Weekly Constellation 03
The Magician, Moon, and Stars
Happy holidays star seekers, a new moon in Sagittarius hangs over us now. Quite apt that the last major lunar phase of the year is one for planting seeds of radical change.
Most of this week was spent pulling double to make up for the money I’d lose during the next two weeks of holidays closures. It’s been exhausting and revelatory as I discovered in real time that playing small—limiting myself to prevent the pushback of others—was not at all working. Be yourself is old and trite wisdom I’ve always had trouble with. I imagined I’d digest the saying and wake the next morning bouncing out of bed, newly positive, outgoing, full of forgiveness and on my way to the bank to demand they hand me a million smackaroos for my presence alone. Though, as I make my forays into public speaking, social media, and my late 20s, I think it has more to do with letting go of the voice in your head that tells you no—don’t have that opinion, don’t wear that outfit, don’t tell them how you’re really feeling, or don’t apply to that job, don’t hold your head high, don’t believe in a good life because when has that ever been possible for someone who looks like you?
Unfortunately, that voice has never saved me. In fact tis simply made me miserable and small, when I know I am dog tired of both of those things.
This Week’s Endeavors:
A Reading:
Still reading Temple Folk slowly. Though, I feel distinctly drawn toward nonfiction lately. If you have any good recommendations, please let me know! Anything research heavy and compelling feels ripe right now.
An Outing:
I’ve been hibernating this week, eager to turn the energy inwards as the year closes. it becomes difficult to say no to plans when they are abundant, especially during the holidays, but I have long put myself to the side to become available for others and wonder what toll it takes on me, not prioritzing my own needs.
A Film:
The Last Holiday with Queen Latifah
This film is making the rounds on TikTok for its depiction of a woman who refrains from taking hold of her life until she is forced to. She keeps a journal of possibilities, remains honest and true to herself, and the world opens itself up to her. I needed this metaphor. I’ve been considering what it means to not limit myself, and Queen Latifah gives a prescient blueprint.
An Album:
True Magic by Yasiin Bey f.k.a. Mos Def
Sun, Moon, Stars from this album I have since dubbed my theme song. Exploring all aspects of duality to a song that feels like marching down the street after a great morning, perfectly ripe mango, an outfit that may be the best you’ve ever dressed, and nowhere to be but outside. The album has other favorites like U R the One, Perfect Timing, and Lifetime.
Newly Intriguing:
Real Housewives, the Diddy documentary, and White Lotus. Money, power, greed and the flawed human being willing to sacrifice anything and anyone to achieve their myopic success. Bonus, how the society we inhabit fertilizes the ground for the power hungry, and leaves the rest of us in their imminent wake.
Places to be:
Ideas of Africa: Portraiture and Political Imagination @ MoMA through July 2026
Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens @ Brooklyn Museum through May 2026
Thee two. exhibits are happening simultaneously in New York. Perfect for a solo date or personal curriculum, or an all day adventure with an art loving friend. I hope to report back on these exhibits in the new year.
This Week’s Therapy:
Vision Boarding — This weekend, with the full moon is perfect for creating a vision for the future. My method this year, was to:
Gather my favorite photos from 2025, slap them into a collage, and draw my reflections this way.
Write a long detailed letter about what I’d like to see for my life, next year and beyond.
Pick out a few key items to focus on for the year (this time I’m working on giving myself room to falter and focusing on exploration rather than execution)
Create a new vision board for 2026 based on these focus items
Community Support Group:
Pulling tarot, drinking wine, and watching a movie with a girlfriend, when you thought you wanted to be alone. I called out of work and a friend came over and we talked and laughed, drank a giant bottle of Lambrusco, and curled up in my living room. She mentioned in passing she needed a psychic, not knowing I used to be know for my hungover tarot readings. She received some clarity, I pulled the magician card.
Here is the description from Labyrinthos:
That’s all for this week. Enjoy your holidays in whatever way feels right for you. Grieve if you must, laugh if you can, take space away from all the noise, and make time for those you care about, they may need your magic, too.
Talk later,
Mads xx