3 Things that I have recently accepted about myself.

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I believe that healing is a journey. One that we never stop doing because life is always in motion. And as we continue to grow and love, we often get hurt and that pain needs to be healed.

I have been very vocal about the childhood healing that I have gone through and I am open about it because that is the kind of work that we should be promoting. Because the best type of self-love is that of healing from the past.

So, as I heal, I would like to invite you to do the same so that we can leave our generational curses behind.

Through this continuous journey, I have accepted 3 things about myself:

1. I am lovable.

We can all say that we love ourselves but acting in a way that supports that is another story. It’s only until the last year do I feel like I have had relationships in my life that fully support me.

I feel like, in a weird and twisted way, the lockdowns forced me to stop putting on a face and deal with healing on a cellular level. I went from thinking that most of the people that I had in my life were supportive of me to realizing that that wasn’t true. Or if they were, it was in a way to primarily service them and use it against me.

I let go of a lot of friends, family and relationships that labeled me as ‘crazy, problematic or unlovable’ when I spoke from a place of truth. Labels that I have become too comfortable wearing because of my childhood trauma and as I have healed from my past, I see with clear eyes that I attracted people who made me feel unlovable because a part of me still felt that way.

2. I am worthy.

I have heard these three words in my daily affirmation meditation but as with the words above, it is only recently that it sunk in.

One of the biggest red flags about this was that I would overcompensate for relationships with people who wouldn’t show up the same way that I did. I can’t tell you how many times I have been love-bombed and then ghosted. As I have previously mentioned I believe that it is because I was raised in a narcissistic family household; however, I now see that this upbringing fundamentally stripped me of feeling worthy and feeling as though healthy relationships were unattainable.

When you spend your life in a constant state of cognitive dissonance around people who have known you your whole life, it is hard to feel and know that you are worthy- as I did. I struggled to feel worthy because I was surrounded by people who treated me like I wasn’t.

If you might be asking where my accountability in this is, I took it by releasing relationships with people who made me feel like I am not worthy because I am.

3. I don’t have to overcompensate anymore.

This has been one of the biggest realizations of my whole life. Truthfully, the lockdowns helped me see this. I grew up with an astounding pressure on me as I went to a private school and was constantly reminded that it was a sacrifice made for me.

The sacrifices that my parents had to go through to put me through private school, instilled a serious guilt in me because I hated school and I, myself, didn’t want to go there. It only recently dawned on me that it wasn’t done for me- it was for them. I did reap some benefits from it but being put through a harsh school system where I was constantly bullied and told that I wasn’t worthy is torture that no child should be subject to.

I used to feel like if I mentioned this that I was being ungrateful. I used to also think that if I told people how unhappy I was as a child that I was not a good person so this led to me overcompensating. I did as much as I could to run away from the fact that I wasn’t happy with how I was raised because in my culture, what your parents do for you should be enough.

As I free myself of any guilt, I accept that both can be true. I acknowledge that I was raised in abusive system that made me feel guilty about merely existing and I also accept that the people who held up this system were victims of it themselves.

I don’t have to do more for others out of guilt about anything anymore. I free myself of that feeling that I am less than or owe anyone anything. Life is a blessing and I choose to treat it as such. No more guilt, punishment or societal pressure- only alignment with God, healing and supportive people.

‘This full Moon lights a fire in your belly…’ Full Moon in Capricorn by Astrologer, Natasha Weber.

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FULL MOON IN CAPRICORN

SYDNEY: 4:39 am, June 25

NEW YORK: 2:39 pm, June 24

LONDON: 7:39 am, June 24

LOS ANGELES: 11:39 am, June 24

June’s full Moon in ambitious Capricorn sparks a desire for acknowledgment and appreciation. You’ll be chafing at the bit to get moving in your ideal professional direction, and a pat on the back wouldn't go astray either, right? Particularly if you’ve worked hard and sacrificed much.

Not a boss babe? You'll be massively motivated to achieve a personal goal all the same. This full Moon lights a fire in your belly, urging you to tear down obstacles to smash tasks and targets. In your insatiable desire for progress, you could risk crossing boundaries in the hot pursuit of your aims. This steely determination may also be expressed in your relationships, where you win a disagreement or a love interest’s affections with an I’m-not-taking-no-for-answer attitude.

But the Sun in comfy Cancer disagrees with La Luna’s unrelenting expectations. Le Soleil encourages you to take a load off and put your feet up. Who cares about progress? You're off the hook, darling. Go and play with friends and family. Cancer rules emotions, so the Crab just wants you to feel good. Did someone say chocolate and champagne on the couch? 

With these opposing forces at play, to say you feel pulled in two different directions is an understatement. But which path should you take? On the one hand, this full Moon promises big rewards for your efforts and recognitiongalore. Growing your Instagram following, building an empire, getting the guy (or the girl) and paying off your mortgage is as tempting as a desert oasis right now. 

The question is; do you sit in your comfort zone or push yourself to near-breaking point? Neither sounds appealing nor acceptable. La Luna whispers, “get ahead at all costs”, but Le Soleil says, “don’t worry, be happy”. 

The answer lies somewhere in-between both extremes. Saturn, the full Moon’s home planet, is in retrograde, suggesting that now is not the time for either. Instead, find the sweet spot that honours your need for self-care while steadily making your mark on the world. 

