April 2025 - Authenticity

Welcome to the Dare to Blossom Newsletter

SilverFest 2 event Saturday 5th April in Tavistock, Devon
Reflections: Authenticity
The next six-week Compass Rose programme
Saturday Dare to Blossom monthly circle 12th April
Launch of 'Your Compass Rose Speaks' audiobook

SilverFest 2 event Saturday 5th April in Tavistock, Devon

If you are close enough to travel to Tavistock on 5th and/or 6th April, the Silver Tent are hosting the second gathering there over two days this time. There will be talks and plenty of time to meet others as well as to explore the beautiful ancient market town.

I will only be there on Saturday 5th April, I am speaking that morning and I will have a table showing my books, cards and artwork. Here is the link to the event on Facebook if you would like to join us. Or simply contact me and I can put you in touch with the person taking bookings.

  
Here is my display from the first event, in October 2023



And here is a shot of me speaking at that event, with Francesca Cassini, the founder of the Silver Tent.

Reflections: Authenticity

For me, today, my first response is to see 'author'. I believe we are all the authors of our own lives. In the sense that I may not be able to change the things that happen to me (although sometimes I can ) but I can choose how I respond. This is often a challenge, sometimes by best response is simply 'this too will pass'.



If you would like to join me in reflection, ask yourself the questions here, and write in your journal. Or, if you prefer, read on and come back later.

• What is your first response?
• To the word? To the colour?
• What else is there?
• And, what else?
• What is your response to the words together? How do all the colours connect? 

What else is there?
'Authentic' and 'Authenticity' can be over-used words, and that may lead to their impact being reduced. And, when I think I am being my authentic self, I am seeing that through my layers of experience and the pre-judgements (prejudices) that I hold about myself as well as others. All I can do is the best I can in this moment, and the next, knowing that we are all perfectly imperfect human beings.

Now I notice how the card is almost 'pointing' at my two words of the year, Ease and Rest, and I smile. Those are exactly what I need most right now. My body has been speaking up loud and clear - and authentically, as our bodies tend to do - telling me to slow down, even to stop for a while. As I have begun to take notice and do just that, I realise how deeply exhausted I have become, without really noticing. Spending too much time caring for others around me, and tending to my business and my writing.

So, I have taken a decision to step back, take a break, spend more time out on the cliffs and in my garden - and Mother Nature is responding by providing a forecast of sunny weather next week. Let's hope that is so!

And, what else?
The 'what else?' for me today is the colour - now I see a beautiful flower blossoming like this glorious magnolia. Nature cannot fail to be her authentic self. Maybe I can allow the beauty of my own true essence to shine through? Maybe you can too?


 

The next six-week Compass Rose programme
The timing for the programme I had planned 'Step Gently into Your Power' has turned out not to be right just now, so I am postponing. At the same time, I feel a different theme is also emerging. I do not yet have a final title clear in my mind, although variations of 'Find your inner anchor' and 'Readying your anchor within' have been in my mind.

I will update the website very soon with all the new information, at present the proposed start date is Monday 28th April - so not too long to wait. And before then there will be taster circles on Tuesdays 8th and 15th April at 2.30 pm, and Wednesdays 9th and 16th at 11.00 am

Whatever the themes we will be exploring, as always we will be using the Dare to Blossom Cards, drawing on all four decks now available, and the Magic Carpet Ride guided visualisations. Plus the support of a small group where we are safe to share together. The fee will remain the same at £175, even though we are entering into a new financial year when I will be reviewing the pricing of my offerings. As always, if you have attended previous paid programmes you are eligible for a discount.

Saturday Dare to Blossom monthly circle 12th April

Our regular Saturday Zoom gathering is a week later than usual as on 5th April I will be at the SilverFest event in Tavistock, as already mentioned, giving a talk and displaying my wares.

So next time we meet is Saturday 12th April at 11.00 am UK time. Here is the Zoom link to click at the time if you would like to join us. Please also let me know by replying to this email if you will be coming along. There is no fee to attend, simply the invitation to offer a donation if your circumstances allow, and if not, that is fine too.

The 'Your Compass Rose Speaks' audiobook

The audiobook will be available via Amazon/Audible any day now. Despite being scheduled to be 'live' at midday EST on Thursday, this is yet to happen but it may well be there by the time you read this.

We decided to go ahead with the Facebook launch event that day, and if you are happy visiting Facebook you can view some of the beautiful posts that my publisher Alice prepared, including Q&A videos with me answering questions submitted by readers of the print and ebook versions, here on the event page (make sure that you are viewing the 'Discussion' tab).

