here are some interesting links I came across on my ventures through Internet Land this week that I thought you might enjoy

1. Build a Habitat Tripod for small birds

2. DIY Rain Chain Using Spoons

3. HOW TO MAKE A FLORAL VINEGAR INFUSION + SPRING SALAD RECIPE

4. MAKE YOUR OWN HERBAL FACIAL CARE KIT FOR MOTHER’S DAY

5. 5 Foot Care Recipes for Sandal-Ready Feet

***I use Mountain Rose Herbs for ordering all the herbs I use. Every order I’ve received has always been fresh and gorgeous. Click here to order the herbs you need for your teas, infusions, spices, and other ingredients for your kitchen:

Mountain Rose Herbs

Journaling Inspiration . . .

1. Three techniques to better understand yourself and others.

Journaling: Three Techniques to Better Understand Yourself and Others

2. Can Writing Improve Your Memory?

3.  Personal Story – Journal Writing Helped Me Claim My Desire to Move to an Island

3. How to Use Journaling to Find Your Truth – Guest Post by María José Bianchi

4. Journaling Prompt: A Letter to Your Younger Self

Random Nature Fact . . .

The female lion does 90% of the hunting.

Nature Journal Video . . .

1. This video talks about the often overlooked reasons why studying nature in the city is one of the best ways to improve your skills as a naturalist, tracker, or bird language practitioner.

If you’ve ever found yourself complaining about the lack of wilderness in the city – try out the urban nature strategies shared here!

Topics covered:

* How to find your local oasis of nature even in the middle of a city

* What to focus on in the city if you want to learn bird language

* The advantageous reason why dense human populations can greatly accelerate your learning

How To Learn About Nature In The City? Urban Naturalist & Tracking Tips

Nature Journal Prompt . . .

Use the picture above to practice drawing in your nature journal and noticing details about this animal.

Cat facts: 

Lifespan: 12-18 years

Scientific name: Felis catus

Weight: 8-10 lbs

Speed: 30 mph

Habitat: found on every continent except Antarctica. Found in human populated areas, on large islands, current or past human settlements. Urban, suburban, agricultural

What it eats: carnivorous—rodents, birds, fish, some insects

What eats (or preys on) it: coyotes, foxes, mountain lions, alligators, crocodiles, large snakes, other canids

Did you know? 

The oldest cat on record lived 38 years! His name was Crème Puff.

The biggest domesticated cat is the Maine Coon and can weigh up to 25 lbs.

What I’m watching . . .

1. We took a break from watching Castle reruns and spent an evening watching The Emperor’s Groove this week. This was one of our favorites when the kids were little.

The Emperor’s New Groove (2000) Official Trailer #1 – John Goodman Movie HD

What I’m listening to . . .

1. Birding by Ear For All

What I’m reading . . .

1. I’m rereading Everybody Writes by Ann Handley. I love her writing style and humor.

Quotes I’m pondering . . .

“The cat is such a perfect symbol of beauty and superiority that it seems scarcely possible for any true aesthete and civilized cynic to do other than worship it.”

– H.P. Lovecraft

and

“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.” 

— Einstein

Questions I’m considering journaling on . . . 

It’s now May and the last month of Spring. What are some things I want to do on the Spring Bucket List of Ideas that I can still do before Summer arrives?

Journal Prompt . . . 

Pick one (or all) to journal about:

1. Write about your bucket list for May. What do you plan on doing?

2. If you were a bee, what would you see? Where would you go?

3. Where is your favorite place? Ocean? Mountains? Pretend you are there right now. Journal how this makes you feel.

Happy Journaling!

. . . Shanna

P.S. Is there something you like or would rather see in the newsletter? Hit reply and let me know!

I’ll be back on May 22nd!

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Links

Shanna Lea Author website
Books on Amazon
Magic Heron Creations Notebooks on Amazon
Magic Heron Creations Etsy Shop

. . . Shanna Lea Author

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