And then, you can have it all

For more, visit: www.astrotash.com

About Natasha Weber, the author:

Astrotash, Natasha Weber PMAAAC, MAFA

A self-confessed astrology nerd, Astrotash is the resident astrologer for myBody+Soul,Australia’s #1 health and wellness site. She writes horoscopes for Mamamia and has presented on radio and podcast shows, such as Sivana and Healthy-ish. Astrotash has appeared on Sunrise morning show and is also a guest speaker at the Soul Star Festival.

Motivated to build a bridge between sun-sign columns and the ancient science behind our celestial movements, Astrotash aims to bring deeper personal awareness through the lens of astrology. When she’s not reading the stars, you’ll find her in downward dog, ‘earthing’ in the Australian bush or dancing up a storm at Zumba.

Astrotash is accredited by the Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology and a member of the American Federation of Astrologers. Her articles have appeared inThought Catalogue, Out of Office New Yorkand Today’s Astrologer, in addition to international publications across the globe. She continues to research, present and publish, and is an active member of the following astrological organisations:

•          Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology

•          American Federation of Astrologers

•          Federation of Australian Astrologer.

3 Reasons why I stopped forcing positivity.

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They say too much of anything is bad for you and while I am hesitant to go along with the masses, I believe this to be true. Mostly because I have learned a lot about being the kind of person that gives all or nothing.
A lot of my life has been about alchemy, particularly when it comes to health and feeling good in my own body. I’ve carried this trend to almost everything that I have done and, recently, self-help and positivity.

Even though last year was the hardest year of my life, it was the one that carried the most growth for me. I learned that I didn’t have to overthink, over-fix or over-do anything, there is only so much that I can do. When I teach my students this, it makes sense to me. However, applying it is always something that is challenging- especially because I believe in hard-work and overcoming obstacles.

In 2020, I was forced to accept that sometimes I just have to sit with a feeling and not take things so personally. I couldn’t force the outcome through positive-thinking because that was becoming toxic.

Here are 3 reasons why I stopped forcing positivity:

1. I am a Spirit in a human body.
No matter what religious or cultural background you have adopted in this lifetime, life is not meant to be easy. And, when we expect it to be that way, we are only touching the surface. Which doesn’t do anything for us but project a false sense of who we are.

We cannot change, grow or evolve if we are just skimming the surface. It usually takes depth and understanding to do so. The whole human experience is meant to be profound and multidimensional; not just 3-d.

In this humanly body, I want to have evolved through depth and conception not by forcing a projected idea of what others think I should be. This experience involves crying, laughing, smiling, being neutral and other phases without judgement and attachment but with understanding and compassion.

2. Positive gaslighting is a real thing.

When I had one of my most pivotal moments in my life, I was 23 and had left an emotionally abusive relationship. Which both of us were complicit in.
After I ended this relationship, I became sober and did hot yoga everyday for 30-days straight. As a result, I had memories of shame regarding how I behaved when I used to drink to numb the pain of the reality that I created in my life. The embarrassment felt so over-whelming sometimes that I would suppress these feelings and shut them out.

I tried to erase my mistake-filled past with being perfect. Eating the right things, behaving perfectly, being almost holy and embodying what others would describe as sweet or nice. It was a facade that I projected to avoid accepting that I hadn’t behaved in the best way before.

I was subconsciously torturing myself for the past by not allowing myself to be human or feel. I was gaslighting myself with positivity by creating an alternative reality as to how things truly were. When I was faced with challenging people and things, I would lie to myself and project that it was easy and I was fine because I felt guilty of how I had acted in the past.
I came to realize that guilt cannot take back time and through forgiveness and grace, I can offer myself another chance to do things differently. Not out of force but by natural evolution and change.

3. There is no need to force anything in life.
There is a difference between effort and force. In fact, forcing some things to work out has landed me in a lot of trouble. Especially when dealing with other people.
Because I am a hard-worker and give things my all, sometimes I can give more and take on things that I am not meant to. This has attracted people (to me) who are okay with taking and offering little-in-return because when they don’t want to assume responsibility in the relationship, I will.

This is a toxic belief system. One that I have left behind. I cannot and won’t do work for others in relationships: it is meant to be shared. I used to give myself positive talks when dealing with emotionally abusive people of situations by saying things like, ‘You are stronger than this’, ‘You attracted this’, ‘We all have our issues’ or, ‘What if they were just having a bad day’.

These phrases might be true; however, if I use them to gloss over serious issues, they are not helping me or anyone else but merely doing harm. Yes, positivity can be toxic, too.

‘It’s a cosmic wrap!’ The New Moon in Gemini by Astrologer, Natasha Weber.

Image from Unsplash

NEW MOON ECLIPSE IN GEMINI

SYDNEY: 8:53 pm, June 10th

NEW YORK: 6:53 am, June 10th

LONDON: 11:53 am, June 10th

LOS ANGELES: 3:53 am, June 10th

It’s a cosmic wrap! This new moon solar eclipse in cerebral Gemini completes the final piece of the eclipse puzzle. But to fully understand this three-part series, including the full moon lunar eclipse and Mercury retrograde's part in it all, let’s recap from the beginning.

Remember that I spoke about finding your true North? That was during the lunar eclipse in Sagittarius, which focused on being authentic, changing opinions, and turning your belief system on its head. And because that lunar eclipse aligned with the Moon’s South Node, it encouraged you to detach from past ideas and outgrown narratives. In other words, releasing what's not in your ultimate best interests.