There is a special offer at the top of the event page to order the audiobook direct from the Golden Dragonfly Press, and a  package with the ebook too, which are only available until the audiobook is live on Amazon, so please do act quickly if you would like to buy that way and support a small independant publisher.



Once I know the audiobook is available on Amazon, I am planning a Zoom celebration event on a Monday evening during April.

I send wishes for health and happiness for you and all you love.

Thank you for joining me here this month, any thoughts, feedback, or questions are always welcome.

 

Mary 

March 2025 - Beauty

 Launch of 'Your Compass Rose Speaks' audiobook

Saturday Dare to Blossom monthly circle 1st March
Reflections: Beauty
March half-price coaching offer
Substack space: 'Dare to Blossom with Mary Lunnen'
New Wisdom of Wild Cornwall deck emerging
'Step gently into your power' six-week Compass Rose programme

Launch of 'Your Compass Rose Speaks' audiobook

The audiobook will be available on Audible from 28th February, the date has been chosen as it is the second anniversary of the publication of the print version. If a link is available before I send this newsletter out to you, I will include it here. Huge gratitude to everyone who has encouraged and supported me during this process, and to my wonderful publisher Alice from The Golden Dragonfly Press.



We are planning a 'launch party' on Facebook on that day, 28th February, look out for that if we are connected there.

Saturday Dare to Blossom monthly circle

Our regular Saturday Zoom gathering is coming up on 1st March at 11.00 am UK time. Here is the Zoom link to click at the time if you would like to join us. Please also let me know by replying to this email if you will be coming along. There is no fee to attend, simply the invitation to offer a donation if your circumstances allow, and if not, that is fine too.


Reflections: Beauty

My first response is to take a deep breath, in.... and out.... Oh Beauty, seeming to link to Ease and Rest in the centre, and to continue the soft shades of purple and blue of all the cards so far.



If you would like to join me in reflection, ask yourself the questions here, and write in your journal. Or, if you prefer, read on and come back later.

• What is your first response?
• To the word? To the colour?
• What else is there?
• And, what else?
• What is your response to the words together? How do all the colours connect? 

What else is there?
I am so grateful to live in such a beautiful part of the world, with countryside all around me, and just a short drive away from the cliffs and beaches of north Cornwall.

And, what else?
The 'what else?' for me today is a reminder that even when I am not able to get out, there is beauty all around me. Partly in the lovely things I choose to collect and decorate my home with. And also in the most ordinary of items. For example, I look at the pen on my desk here with my notebook, there is a beauty in the simple functionality of the design.

I also remember the times when I have been in a city surrounded by buildings, concrete, tarmac, traffic - even there, there is beauty to be found in the manufactured things, and nature is always present too. I may look up to the sky above - whether it is blue, or covered in clouds it is part of the dynamic atmosphere. If I look down at my feet I may see a tiny plant somehow growing through a gap in the flagstones of the pavement or in the gutter. There may be birds flying past or pecking around by a bench where someone recently ate a lunchtime sandwich.

I do not travel so much at the moment, but in the days when I used to visit London regularly, I would notice how so many people never look up or around, to see these things. Instead, they are rushing to get somewhere, probably looking down at their phone in their hand as they go.  When I was there it was unusual for me, and I was more inclined to look around, so I remind myself to do that in the familiar places here where I may also forget to enjoy and appreciate what is present as I go about everyday errands.
 

March half-price coaching offer

Have you ever worked with a life coach? My business is called that, 'life coaching', yet the people who have come to me over the years have come with such diverse needs - business, career, creative projects, family issues - and most of them have the underlying common theme of balance. Of 'time for me'. Of self-care.

Ahead of a long overdue price increase for my services I am offering a special price up to the end of March. Pop over to the Dare to Blossom website and click on Rediscovery Coaching to see the offer.

The first step is to book a free Zoom chat to find out if what I am offering is right for you just now. I have capacity for just six people one to one so if this is calling to you, why not find out more - I promise no pressure.

In the words of a past client:

"Talk to Mary, you will be glad you did!"

Step in, step through, this could be the doorway to the change you are longing for.....


 

My Substack space: 'Dare to Blossom with Mary Lunnen'

As I mentioned last month I decided against moving this newsletter to Substack straight away, but I did take the opportunity to 'just do it' rather than dithering over how to approach developing a Substack presence So I have begun using it as a place to share a 'messy first draft' of a potential Companion Guide to the Wisdom of Wild Cornwall Cards.

