Checking In
Well, hi there! If you are new to my site and found your way here, you probably have noticed that I haven’t posted in a while. I’ve been writing a Substack newsletter called Pen & Tarot, which has replaced this poor, lonely blog.
I invite you to join me there! It’s free to read, and if you subscribe (that’s free, too), you will automatically receive a notice every time I write.
You’ll find there posts about using the tarot as a fabulous writing and creative tool, any new happenings in my writing or tarot world, and my general musings, which tend to be of the magickal variety.
In my latest post, I talk about how I’ve started to add a list of magickal resources along the side of my page. For those of you who have followed along over the years, you’ve likely noticed that my continued Unexpected Journey has become one steeped in magickal rituals and occult philosophy.
What does that mean, Exactly?
Well, even if you identify as a witch, a Wiccan, a magic practitioner, a pagan, etc, my path will be different from yours, because each of our practices reflect who we are as individuals. I don’t believe in gatekeeping when it comes to people’s beliefs. But I also want nothing to do with someone whose beliefs don’t support the well-being of others, which, sadly, tends to be a lot of conventional religion these days.
I’m what I call a Magickal Maverick. I don’t follow any rules or call myself a certain type of witch. I like to learn about and dabble in whatever strikes my fancy or feels significant to me at the time. To me, being a ‘witch’ is thinking outside the box, growing personal power, and conducting rituals or ‘spells’ to put my intentions out there in the world.
Spells are intentions using implements to induce them. You can follow someone else’s recipe or create your own. Spells are very much like prayers, but in my case, they are not to any sort of divine being other than a collective spirit or energy. People who are afraid of this kind of thing put more into it than it is. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’d say that using candles, crystals, petitions, and so on helps me feel like I’m actually doing something. Each item symbolizes what I’m working on, or trying to put out into the world. A spell or ritual applies focus and action to the energy I’m putting out there. It’s a form of meditation with fun and fancy tools. Who wouldn’t love burning something in a teeny-tiny cauldron?!
Other Stuff
Meanwhile, my co-author, Angie, and I love to share our book, Little House Life Hacks, which was published in late 2023. We do this by posting on our Instagram, Threads, and Facebook pages and making appearances here and there.
Exploring the tarot for writing inspired me to develop a story that lived in my head, and I just finished a third draft of a dark fantasy novel! It’s my first foray into fiction, which is a whole new beast. This has been three years in the making, and I’m not done yet! But it’s finally finished from “Once Upon A Time” to “The End,” so that’s something!
I’m also working on something really fun and creative with a friend of mine. At this point I’m keeping it hush-hush, but I can’t wait to share!
I no longer work with Modern Prairie as I focus on these new endeavors. I’m also volunteering at The Loft Literary Center, where I’ve taught my “Creating Compelling Characters With the Tarot” class for the past few years, and with Authors Against Book Bans.
So! If you, as a lovely subscriber, were surprised by receiving a random blog post from your old friend Suz, HI!!! Thank you so much for being here! For those of you who’ve stumbled onto the path of my Unexpected Journey, welcome!! Subscribe here and to Pen & Tarot over on Substack so you can be part of my Fellowship! Let’s connect on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and Facebook! Let’s continue a magical journey together. XO