Enter Mercury retrograde, acting as a go-between for the full moon lunar eclipse and this solar new moon eclipse. While in retrograde, Mercury asks you to go within. To take your foot off the accelerator while you figure it all out. After all, beliefs aren’t formed overnight. They're often based on seeing things in a certain way for a good number of years. So, it takes time to release your tight grip on what you've always known to be true. Your opinions are based on a lifetime's collection of acquired knowledge, information and data. 

Sure, by going retrograde, Mercury messes with some technical and communication stuff. But during this eclipse storm, Mercury’s job is to dump all the information at your feet, and then it’s up to you to sort out fact from fiction.

Next up, we have this new Moon solar eclipse in Gemini. Not so surprisingly, it's in the same sign as Mercury and the polar opposite zodiac sign of Sagittarius. Meaning that whatever became unhinged or irrelevant during the lunar eclipse is now replaced with new seeds of thought. To top it off, this new moon eclipse aligns with the Moon's North Node, which points onwards and upwards as it shouts, "Your true North lies ahead. This way, darling!"

A word of caution; usually, a new Moon gives you the go-ahead to move forward with fresh projects. However, an eclipse throws a spanner in the works. So while you're encouraged to form new beliefs, and map out your path, wait two weeks before acting on them.

About Natasha Weber, the author:

Astrotash, Natasha Weber PMAAAC, MAFA

A self-confessed astrology nerd, Astrotash is the resident astrologer for myBody+Soul,Australia’s #1 health and wellness site. She writes horoscopes for Mamamia and has presented on radio and podcast shows, such as Sivana and Healthy-ish. Astrotash has appeared on Sunrise morning show and is also a guest speaker at the Soul Star Festival.

Motivated to build a bridge between sun-sign columns and the ancient science behind our celestial movements, Astrotash aims to bring deeper personal awareness through the lens of astrology. When she’s not reading the stars, you’ll find her in downward dog, ‘earthing’ in the Australian bush or dancing up a storm at Zumba.

Astrotash is accredited by the Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology and a member of the American Federation of Astrologers. Her articles have appeared inThought Catalogue, Out of Office New Yorkand Today’s Astrologer, in addition to international publications across the globe. She continues to research, present and publish, and is an active member of the following astrological organisations:

•          Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology

•          American Federation of Astrologers

•          Federation of Australian Astrologer

Astrotash, Natasha Weber.

www.astrotash.com

9 Affirmations for healing from narcissistic relationships.

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I’m not completely sure why but in this era of The Age of Aquarius, it is becoming more and more apparent that some people are based in fear and others abundance. Whatever we align ourselves with is what we will attract more of.

And, as we move more into the 5-d world that is multi-sensory and technological, our need for survival will either dissipate or become more pronounced.

Last year, I went through an awakening of releasing people and things that were stifling my growth and acting in fear. Because the latter has no place in my life. I also noticed that there is a rise in narcissistic behavior in many, which is based on fear and lack of.

And, after I separated myself from certain energies and people, I started to feel almost a sense of guilt: as though I could save these people or as though how I felt or was treated was invalid. Sometimes, I will still have these feelings; however, certain mantras and affirmations have helped me heal the void that narcissistic personality-types used to fill in my life:

1. I align myself with health.

2. I am worthy of transparency.

3. I am worthy of respect.

4. I don’t have to get along with everyone.

5. I choose health over toxicity.

6. I am responsible for my own health and peace.

7. I am responsible for my happiness.

8. I align myself with abundance and release the lie that there is not enough.

9. I put up a boundary of protection and light.

The 3 Reasons why I left The Yoga Industry.

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Almost eight years ago, I became a yoga teacher. I spent almost two grand and two months putting in the blood, sweat and tears-literally. There were times that I almost quit and I am grateful that I didn’t because I got to learn and teach about one of my favorite subjects: Yoga.

Once I graduated and completed my yoga training, I taught for a bit and then took a break. After my hiatus, I decided to give Yoga my all. So much so that I moved to Los Angeles to teach full-time.

Through all the joy, pain and sometimes emotional abuse, I am grateful. Even though I have decided to step aside from teaching, I have learned a whole lot. About myself, business and other people. However, just because I learned, does not mean that I should stay and continue to learn and be a part of (what I believe to be) an abusive system.

I free my space, time and energy up to healthy things, jobs, places and people.

Here are The 3 Reasons that I left The Yoga Industry:

1. The lack of boundaries.

I haven’t been full-time as a yoga teacher for over a year and in this time, I have been able to set healthy boundaries for myself. Unfortunately when I was a teacher and my boundaries were broken by a power-tripping manager, an irate student or a misbehaving colleague, there was little protection for me.

Because the industry is so new, there aren’t that many boundaries. In fact, I believe most studio owners see their teachers as dispensable because every single studio that I have worked for let’s that be known in one way or another.

Whether it be through lack of scheduling after putting forward a boundary to management, being gaslit about a serious situation or being paid little-to-nothing, teachers are constantly reminded that they are dispensable and that can deter one from setting official boundaries of protection.

2. The pay

As I briefly mentioned in the last paragraph, yoga teachers are paid very little. In fact, during the lockdown I had time to sit down and review my taxes and finances. As I looked over the past few years, I made the least amount I have made in the last ten years when I was teaching. In some cases, half.

And granted, life is not about just money. However, compensation is important. When teachers are not being paid enough, it creates a negative environment because whether we acknowledge it or not, everyone wants to make a decent living.

I have a confession to make, I speak about abundance and try to practice it in my life. However, regarding yoga and how much I would get paid, I used to accept less than I deserve because I felt afraid to release my passion and something that I had worked so hard to be able to do.