It felt, and still feels, a little scary to put these pieces out there just in their 'raw' state, but they have attracted a few subscribers - some who are old friends, others completely new to my work.

Currently it is all free, I may add extras for paid subscribers at some point, and I have included the option of a one-off donation for anyone who would like to support what I do, or to buy their own set of the cards. I would love it if you feel like taking a moment to visit there - and if you choose to subscribe (for free) that would be wonderful. Here is the link.

Oh, and I am finding an element of memoir is creeping in, with a sub-title emerging: Connections and Memories. Also, just a couple of days ago, the idea to write a piece for each card in the 'voice' of that aspect of Wild Cornwall. I had thought I would leave that until I was ready to start a second draft (probably still 'messy'!), but when I mentioned it yesterday someone took the time to comment to ask me to write about that card, Rain. So that is a challenge for me to begin.

New Wisdom of Wild Cornwall deck emerging

While I have been enjoying writing on Substack, the idea popped up of creating the Wisdom of Wild Cornwall No 2 deck sooner rather than later - so then I can write a companion guide covering all 100 cards. I have nearly finalised the words, and soon I will choose the colours and order a proof set.

In the meantime of course, if you would like to purchase any of the currently available four decks, either reply to this email, or pop over to the website here. And don't forget that if you want more than one set to contact me before ordering as then I can work out a combined postage price for you.




'Step gently into your power' six-week Compass Rose programme 

Thank you to those who have already asked about the next programme. While the current flow around the Compass Rose has just reached the halfway point, I am already looking ahead to 'what next?'

The theme has already appeared for me through reflections and conversations. As you know, 'Power' has been the starting point for much of my work over recent years. The longing for a way to bring the power of community and collaboration to the fore in the world, the gentle, more feminine aspect of power that supports others. So many of us reject the harsh destructive power we see out in the world, it is not surprising we do not wish our own inner power to be associated with that, yet how can we step into our own power in an authentic way?



These are the themes we will be exploring, using the tried and tested techniques of the Dare to Blossom Cards, the Magic Carpet Ride guided visualisations and the support of a small group where we are safe to share together.

You are the first to hear about this as I have yet to add this programme to the website, although it will soon be there. I am planning Zoom taster sessions at 11.00 am UK on Wednesdays 19th March and 2nd April, with the six week programme beginning on Monday 7th April (Zoom gatherings at 11.00 am on Wednesdays). The full fee is £175 for the six weeks, with discounts for people who have participated previously.  As always, simply contact me if you would like to know more.

I send wishes for health and happiness for you and all you love in 2025 and beyond.

Thank you for joining me here this month, any thoughts, feedback, or questions are always welcome.

 

Mary

February 2025 - Presence

Reflections: Presence

'Be You and Shine' -  the first Compass Rose Programme of 2025
Other ways to connect: two monthly Circles, and one to one
My Substack space: 'Dare to Blossom with Mary Lunnen'

Reflections: Presence

Last month I mentioned that I noticed that the card for January, Harmony, was facing 'backwards', as if looking back into the past... I decided not to change it then. And now, seeing the spread for 2025 with the next card turned over, that makes sense.

January takes its name from Janus, the Roman god who looked both ways. The god of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, choices, duality, doorways, passages, and endings (Wikipedia). And now Presence reminds me to be, simply be here,now, in this moment. In Ease and Rest, with Harmony. The deep blue feels calm and peaceful today.



If you would like to join me in reflection, ask yourself the questions here, and write in your journal. Or, if you prefer, read on and come back later.

• What is your first response? To each word? To the colours?
• What else is there?
• And, what else?
• What is your response to the three words together: Ease, Rest, Harmony? How do all the colours connect together? 
• Maybe you would like to join me in January reflections on looking back and looking forward?

What else is there?
I am sometimes tempted to wish I was elsewhere when events in my life don't turn out just how I would like. Nothing dramatic most of the time, simply feeling resentful at spending time doing housework perhaps. And yet can I choose to be present in myself, with myself, in whatever I am doing?

And, what else?
The 'what else?' for me today is to return to Ease and Rest, to be present with those core needs of my own, at the same time as devoting myself to those of others.
 

'Be You and Shine' -  the first Compass Rose Programme of 2025

If you had a moment to read the 'extra bulletin' in January,  you will have already seen that I had a rethink and decided on a new theme to start 2025.


