Issue #36 The Magic Heron Newsletter – What creature teaches us how to do shadow work?

Welcome to the 36th 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, July 3, 2022

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Hi there !

Well, July is here and we are halfway through the year! It has flown by for me. Monday is Independence Day. My daughter and I will watch both of the Independence Day movies. We love a good alien movie!

We have a couple of tomatoes and bell peppers growing in our container garden. It has been so hot and dry that I doubt they will produce much this year. It’s my first time growing in containers. My daughter has enjoyed tending to them anyway and it’s nice to have a little something growing reminding me of the days when I had big gardens.

While we were out one evening we saw a hummingbird. It was grayish brown, so I’m not sure which kind it was, but probably a female. It flitted from one honeysuckle bloom to another and then was gone. My son also had a grayish brown hummingbird that is using his feeder regularly. Mourning Doves and 3-4 sparrows have also been raiding my bird feeder this week. 

My best friend said that a moth showed up for her this week. And then one showed up for me right after! And then another today! They were all different kinds of moths. My friend and I are each going through a transformation cycle and I find it interesting that moth showed up for both of us at the same time. 

So this week’s newsletter Spirit Animal is the Moth. 

This week’s Newsletter Spirit Animal

Moth Symbolism and Meanings:

Moths are known to be attracted to bright light at night and often are attracted to porch and street lights, but also light that is harmful, like a candle flame or a campfire. They do have an internal guidance system that draws them to moonlight, but they get fooled by other lights in our environment. 

Moth can teach us to listen to our own internal guidance system which is our intuition. If we stray from it and are attracted to the brighter shiny lights, it could be to our demise. The light we are searching for is inside of us, not outside. We need to turn inward to our own inner light, and our intuition that will guide us on our journey. 

Moth’s message is don’t be distracted by things that take you away from your own inner light. Those “artificial lights” will pull you away from your true light. 

Being nocturnal, Moth can represent the darker side of change or transformation, such as a loss or an ending relationship. But life is a cycle, and although there is loss, there is rebirth and the opportunities that fill the void. The past falls away as new doors open and just as the caterpillar goes through a tremendous change, it emerges from the cocoon transformed. 

Moth Symbolism and Meanings:

• Shadow work
• Intuition
• The Divine feminine
• Moon energy
• Yin energy
• Psychic abilities
• Transformation
• Inner knowledge
• Discovery of higher self
• Moving past false beliefs
• Independence
• Meditation and introspection

Moth teaches to turn inward for the answers you are looking for. When you are struggling with something, the first person to look for answers is yourself. If there is fear or trauma within, and the light is hidden in its shadows, it is time to face the darker side of yourself and move past the limiting beliefs that hold you back. We all have darkness and shadows we journey through as we search for our inner light that will guide us. 

The physical changes a moth goes through from caterpillar to a beautiful colored winged insect parallels our own metamorphosis as we work with our dark shadows and life changes, and emerge into the light with our own wings of transformation. 

Watch this video to see the full life cycle of a beautiful Chinese Luna Moth. As you watch the changes this moth goes through, think of your own life struggles and changes. The concept of your own transformation becomes more clear as you watch this beautiful caterpillar transform into a new being. Same as you as you grow through life!

Watch This Caterpillar Turn Into A Chinese Luna Moth | The Dodo

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Recently Published . . .

New in the Etsy Shop!

1. Homestead Printable, Reading Checklist, Homestead Planner, Books to Read, Bookmarks, Homestead Gifts, Farmhouse, Cottagecore, Book Tracker

2. Mason Jar Recipe Card, Mason Jar Tag, Print and cut, Printable, Canning Gifts, Farmhouse Jar, Canning Jars Vintage, Farmhouse Kitchen, PNG

–

Recently Published . . .

New Books!

1.  Turning Coffee Into Stories: A Writer’s Notebook | college lined pages | 120 pages

2. Making HISTORICAL Things Happen: A Writer’s Notebook | college lined pages | 120 pages

Blog Posts . . .

1. Journal Entry #16—International Nature Journaling Week 2022 and Rosaceae Plant Family Study

2. Daily Top 3 Priorities To-Do List Notebook – Prioritize Your To-Do List

Nature Walk Video . . . 

Nature Walk Video – Turn this on in the background while you work, or get on your treadmill and walk along with the video and enjoy some nature time!

Nature Walk Video – 4K Nature Walk – 4.5 HRS Forest/River Fabulous Views with Calm Music and Birds Chirping

Spend a sunny day close to nature! Walk along the bank of the river, take a winding trail to a sun-lit forest and take a break near the river. Sit on a bank of the river and enjoy fabulous views!

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. How to Make Herbal Salt Blends + 4 Recipes

2. Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap with Soap Nuts

3. Should You Use Coffee Grounds in the Garden?

***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. HOW TO WRITE YOUR PERSONAL MYTH INTO YOUR MEMOIR Part 1

2.  6 Tips for Writing a Life-Changing Memoir

3. Can Writing Improve Your Memory

Random Nature Fact . . .

Iceland is the only country without mosquitoes.

Nature Journal Video . . . 

1. The Original Mindfulness Exercise: Peripheral Vision And Sensory Memory

If you want to be more present in daily life, here are two simple exercises that will instantly ground your sensory awareness into the moment.

Nature Journal Prompt . . .

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

Moth facts: 

Lifespan: 1-6 months, depending on species

Scientific name: Lepidoptera

Wingspan: .16” to nearly 12” (4mm – 30 cm)

Speed: 50 kph (Sphinx Hawk moth)

Habitat: anywhere there are plants

What it eats: Caterpillars eat tree sap, flower nectar, rotting fruit juice, etc. As adults, most moths do not eat at all

What eats (or preys on) it: birds, insects, spiders, frogs, toads, lizards, small mammals like hedgehogs

Did you know? 

Fun Fact: Hawk moths have the longest tongues of any moth or butterfly, up to 14 inches long!

This page has tons of really interesting facts about moths.

Scientists have several theories to explain “like a moth to a flame”. Check out this article on what those theories are and why this is one of life’s biggest little mysteries!

Why Are Moths Drawn to Artificial Lights?

Nature Tip:

Have you had a moth visit? Curious to see what kind it is? Check out this website by State / Province, click on the Butterflies and Moths tab and see if he’s listed!

What I’m watching . . .

1. Independence Day – Official® Trailer 1 [HD]

2. And the sequel:

Independence Day: Resurgence | Official Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX

What I’m reading . . .

1. I’m spending more time nature journaling, and rereading one of my favorite books on nature journaling:

Keeping a Nature Journal, 3rd Edition: Deepen Your Connection with the Natural World All Around You by Clare Walker Leslie

Quotes I’m pondering . . .

“Your days are numbered. Use them to throw open the windows of your soul to the sun. If you do not, the sun will soon set, and you with it.”

 – – Marcus Aurelius

and

“Your purpose in life is to find your purpose and give your whole heart and soul to it.”  

– – Buddha

Questions I’m considering journaling on . . .

We are halfway through the turn of the wheel, am I happy with what I’ve accomplished? Am I where I had planned to be with my work? How many of my goals have I achieved since the beginning of the year?

Journal Prompt . . . 

1. What good things happened this month and what were your favorite moments?

2. If you are in the United States, what are your plans for Independence Day?

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 July 17th!

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Links

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. . . Shanna Lea Author

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