I had been groomed and trained by the abusive system of this industry to put in my all and receive almost nothing back in-return. In fact, one studio owner once sent me a text saying that she would be paying me less starting the following week because of a new California law. Something that had nothing to do with me but was somehow being punished for. I have never ever experienced this in any other job but somehow it is accepted in yoga because we are brainwashed to think we are lucky to even be able to teach.

How much we are paid for a job does not automatically equate to what we should make; however, when people are compensated suitably, they take pride in their work. Until Yoga studios start to pay teachers what they are worth, they will experience high turnover and blame the teachers for something that is not the teachers fault.

3. The lack of stability and hidden rules.

I was asked recently by a practitioner why so many yoga teachers discontinue teaching and I told her that there are a number of reasons. But, for me, the biggest reason is that teaching requires an immense amount of internal stability because it probably won’t come from the studio that you teach for.

Being a yoga teacher is mentally and physically exhausted. And, it can be worth it for some or for a period of time. I do not regret any time when I was a teacher; however, I want to be honest about what I went through and it was a lot. Mostly because there are hidden rules and secrets at most yoga studios that I have taught at.

Who you hang out with from the studio, if you go to studio parties, if you are friends with the manager or chummy-chummy with a certain group of management, you are often put on the schedule. However, that can be taken away from you in the blink-of-an-eye without you knowing why or what you could have done to change it.

As someone who has been a manager and a leader of my own company, it is very apparent that the yoga industry will suffer if they continue these practices. Teachers will be continue to be burned out, students will find out and leave or not feel satisfied by bee teachers and, overall the businesses will fail.

How employees are treated is a reflection of the outcome of a business and people can feel energy, especially in a place of physical practice that claims to be about spirituality and wellness. The Yoga Industry has a lot of work to do and it starts with releasing the need to indoctrinate teachers and students with fear and practice real abundance like they claim to do.

‘Prepare for a belief system overhaul.’ Full Moon in Sagittarius by Astrologer, Natasha Weber.

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SYDNEY: 9:14 pm, May 26th

NEW YORK: 7:14 am, May 26th

LONDON: 12:14 pm, May 26th

LOS ANGELES: 4:14 am, May 26th

You’ve probably heard of this full super moon being called a ‘blood’ moon, which actually refers to the Earth’s reddish shadow that’s cast onto the moon during an eclipse.

When La Luna is classified as 'super', the moon is closest to Earth, which is why it appears big and juicy! Astrologically, any super moon amplifies the effects of the sign that it's in. So, in this case, the super moon is highlighting the eclipse in Sagittarius' message.

It’s no coincidence that this full moon in Sagittarius occurs a few days before Mercury’s retrograde. And, as this notable cosmic event is also a total eclipse, its effects are guaranteed to be long-lasting and quite possibly life-changing. This is especially true if you have a planet in your birth chart at five degrees of Sagittarius, Gemini, Virgo or Pisces.

Mercury’s retrograde and May’s lunar eclipse are in cahoots, magnifying each other’s message. While Gemini’s job is to relay ideas, data and knowledge, Sagittarius’ eclipse encourages you to arrive at new conclusions. An eclipse can conceal facts because as the moon is hidden by shadow, the same can be true about information. This doesn’t mean that what you need to know is unavailable, but you’re going to have to dig a little deeper. My hot tip for this eclipse? Prepare for a belief system overhaul.

In a nutshell, it’s time you question your opinions based on new, incoming intel.

But beware of gossip or false information! This can be Gemini’s trick. Yet, La Luna, in the sign of the Archer, points its arrow towards high ideals that are ultimately in search of the truth.

During this eclipse, it’s your task to sort fact from fiction and reset your sails towards your true North.

Natasha Weber, Astrologist.
visit www.astrotash.com for more

About Natasha Weber, the author:

Astrotash, Natasha Weber PMAAAC, MAFA

A self-confessed astrology nerd, Astrotash is the resident astrologer for myBody+Soul,Australia’s #1 health and wellness site. She writes horoscopes for Mamamia and has presented on radio and podcast shows, such as Sivana and Healthy-ish. Astrotash has appeared on Sunrise morning show and is also a guest speaker at the Soul Star Festival.

Motivated to build a bridge between sun-sign columns and the ancient science behind our celestial movements, Astrotash aims to bring deeper personal awareness through the lens of astrology. When she’s not reading the stars, you’ll find her in downward dog, ‘earthing’ in the Australian bush or dancing up a storm at Zumba.

Astrotash is accredited by the Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology and a member of the American Federation of Astrologers. Her articles have appeared inThought Catalogue, Out of Office New Yorkand Today’s Astrologer, in addition to international publications across the globe. She continues to research, present and publish, and is an active member of the following astrological organisations:

•          Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology

•          American Federation of Astrologers

•          Federation of Australian Astrologer.

9 Affirmations for healing.

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One of my favorite things to do in life is to heal. Whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual, there is something so beautiful about restoring back to love and being whole.

So, in whatever form that you may be healing, here are some affirmations to help us heal:

1. I forgive the past and stay present.

2. I am whole.

3. I radiate from the inside out.

4. Love restores me.

5. Growth is a mindset.

6. Healing is a mindset.

7. I open myself to heal whatever needs to.

8. I humble myself enough to be able to heal.

9. I call on my angel Chamuel to aid in any healing that needs to take place in my mind, body and spirit.

‘Be down-to-earth, plain-speaking and reliable in all your relationships. And expect the same in return.’- by Astrologer, Natasha Weber.