 

The inspiration for this new theme arose, in a roundabout way from a walk I took around Christmas on a very rare dry day. Walking back along the track leading from the cliffs, I noticed something I must have passed by in the other direction earlier.

Two small white feathers stuck in the mud in an unusual arrangement, almost looking like wings. I took some photos and shared them on my Facebook feed with the comment "I met an angel on my walk today....'' and received a heartwarming response. Then I used this thought as the starting point for our jointly created story one week in Resa Ferreira's Story Circle - and that led me to those words: Be You and Shine. (Resa is a talented and experienced story-teller and has a podcast: Being Storied, click the link to listen.)

When I shared the new title with a few of the regular participants in the Compass Rose programmes, their response was very positive, along the lines of 'ooh, yes please!'

And so here we are, and we will begin with the opening of the private Facebook group on 1st or 2nd February, with the first weekly prompts shared on Sunday 2nd, and the daily flow beginning on Monday 3rd.

The fee is £175 for the six weeks,  with a discount for previous attendees.  As well as the weekly Zoom gatherings (with a recording in case you miss one or would like to listen again to the conversations and insights), you will be invited to a private Facebook group where I share weekly and daily prompts. (If you prefer not to take part on FB, I can send these by email to you). All the details are here, along with a PayPal payment link. If you are in the UK and able to pay by bank transfer, that helps me, so just ask for the details.

When any six week programme ends you continue to have access to all the materials in the group to review whenever you wish. You will also be eligible to join the Stay Connected Group where we share a monthly Zoom catch-up call and you will be offered a discount on all future programmes.

You can pay in two instalments if you wish. Contact me to arrange this or to arrange a one to one Zoom chat so you can consider if this may be for you. I occasionally offer a concessionary rate place so if you are drawn to this programme, but money is an issue please do ask for a conversation about this.
 

Other ways to connect: monthly Circles, and one to one

The next monthly circle is on Saturday 1st February at 11.00 am. Contact me to receive the Zoom link if you would like to join us for a peaceful hour together. The March event will be on 1st at the same time and I will share the rest of the dates for 2025 soon on the website page, and decide whether to restart the Monday evening gatherings when the light returns.

And, you are always very welcome to contact me to arrange a one to one chat on Zoom to discuss working with me as your coach or to find out more about any of my events or programmes.

My Substack space: 'Dare to Blossom with Mary Lunnen'

After deliberating last month I decided against moving this newsletter to Substack straight away, but I did take the opportunity to 'just do it' rather than dithering over how to approach developing a Substack presence So I have begun using it as a place to share a 'messy first draft' of a potential Companion Guide to the Wisdom of Wild Cornwall Cards.
It felt, and still feels, a little scary to put these pieces out there just in their 'raw' state, but they have attracted a few subscribers - some who are old friends, others completely new to my work.

Currently it is all free, I may add extras for paid subscribers at some point, and I have included the option of a one-off donation for anyone who would like to support what I do. I would love it if you feel like taking a moment to visit there - and if you choose to subscribe (for free) that would be wonderful. Here is the link.

Oh, and I am finding an element of memoir is creeping in, with a sub-title emerging: Connections and Memories.

I send wishes for health and happiness for you and all you love in 2025 and beyond

Thank you for joining me here this month, any thoughts, feedback, or questions are always welcome.

 

Mary

Changes for 2025

Hello dear friends,

Normally I share my regular newsletter here that also goes out to subscribers via MailChimp - but this year I simply forgot to do that, and in the time since then so much has changed that most of it is already out of date!

All good things too: in a whirl of creativity, I published my first post on Substack (see here if you are interested, and please do subscribe). For now, I will continue with the newsletter, but I may decide to transfer it all to Substack in the future. 

 

I also changed around my plans for the first two months of the year. The Wisdom of Wild Cornwall exploration will now be offered as two standalone workshops in January. (see here for details), and the first Compass Rose programme is "Be You and Shine", beginning in the first full week of February, with taster events before then. Again, full details are on the Workshops and Events page here.

Thank you for reading here over the years, I am so grateful for yuor presence.

December 2024 - Listen

 

Reflections: Listen

Wisdom of Wild Cornwall cards - perfect gifts
"Weaving Our Way Beyond Patriarchy" now available
'Wisdom of Wild Cornwall' - the first Compass Rose Programme of 2025
Other ways to connect: two monthly Circles, and one to one


Reflections: Listen

As I come to the end of the circle of cards for 2024, I find Listen. For me, that feels perfect...  a time to pause, to reflect, to listen. Another blue card in this year of so many in various shades of this colour.




