Sitting at my desk debating how I wanted to spend the next part of my day, a tarot deck that James gifted me for my birthday last month fell over. I put it back upright and it fell over again, so here we are.

I sat with my spirit team and asked what theme is surrounding this energy, and what kind of guidance would benefit everyone over the course of the days ahead. Now that Samhain is upon us, and Halloween vibes are all around, this late afternoon felt like the perfect time to dive on in.

The Queen of Swords flew out of the deck first. Boundaries are essential right now, particularly when it comes to conserving your energy. Don’t hesitate to say “no” or to pull back from what is draining you. This may be situations you feel obligated to over-extend yourself with, people who are taking too much from you or even tasks that can wait.

The Queen of Swords Tarot Card, a woman with red hair sitting on a concrete stone holding a sword in her right hand — The Queen of Swords

Take a moment to close your eyes and breathe. Clear your head and as you begin to relax, think of the biggest drain on your energy right now. Notice who or what is the first thing that comes to mind. How can you give yourself the space you need right now in this situation?

Lately I have been dealing with health issues over the span of many weeks (hence my absence online). Recovering has been slow and not linear, so self-preservation has been crucial. Plans have been cancelled, phone calls silenced and I had to flip over a lot of constants in my life. Had I not put up boundaries, I would have crashed so much harder. Even now, as I slowly heal there is much that I simply refuse to entertain right now, because my health and well-being are more important. In order to be able to give back, I first must give to myself.

We are being called to put up protections and boundaries, and not to be scared if we must be a bit bitchy about it. For if we won’t stand up for ourselves, how can we expect anyone else to do the same for us? Many of us have wounded Inner Children who needed to be protected but weren’t, and this practice is a step towards healing those wounds.

The Devil is the next card to pop out of this deck. We are being asked to let go of the things that we are attached to that are not serving us. Many crutches that we rely on, in many forms, may be doing more harm than good. Now is the time to sift through what old habits we have formed and continue to perpetuate. The beliefs and thought forms that keep us stuck, in a loop, wanting to move forward but feeling unable need to go.

The Devil Tarot card, where a beast sits surrounded by flames — The Devil Tarot Card

Take some time this weekend to sit with that thought and journal on what comes up. What do you need to let go of so you can step into the next version of yourself?

These past three weeks I have been in and out of the hospital, and I have been finding many things that need changing internally and externally that are no longer working for me. This upheaval is a lot at once to take on, but I know intuitively and with trust that these shifts will get me to the other side. It’s been a massive tower moment that at times feels never-ending, but the energy around this pulsates with change and a deep knowing that what I am clearing will pave the way forward.

Lastly, the Six of Wands spilled onto my desk and I felt this immediate sense of relief. By putting up boundaries and clearing what has been burning us out and holding us back, we then welcome victory. We allow ourselves to be more seen, more recognized. The success that we strive for begins to take shape as we let go and show our self-love takes precedence.

The six of wands tarot card with six wooden wands from a tree bundled together with a red ribbon at the base — The Six of Wands Tarot Card

For these acts are that of love for oneself. No longer tolerating what has not been working is you showing up for yourself. The same for letting go of what is harming you, including thoughts you may be imposing on yourself. By calling on your courage to change what you have always known, you work towards moving forward from old spaces into exciting forms of expansion.

This work is not easy. I have endured Dark Night after Dark Night after Dark Night of the Soul and I can say emphatically that the work to get through it and to the other side is never easy. But those of you are ready to step into the next level will find that the journey is worth the hardships. The wisdom and clarity gained are priceless, and every transformation brings you more aligned to your Higher Self, your true self.

I am a crystal energy healer and crystal channeler. I channel messages from crystals, and this afternoon as I sit here, I was called to my favorite piece of Aquamarine. Aquamarine is one of my main crystals that I am connected to and work closely with. I was given the message to work with Aquamarine in the days head when you need to reconnect to your inspiration, faith and hope. Her energy will help you to melt away layers of old emotions that have come to the surface and are ready to leave you. You must be willing to feel the emotions as they arise, and let them go as they move through you. Work with Aquamarine to reconnect to your inner voice and your truth. Her energy is gentle yet powerful.

For those of you who do not have an Aquamarine crystal, you can still call on her energy to work with. Invite the consciousness of this crystal into your space to work with you for this healing.

A raw piece of Aquamarine crystal with varying tones of blue, grey and green as well as white — Aquamarine Crystal

This time of year calls for introspection and recalibration. We bury the old routines, beliefs and ways of being that keep us stuck so we can reinvent ourselves and step more fully into our power, our truth and alignment.

A grid with healing energy, with a yellow leaf in the center on a silver circle. There are six small pieces of blue kyanite crystal surrounding the leaf — Healing Energy-Infused Grid for Samhain. This leaf sat on my door step and I was inspired to work with the energy. Surrounding the leaf are pieces of Blue Kyanite. You may use the healing energy of this grid to help with cleansing, clearing, protection and grounding into nature’s spirit. Call on the energy of this grid as needed for healing.

May you have a transformative and magical Samhain.

Dawn Marino is a Spiritual Medium & Channeler, Dark Night of the Soul Guide, Certified Crystal Healer, Crystal Messenger, Trance Healer, Intuitive Tarot Reader, Healing Artist and Professional Writer. Dawn has published two books, the “Tarot Journal for Beginners” and the “Complete Guide to Tarot.” Dawn supports people feeling disconnected from their Higher Selves, feeling stuck and lost on their spiritual journey. She works with people to help them through the Dark Night, working with them to reclaim their independence and unlock their potential. Dawn also helps beginner mediums on their path to mediumship. You can work with Dawn remotely or in-person at Now and Zen Wellness in Throop, PA.

Visit healbydawn.com to learn more.

Samhain Message - Guidance Working with this Energy

Last October in Wonderland