Image from Unsplash

NEW MOON IN TAURUS

SYDNEY: 4:59 am, May 12

NEW YORK: 2:59 pm, May 11

LONDON: 7:59 pm, May 11

LOS ANGELES: 11:59 am, May 11

Whenever there is a new moon, both the sun and moon sit side-by-side in the same zodiac sign, so the hosting sign is emphasised - twice! May’s new moon in Taurus brings a heavy focus on all that the steadfast Bull stands for.Pragmatic, measured and anchored are this new moon's buzzwords.

La Luna in Taurus motivates you to be sensible in all you do. It leads from the head. Don't be surprised if you get the urge to comb through receipts and double-check your credit card statements, just to make sure you’re on top of your finances! Yep, sometimes the Universe calls you to address mundane duties, and this is one of those times. During this new moon, cross your i’s and dot your t’s too. Soon we’ll be entering Mercury’s retrograde, making it wise to get practical affairs in order. Sort through neglected paperwork, pay outstanding bills and tick off overdue tasks.

Emotionally speaking, this isn’t the time to run off with the fairies. Be down-to-earth, plain-speaking and reliable in all your relationships. And expect the same in return.

It’s worth noting that this new moon’s planetary ruler in flirty Gemini wants to shake off responsibility, preferring instead to paint the town red with your girl tribe. Don’t be surprised if your inner rebel shouts, “I’m ditching boring stuff to have fun!” By all means, listen to Venus, but after your night out, reset your priorities and do what needs to be done. 

La Luna in an earth sign marks a beautiful opportunity to practise grounding techniques. Do whatever suits you, but simply getting out into nature is a great start. Hug a tree or pick some pretty flowers. ‘Earth' your energy by ripping off your socks to walk barefoot in the grass or plonk yourself down with as much of your body touching the surface of the earth as possible. Sitting in the sand or digging in the garden also get the cosmic thumbs up this new moon.

What’s your fave grounding practice? 

Visit www.astrotash.com

About Natasha Weber, the author:

Astrotash, Natasha Weber PMAAAC, MAFA

A self-confessed astrology nerd, Astrotash is the resident astrologer for myBody+Soul,Australia’s #1 health and wellness site. She writes horoscopes for Mamamia and has presented on radio and podcast shows, such as Sivana and Healthy-ish. Astrotash has appeared on Sunrise morning show and is also a guest speaker at the Soul Star Festival.

Motivated to build a bridge between sun-sign columns and the ancient science behind our celestial movements, Astrotash aims to bring deeper personal awareness through the lens of astrology. When she’s not reading the stars, you’ll find her in downward dog, ‘earthing’ in the Australian bush or dancing up a storm at Zumba.

Astrotash is accredited by the Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology and a member of the American Federation of Astrologers. Her articles have appeared inThought Catalogue, Out of Office New Yorkand Today’s Astrologer, in addition to international publications across the globe. She continues to research, present and publish, and is an active member of the following astrological organisations:

•          Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology

•          American Federation of Astrologers

•          Federation of Australian Astrologer.

3 Ways that I healed my childhood trauma.

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It is no secret that I grew up in a household with what seemed like, to me, a narcissistic parent. When I was 5 years-old, my parents began the process of divorce and that is when looking back, I have memories of me being a happy and fun child to not anymore.

This article is not intended to blame anyone. It is to acknowledge what me and so many children who are raised by narcissistic Mothers go through. It can be a deep pain that, once we admit, can free us up of hurt that can run through the very fabric of who we are.
I grew up in a household of secrets, expcetations, gaslighting and un-necessary guilt all at the hands of my Mother. Who claimed it was for my betterment but it did the opposite.

As I write this, I am obviously emotional but I can guarantee you that I am in a much better place than I have ever been and this has been a long time coming but is imperative to let all children who have gone through emotional, physical or mental abuse that you are not alone.
Here are 3 ways that I healed my childhood trauma:

1. Honesty.

The first time that I went to therapy as an adult was when I had just left an abusive romantic relationship with a man my senior. I have always been attracted to older men.

When I stepped into my counsellors office, I felt broken, worn down and empty inside. Over the months of our sessions, I began to uncover that a lot of my pain regarding that relationship was barely about him and more of my upbringing. I had memories of my Mother calling me fat, ugly and saying that I was just like my Dad. Who she believed to be evil and had very little kind things to say about.

After uncovering this, I hadn’t fully grasped how much this damaged me and left an imprint on my self-esteem but I did start to understand that a lot of my partnership problems stemmed from the emotional abuse that I had endured from my Mother. I knew I had work to do about this but I was afraid of facing the truth.

After some time, the truth became too apparent to deny as I remembered flashbacks of her insulting me and degrading me. All of which I had labeled as punishment for being a ‘bad’ child. However, I came to realize that my acting out was a result of being insulted by, who I believed, should’ve been the person who believed in me and cheered me on the most- my Mother.

2. Boundaries

I have said in a previous article that my narcissistic relationships, as an adult, helped me create and mantain boundaries.

The older that I got, I noticed that My Mother had a problem with these boundaries that I had set. She would always find a way to impose on my life, insult me or ask me for money that she felt entitled to. Because, as she would repeat, she was the one who stayed to raise us when my Father left us. Therefore, she was immune to criticism and being held accountable.