If you would like to join me in reflection, ask yourself the questions here, and write in your journal. Or, if you prefer, read on and come back later.

• What is your first response? To the word? To the colour?
• What else is there?
• And, what else?
• What does Listen add to the other cards so far? How do all the colours connect together? 

What else is there?

Almost at the end of another year, and the second time I have used this form of monthly prompts, my next response is to wonder if you have enjoyed this,  for the second year? Please do let me know if you would like to see this again for 2025, that would really help me in deciding how to plan the newsletters for the next twelve months. Thank you in advance. I will listen to your thoughts - and I can only do that if you tell me your views! Simply reply to this email.

And, what else?

Maybe for me, the 'what else' is simply the word - Listen, and in order to so so that I need to be still, to rest, simply to be. Then, then maybe I will hear the whispers of my inner wisdom, and the guidance that suggests 'what next?'

What does Listen add to all the other cards this year? How do all the colours connect together?  

As I noted above, the colour is continuing the shades of blues and greens that have predominated all around this year, apart from those three bright colours. Having asked the question about whether to repeat this again for 2025, I am tempted to draw a spread, even if only for my eyes, simply to find out what colours will emerge and how different they may be to those for this year.

Wisdom of Wild Cornwall cards - perfect gifts

The launch events for these new cards have given me a chance to explore, with the help of those present, how these cards are very different to all my other three decks (although I hasten to add - lest they 'feel' offended - that those are still central to everything I do, and each has their own individual and unique qualities).

The feedback has led to me offering a six week deep dive programme in January using these cards to explore as we take a turn around the Compass Rose. (See more below, there is one taster circle on Zoom before Christmas, and two in January)

All or any of the decks make perfect gifts - they will continue to bring joy and insights in all the different ways people find to enjoy and use them for themselves and with their families, friends and clients, all through the year.



They are each priced at £16 plus shipping to where you are - if you are ordering more than one, or combining with a order for books or artwork, please do check with me so I can calculate the most cost-effective postage for you.

Seasonal special offer: buy all four decks for the price of three (plus shipping) - the perfect opportunity to add to your 'library' of Dare to Blossom Cards. Contact me to order.


"Weaving Our Way Beyond Patriarchy" now available

The launch event was held on the evening of 21st November. I was honoured to be invited to read one of my pieces alongside a number of the other contributors. You can watch the recording here on YouTube.

If you would like to know more visit this link  (I am an affiliate so I receive a small percentage if you decide to order this or any other books.)


 

'Wisdom of Wild Cornwall' - the first Compass Rose Programme of 2025

As mentioned above, I have been prompted to redesign the first Compass Rose programme of 2025 to focus on the new cards. I had already rescheduled the 'Sanctuary Within' programme to begin towards the end of January, and now we will still be exploring that theme, with the addition of the Wisdom of Wild Cornwall. 

Here is an example spread I drew, simply to find out how the cards felt laid out on the Compass Rose. When you join a six week group, I draw two group cards each week, and they gradually build into this complete pattern over the time we spend together (I also draw individual cards for each of us in the Zoom gatherings).



There is one taster circle before the end of the year, on Wednesday 4th December, and two in January, before we enter into our flow in the week beginning Monday 20th January. You can find out more at those events, (contact me for the Zoom link) or, if you prefer, please contact me by replying to this email to ask any questions you may have, we can arrange a private Zoom chat if you wish.
 
The fee is £168 for the six weeks,  with a discount for previous attendees.  As well as the weekly Zoom gatherings (with a recording in case you miss one or would like to listen again to the conversations and insights), you will be invited to a private Facebook group where I share weekly and daily prompts. (If you prefer not to take part on FB, I can send these by email to you). All the details are here, along with a PayPal payment link. If you are in the UK and able to pay by bank transfer, and that helps me, so just ask for the details.

When any six week programme ends you continue to have access to all the materials in the group to review whenever you wish. You will also be eligible to join the Stay Connected Group where we share a monthly Zoom catch-up call and you will be offered a discount on all future programmes.

You can pay in two instalments if you wish. Contact me to arrange this or to arrange a one to one Zoom chat so you can consider if this may be for you. I occasionally offer a concessionary rate place so if you are drawn to this programme, but money is an issue please do ask for a conversation about this.
 