Just like clockwork, every time I would hold her accountable for her actions or not give into her narcissistic web of deception, I was met with the victimization story. Phrases like, ‘I could have left just like your Dad did’, ‘The doctors told me to abort you but I didn’t’ or, ‘I gave you your name and put you through private school’.

This is how, I believe, narcissists may avoid all responsibility for how they treat you because at the end of the day, they convince you that they are worse off victims than you are. So when you start to hold them accountable, you are met with stories about how bad of a person you are for expecting more from them. It can be very damaging to a person’s mental health to expect respect from a narcissist because you will never get it.

As I have gone through a ton of healing, I only have space for people who are willing to be held accountable for their actions, as I am for mine. I am done dealing with people who make you feel guilty for asking for genuine respect and kindness. It is not something I will chase after someone for. Either it is given or not.

3. I developed my own voice.

Because I grew up afraid to speak up for my health and well-being, I would let people close to me treat me however they wanted to. Being raised by (in my opinion) a narcissistic Mother, I had difficulty speaking up for myself and sticking with my convictions because I was used as a prop to make her feel better about herself.

In public, she was the concerned parent, dressed to the nines and showed up for most events. However, behind closed doors, there was a lot of verbal and emotional abuse. It confused me and broke my spirit as a child living under that household.

She would have a habit of bringing up something I had done when I was a kid that was a mistake or when I was naughty to have leverage over me and to make me feel like a fundamentally bad person when what I needed was guidance. In addition, the shaming would be in front of a group of other family members so that she maintained her power. Narcissists‘ currency is power and having leverage over others so that they project how they feel onto you, empty inside.

Because I was raised by someone who literally tried to strip me of my inner voice and played mental gymnastics with me to just speak up for myself, once I did it felt unnatural and almost like someone was going to tell me that I have been misbehaving for some reason. When all that I have been is me.

Through yoga, therapy, meditation, forgiveness and God’s Grace, I have found true healing. I no longer speak to my Mother and have no plan of doing so. In fact, cutting her off was the best thing that I have ever done in my life.
If you have ever suffered emotional, physical or mental abuse from anyone- particularly a family member, I encourage you to take a step back from them for your wellbeing and seek the healing that you need.
It is time for us to heal, as a collective, and to lay generational curses to rest. Once and for all.

9 Reasons that I choose to forgive.

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Like Mahatma Ghandi said, ‘The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strength.’

It’s not easy to forgive because our egos want to control situations and people but the best thing we can do others and ourselves for hurting one another, is to forgive. It doesn’t mean that we treat those who hurt us like best friends. It just means that we release the pain, drama and negativity that we have allowed to consume us.

Here are 9 reasons I choose to forgive:

1. I forgive because there is only so much time that I can spend angry at someone.

2. I forgive because unforgiveness causes diseases.

3. I forgive because the past is over.

4. I forgive because there is only so much I can do about the past.

5. I forgive because it is the best thing that I can do for myself.

6. I forgive because I am not better than another and have done wrongings, too.

7. I forgive because it is up to God to judge.

8. I forgive because one of the nest boundaries is to separate myself from inner and outer hostility and resentment.

9. I forgive because there is something soothing about letting go of holding people hostage to something that they have done or how they behaved in the past.

‘What have you been lying in bed thinking about?’ Full Moon in Scorpio by Astrologer, Natasha Weber.

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SYDNEY: 1:33 pm, April 27

NEW YORK: 11:33 pm, April 26

LONDON: 4:33 am, April 27

LOS ANGELES: 8:33pm April 26

This full Moon brings personal transformation, but it comes with a catch. Scorpio is a sign that welcomes change, but this isn’t about a new hairdo or outfit. This shift begins deep in your belly, working its way outwards. Once the difference is noticeable to everyone else, it’s already kept you awake for many nights. What have you been lying in bed thinking about? That thing that’s churning at your core is the thing that’s able to make fantastic progress with this full Moon in Scorpio.

However, Uranus adds an unwelcome twist in the form of a hefty moral price tag. And the question is, are you willing to pay the price? Don’t rush to answer because the correct response depends on what you have to sacrifice for your prize.

Over the next four days, do your utmost to claim your change so that you can move forward in a new and improved direction. Whether it be a lifestyle choice, relationship or career move, this full Moon has your back. La Luna wants to cocoon you until you transform into a beautiful butterfly. Yet, watch out for Uranus’ catch! If you have to act in a manner that clashes with your moral code, forget it. Walk away knowing that you'll make these changes another time when Uranus is less likely to interfere.

It’s not wrong to want to be better for yourself. But wanting that at the cost of your integrity or someone else’s happiness is something that must be given proper consideration. Think carefully before you step on someone else’s toes or throw your bestie under a bus. Or even someone that you don't know, for that matter. Ask yourself, if that were to guarantee personal satisfaction, would it really be worth it?

For more, visit: www.astrotash.com

About Natasha Weber, the author:

Astrotash, Natasha Weber PMAAAC, MAFA

A self-confessed astrology nerd, Astrotash is the resident astrologer for myBody+Soul,Australia’s #1 health and wellness site. She writes horoscopes for Mamamia and has presented on radio and podcast shows, such as Sivana and Healthy-ish. Astrotash has appeared on Sunrise morning show and is also a guest speaker at the Soul Star Festival.

Motivated to build a bridge between sun-sign columns and the ancient science behind our celestial movements, Astrotash aims to bring deeper personal awareness through the lens of astrology. When she’s not reading the stars, you’ll find her in downward dog, ‘earthing’ in the Australian bush or dancing up a storm at Zumba.