Other ways to connect: two monthly Circles, and one to one

The final monthly circle of 2024 is on on Saturday 14th December at 11.00 am. Contact me to receive the Zoom link if you would like to join me for a peaceful hour together. I will be putting the dates for 2025 on the website soon

And, you are always very welcome to contact me to arrange a one to one chat on Zoom to discuss working with me as your coach or to find out more about any of my events or programmes.


I send wishes for health and happiness for you and all you love.

Thank you for joining me here this month, any thoughts, feedback, or questions are always welcome.

 

Mary

November 2024 - Reason

 

Reflections: Reason

Pre-orders open for "Weaving Our Way Beyond Patriarchy - A Womancraft Compendium
'Sanctuary Within' - the final Compass Rose Programme of 2024
Wisdom of Wild Cornwall cards coming soon
Other ways to connect: two monthly Circles, and one to one


If you read this before Monday 28th, or Wednesday 30th October, you are warmly invited to join me for the Monday Monthly Circle, at 7.30 pm UK time, and/or the taster circle for Sanctuary Within on Wednesday at 11.00 am, see more below.

Reflections: Reason

Our circle of cards for 2024 has arrived at the next to last card, Reason, a soft dark green. My first response is... I am not sure. Does there need to be a Reason? Or, shall I choose to sit with all these cards, the words and their colours, and allow a connection, and perhaps a 'reason' to emerge?


 

If you would like to join me in reflection, ask yourself the questions here, and write in your journal. Or, if you prefer, read on and come back later.

• What is your first response? To the word? To the colour?
• What else is there?
• And, what else?
• What does Reason add to the other cards so far? How do all the colours connect together? 

What else is there?

I am doing as I just suggested, choosing to sit with all these cards, the words and their colours, and to allow a connection, and perhaps a 'reason' to emerge. The 'what else' that repeats itself to me now, is does there need to be a 'reason'? We human beings like to 'make sense' of things, as if we can ever truly know why things happen. Yes, there may well be a reason in some greater order, yet as individuals we can never truly know the answer to that, if indeed there actually is one. It feels a little like my reflections on 'Purpose'  which usually leave behind the idea of a 'grand purpose' in my life, and arrive at Love and Joy being the purpose of existence.

And, what else?

Maybe for me, the most useful way go forward just now is to 'live the questions' in the well-known quote from Rilke, as I can never hope to know the answers. Here is the full quote: 

"Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer."
― Rainer Maria Rilke

What does Reason add to the other cards so far? How do all the colours connect together?  

What does Reason add?  The colour is continuing the shades of blues and greens that have predominated all around this year, apart from those three bright colours. And just now this card, this word, feels to me as if it is simply there to reinforce that feeling of gentle reflection, or connecting with sky and sea.


Pre-orders open for "Weaving Our Way Beyond Patriarchy - A Womancraft Compendium

I am repeating a short version of this notification as pre-orders (and the special bonuses attached) are still open, and I think will close before the shipping date of 15th November.

I am honoured to have three of my pieces chosen to be included in this very special volume, celebrating the tenth anniversary of Womancraft Publishing. Publication date is in November. Everyone who pre-orders receives a number of bonuses, including an invitation to the launch event on 21st November, when I will be reading one of my pieces, along with other contributors. If you would like to know more visit this link  (I am an affiliate so I receive a small percentage if you decide to order, this or any other books.)



 

'Sanctuary Within' - the final Compass Rose Programme of 2024

As mentioned above, there is one more taster session, on Wednesday 30th October at 11.00 am,before this programme begins  the following week. Full details of the programme can be found on my website here. As always, this is not a 'course' with any assignments or challenges, simply a gentle invitation to gather with a group of like-minded people to connect and share as we flow through the weeks, around the Compass Rose.

 

If you prefer please contact me by replying to this email to ask any questions you may have, we can arrange a private Zoom chat if you wish.
 
The fee is £168 for the six weeks,  with a discount for previous attendees.  As well as the weekly Zoom gatherings (with a recording in case you miss one or would like to listen again to the conversations and insights), you will be invited to a private Facebook group where I share weekly and daily prompts. (If you prefer not to take part on FB, I can send these by email to you).

When any six week programme ends you continue to have access to all the materials in the group to review whenever you wish. You will also be eligible to join the Stay Connected Group where we share a monthly Zoom catch-up call and you will be offered a discount on all future programmes.

You can pay in two instalments if you wish. Contact me to arrange this or to arrange a one to one Zoom chat so you can consider if this may be for you. I occasionally offer a concessionary rate place so if you are drawn to this programme, but money is an issue please do ask for a conversation about this.
 

Wisdom of Wild Cornwall cards coming soon

A new, and very different deck of cards is 'under construction' just now. A little while ago one of the people who responds regularly to the word of the day in my 'Dare to Blossom into Joy' group on Facebook, mentioned that she had read 'Purpose' as 'Porpoise'. That made us smile - and it set me off a whole new creative journey.

The outcome has been a new deck with the title 'Wisdom of Wild Cornwall'. Each word is an aspect of the natural world that I encounter here in Cornwall. Some are birds, others are animals, trees, wild flowers - and yes, porpoise has to be included. Harbour porpoises are quite common around the coast here, even though not something I see regularly. Other cards are to do with the atmosphere and the solar system around us, such as tide, rainbow, thunder, sun, moon.

For the first time, I decided to use a different image for the back of the cards, So the familiar 'Dare to Blossom Passionflower' will be replaced with one of my photos that represents 'wild Cornwall' to me. Taken on a walk on Constantine beach very recently, with the Quies and Trevose Head in the background.



I have just ordered the first proofs to check and make any changes I wish before ordering stock to offer for sale. I am thinking I may write a companion guide, not with interpretations because (as with the Rediscovery Cards) I feel that is up to each individual, not for me to tell you - but to write a little about each word, and maybe something about what I receive when I connect with each card. In order to write this I realised I need the cards physically in my hands, and it could take a while.

However, many of my contacts have told me they would love to be able to buy the cards without waiting for the guide - so that is what I will do, They should be available well before the end of November - I may send out a 'special bulletin' (or maybe not), either way, feel free to contact me to ask for notification if we are not connected on FB.

Other ways to connect: two monthly Circles, and one to one

The monthly circles are continuing, as mentioned above, you may be in time to join us on Monday 28th October at 7.30 pm. The November dates are Saturday 9th at 11.00 am, and Monday 25th at 7.30 pm. There will be just one gathering in December, on Saturday 14th. Contact me to receive the Zoom links if you would like to join me for a peaceful hour together.

And, you are always very welcome to contact me to arrange a one to one chat on Zoom to discuss working with me as your coach or to find out more about any of my events or programmes.


I send wishes for health and happiness for you and all you love.

Thank you for joining me here this month, any thoughts, feedback, or questions are always welcome.

 

Mary

October 2024 - Stillness

 

Welcome to the Dare to Blossom Newsletter

Reflections: Stillness
Pre-orders open for "Weaving Our Way Beyond Patriarchy - A Womancraft Compendium
Two Compass Rose Programmes to complete 2024
SilverFest in Tavistock 17th and 18th October
Other ways to connect: two monthly Circles, and one to one


If you read this before Monday 30th September, you are warmly invited to join me for the Monday Monthly Circle, here is the Zoom link for 7.30 pm UK time.

Reflections: Stillness

My first response is: ah, a return to shades of blue. 


 

If you would like to join me in reflection, ask yourself the questions here, and write in your journal. Or, if you prefer, read on and come back later.

• What is your first response? To the word? To the colour?
• What else is there?
• And, what else?
• What does Stillness add to the other cards so far? How do the colours connect together? 

What else is there?

Stillness - a deep breath in, a deeper one out. My favourite place to experience Stillness is in nature. And, of course nature is rarely, if ever, still. Something about allowing myself to simply be, to observe whatever is around me, allows me to drop into Stillness within. Recently we had some glorious September weather here in Cornwall and as I walked on the cliffs I was able to stop, sit on a rock and be still. Even when I want to keep moving to stay warm, there is a quality of Stillness to be found within.

And, what else?

Sometimes for me, the hardest thing is to find Stillness in my thoughts. My busy mind is full of things to do, often with fears and worries constantly popping up. Can I drop down below that surface, down, down into Stillness? Or I could choose to soar, up, up, above the clouds of daily life, up into the blue blueness of the sky above.

What does Stillness add to the other cards so far? How do the colours connect together?  

What does Stillness add?  As I look at the photo again, I notice that the quarter points of the circle each have a turquoise blue/green card (not to mention the others in that shade that have appeared also). Angels - January, could be seen as North. Reflect - April, East, is directly opposite Stillness, a beautiful pairing. Intuition - South. And now back to Stillness - West. I notice the cards are in more than one shade of turquoise blue/green. With the addition of Silence, and Growth, they all fit together so beautifully (as they always do, and even now that still surprises me).