Astrotash is accredited by the Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology and a member of the American Federation of Astrologers. Her articles have appeared inThought Catalogue, Out of Office New Yorkand Today’s Astrologer, in addition to international publications across the globe. She continues to research, present and publish, and is an active member of the following astrological organisations:

•          Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology

•          American Federation of Astrologers

•          Federation of Australian Astrologer.

9 pieces of advice that I will never take again.

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I have become very selective about the type of advice that I receive because I have noticed a trend in most people, to impose their own ideas and project them onto my situation.

The older that I get, the more secretive that I become because I have learned that not everyone wants the best for others and not everyone gives good advice.

Looking back, I have received a lot of bad advice that sometimes I have taken. And, sometimes I have not. Some advice, I took and it helped me . However, some did not.

Here are 9 pieces of advice that I will never take again:

1. College is the best education.

2. You should always have your family in your life, no matter how they treat you.

3. Don’t speak back to bullies.

4. That your Parents always wants the best for you.

5. That money is the root of happiness.

6. That looks are everything.

7. That anyone can get married to another, no matter their core foundation, boundaries and respect for each other.

8. To live for others and not be true to myself.

9. To sweep toxic secrets and lies under the rug.

9 More generational curses that I have left behind.

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The more that I am alive, the more that I see how conditioned we are to fit into a societal frame and conform. A lot of living requires us to do so and some of us (do so) on our own accord.

As I have grown, I see how some of what I have been conditioned to think is unhealthy and can be detrimental to my well-being. I also see how others are affected by these restraints and that if we don’t heal from generational traps and curses, we will keep repeating the cycle.

We are responsible for our lives and there is only so much time that we can spend time being angry at people about the past or how we were raised. So, as I have forgiven those who passed down generational curses to me, I acknowledge what they are and I let them go.

Here are 9 more generational curses that I have left behind:

1. The need to vilify a person to see their shortcomings.

2. That speaking up for myself is wrong.

3. That relatives are forever.

4. That men only want one thing.

5. That I need to be angry at men.

6. That by a certain age, I need to have accomplished certain things.

7. That finances are the best reward.

8. That one opinion is better than another.

9. That adults can never be corrected or change. Especially when it comes to parenting.

‘New beginnings on steroids!’ - New Moon in Aries by Astrologer, Natasha Weber.

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SYDNEY: 12:31 pm, April 12th

NEW YORK: 10:31 pm, April 11th

LONDON: 3:31 am, April 12th

AMSTERDAM: 4:31 am, April 12th

LOS ANGELES: 7:31 pm, April 11th

New beginnings on steroids! That’s what this first new Moon of the astrological new year is all about.

The Moon begins a brand-new lunar cycle just after the Sun kicks off a new astrological year in Aries, the zodiac’s numero uno sign.

Prepare for the holy trinity of fresh starts!

Now is the perfect time to kick off a project, job or relationship. But first, you'll need to scrap what’s gone stale. If something hasn’t gotten off the ground, despite your best efforts, it’s time to walk away. And it’s best to do that before the new Moon so that you can begin again, with a clean slate. Of course, saying goodbye to a relationship that’s past its used by date can be gut-wrenching. Yet, digging deep and properly grieving during the balsamic lunar phase, just before this new Moon peaks, promises to be cathartic and ultimately healing.

Still, there’s a catch to this new Moon that speaks of leaving yesterday’s woes far behind you. It’s not going to magically happen. Sorry folks, the cosmos has no intention of giving away fresh start freebies! Blame motivational Mars, this new Moon’s ruler because the red planet insists that you take action to claim your new beginning. This might look like initiating a conversation or literally *doing* what must be done to move in your desired direction.

Above all, stop procrastinating! The cosmos gives you a triple set of green lights to launch a new business, bite the bullet in your existing relationship, start a new one or adopt a new attitude that serves you better. In a nutshell, if it’s not working for you, get rid of it! Because, by the time this new Moon rolls around, it’s out with the old and in with the new.

Natasha Weber. Visit www.astrotash.com for more

About Natasha Weber, the author:

Astrotash, Natasha Weber PMAAAC, MAFA

A self-confessed astrology nerd, Astrotash is the resident astrologer for myBody+Soul,Australia’s #1 health and wellness site. She writes horoscopes for Mamamia and has presented on radio and podcast shows, such as Sivana and Healthy-ish. Astrotash has appeared on Sunrise morning show and is also a guest speaker at the Soul Star Festival.

Motivated to build a bridge between sun-sign columns and the ancient science behind our celestial movements, Astrotash aims to bring deeper personal awareness through the lens of astrology. When she’s not reading the stars, you’ll find her in downward dog, ‘earthing’ in the Australian bush or dancing up a storm at Zumba.

Astrotash is accredited by the Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology and a member of the American Federation of Astrologers. Her articles have appeared inThought Catalogue, Out of Office New Yorkand Today’s Astrologer, in addition to international publications across the globe. She continues to research, present and publish, and is an active member of the following astrological organisations:

•          Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology

•          American Federation of Astrologers

•          Federation of Australian Astrologer.

3 Things that I have learned about cancel culture.

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When Twitter became a thing, I didn’t have it and purposefully joined it later to avoid clashing with others and getting into Tweet wars. I was on my newly-found spiritual path and didn’t want anything to disrupt that.

So when I would hear of the latest person being bullied over past behavior, I didn’t take much interest in it because it all seemed so silly.