Pre-orders open for "Weaving Our Way Beyond Patriarchy - A Womancraft Compendium

I am honoured to have three of my pieces chosen to be included in this very special volume, celebrating the tenth anniversary of Womancraft Publishing. Publication date is in November. Everyone who pre-orders receives a number of bonuses. If you would like to know more visit this link  (I am an affiliate so I receive a small percentage if you decide to order, this or any other books.)



From the Womancraft website:
 

"If what we are experiencing right now are the death throes of patriarchy…how did we get here…and what comes next?
 

Taking the ancient women’s work of weaving as its framework, Weaving Our Way Beyond Patriarchy is a collaborative text of voices woven from the Womancraft community – our own authors, both established and upcoming, aligned authors published elsewhere, and readers, ranging in age from twelve to over seventy.

Through poetry, prose, letters, articles and artwork, more than eighty women – authors, ​activists,​ artists,​ ​community builders, doctors, doulas, ​priestesses, ​poets, permaculturalists, professors, teachers, witches, ​yoga teachers, mothers, grandmothers – reflect on what it might look like beyond patriarchy and how we might get there, from the big picture to the domestic details.

This diverse and inclusive compendium of contemporary women’s wisdom is bound to become a much-loved handbook to carry us forward through these strange and uncertain times, with words to encourage and inspire us and our sisters, daughters, granddaughters, friends and communities."

Two Compass Rose Programmes as we complete 2024

This year I am offering two programmes during November and early December, with the calls on different days and times, intending to suit people with varying schedules or in different time zones.

The first is 'Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom' with taster sessions on Tuesdays 8th and 22nd October at 2.30 pm UK time. The six-week flow will begin on Sunday 27th October with the weekly Zoom gatherings on Tuesdays at the same time.

The other is 'Sanctuary Within', with just one taster session, on Wednesday 30th October at 11.00 am, beginning the following week.

Whichever programme you may choose to join, the six weeks together will offer you a place where you can rediscover your inner wisdom and find a sanctuary within yourself.  Depending on the response, I may combine the two programmes into one with two call times each week, or offer just one or the other - I am leaving it all open to exploration just now. Please rely to this email if you have any thoughts on this.

You are most welcome to join me for all or any of the taster circles just to have fun and find out more, with no expectation that you will sign up, simply the gentle invitation to do so if they feel right for you.
 
The fee for either will be £168 for the six weeks,  with a discount for previous attendees. If they both run as separate programmes and you should wish to come along to both, I will offer you a good discount, just contact me to discuss. As well as the weekly Zoom gatherings (with a recording in case you miss one or would like to listen again to the conversations and insights), you will be invited to a private Facebook group where I share weekly and daily prompts. (If you prefer not to take part on FB, I can send these by email to you).

When any six week programme ends you continue to have access to all the materials in the group to review whenever you wish. You will also be eligible to join the Stay Connected Group where we share a monthly Zoom catch-up call and you will be offered a discount on all future programmes.

You can pay in two instalments if you wish. Contact me to arrange this or to arrange a one to one Zoom chat so you can consider if this may be for you. I occasionally offer a concessionary rate place so if you are drawn to this programme, but money is an issue please do ask for a conversation about this.
 

SilverFest in Tavistock 17th and 18th October

This year the Silver Tent celebration is on two days, Thursday 17th and Friday 18th October. It is open to any woman over fifty, you do not need to be a member (although you can join the online community free of charge, on the website here, or on Facebook). There is some information on the flyer image below, I hope to have full details of the programme very soon, so do reply to this email if you would like to know more about attending on one or both days. Or if you prefer to ask the organiser direct, contact Vanessa on info@greenwaveproductions.com.



I will be there with a table showing my books, cards and artwork, and there will be talks and workshops. For some reason I don't have any photos of last year's events, here is my stand at the Bude Feel Good Festival on 8th September.




Other ways to connect: two monthly Circles, and one to one

The monthly circles are continuing, as mentioned above, you may be in time to join us on Monday 30th at 7.30 pm. The October dates are Saturday 12th at 11.00 am, and Monday 28th at 7.30 pm. Contact me to receive the Zoom links if you would like to join me for a peaceful hour together.

And, you are always very welcome to contact me to arrange a one to one chat on Zoom to discuss working with me as your coach or to find out more about any of my events or programmes.


I send wishes for health and happiness for you and all you love.

Thank you for joining me here this month, any thoughts, feedback, or questions are always welcome.

 

Mary