Fast forward to almost ten years later and I am deeply concerned at how this has set the precedent for how we treat one another. Whether you have social media or not, it is clear to tell that there is tension in the air. Now, more than ever, it seems like the culture of tearing down others is popular; however, forgiveness, understanding and compromise is at an all-time low.

I am hoping for a turn around of this and am always hopeful. It is definitely a great time to be alive and mostly because it is a time to practice compassion, understanding and what is right, more than ever before.

Here are 3 things that I have learned about cancel culture:

1. We can’t go back and rewrite the past.

I was watching The Joe Rogan podcast featuring Kanye West and he said that bringing up someone else’s wrongdoings from the past, hurts you more than anyone else. I’m totally paraphrasing but that was the gist of it.

It sounds easy to be forgiving and understanding and, most of us probably think that we would do it without any issue. Until the day comes when we find out someone we know or hold to high-esteem has a shady past or has done something wrong in their life.

Welcome to being a human-being, none of us are perfect. We can’t go back and force someone to change what they have done because the past is over. Whether it’s an offensive tweet, an act of unfaithfulness or even merely a mistake, we have all done things that we are not proud of.

2. God has the final say.

I have always been very spiritual and connection to Source/ The Divine/ God is so important to me. That relationship has molded me and shaped me into who I am.

I have been vocal about a time in my life when I was lost and was barely getting by, I was in a toxic relationship and drinking a lot. I asked God for a sign and received many. I was offered Grace, compassion, love and understanding by the Almighty. And, I am forever grateful.

God’s love says to me, I am here for you when you need me. Once you accept what you have done and correct it as much as you can, I will never hold it against you again. Imagine if we treated one another like this?

I am a firm-believer in boundaries and accepting when a situation or person might not be healthy for you and needing to release yourself from them. However, holding them hostage for the rest of their lives is not our job. God has forgiven so why haven’t we?

3. There are too many fingers pointing in the wrong direction.

Until we can look in the mirror and be completely happy with everything we have said, done or a way we behaved, we have no right to judge others. There is a difference between protection/ boundaries and judgment.

We have gotten to a point in society where we are happy to tell our side of a story but struggle to listen to another’s. We are happy to make mistakes but condemn another for making one. We will cancel or boycott someone for not saying the right thing without explaining to them what they have done or taking that as an opportunity for us to see their side of the story.

This is my pet peeve and I have been guilty of it, too. It was only until close friends and family did it to me that I saw how detrimental it can be to assume the worst of people without hearing what they have to say. My recent personal healing has been to release the need to convict someone else or make them into a bad person when it is not my job to label people.

What someone has done is between them and God. I can merely try to understand them, protect myself or move on with my life. But, the need to vilify anyone is something I will try to avoid in my present and future.

9 Mistruths about Empaths.

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There has been a recent rise in the need to know more about everything. To me, this is an extension of The Age of Aquarius that we have entered right now.

As we become more in tune with ourselves and expend our spiritual knowledge, we have become familiar with some terms. One of these terms used commonly these days is ‘Empath’ as though it’s a badge of honor.

However, most people who are Empaths feel Things way more than the average and most things who are feel cursed and not blessed by it.

To give some clarity about this, here are 9 mistruths of Empaths:

1. Empaths are not capable of being narcissists.

2. Empaths are fundamentally good people.

3. Empaths cannot hurt others.

4. Empaths are victims.

5. Empaths are fully understood.

6. Empaths are psychics.

7. Empaths are weak.

8. Empaths are vulnerable.

9. Empaths always come from a good place.

3 Things that I wish I had learned before I healed my childhood trauma.

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Everything looks better in hindsight and there is a quote by Steve Jobs that says, ‘ You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.’

We learn as we go and sometimes we mess up, sometimes we get it right and sometimes, we have to pause and reflect. It’s all a part of the process.

When I started this blog-style magazine, I promised to be honest and with that, I have taken heat and received deep healing that I thought I would never receive. There is something so spiritually healing about being humble enough to correct wrong-doings and face our past with love and kindness.

I have focused on how others have contributed to my childhood but this article is dedicated solely to me expressing where my behavior has stemmed from and what I have learned about myself while healing from my childhood.

If I could’ve been told 3 Things about this before my healing process, they would be:

1. You have a past too.

One of my mentors says, ‘show me someone who says that they are perfect and run the opposite direction.’ She is right. In this world of life, none of us are perfect. And I humbly admit that I am not an Angel. Especially my behavior when I was a teenager.

I was a troubled teen, who was angry at the world due to (what I believe) my parent’s going through a bitter divorce and instead of healing, I received no sympathy from anyone. I went to a strict British school and it was tough to go through what I did as a kid with most adults telling me to just suck it up and do better, when they themselves were not practicing what they preached.

But, this is about me taking accountability and I was hurt. So I had moments of inflicting hurt upon others, myself and anyone who paid me attention. My anger, immature behavior and flirting with all kinds of men were all signs that I needed.

I can look back and blame or apologize and move forward with my life. I am sorry to anyone that I hurt when I was an angry, lonely and a misunderstood teenager and early adult. It was only until I was twenty-three years-old that I understood self-reflection and growth. With my apology, I offer anyone that I hurt love, healing and well wishes.

2. ‘When we know better, we do better’- Maya Angelou.

Like I previously mentioned, I was an angry teen who definitely grew up too fast. I was burdened with adult problems from a young age via my Mother who complained about my Father to us- involving us into adult situations when we were too young to understand anything.

As a result, I would hang out with older people, especially males who would pay me attention. They helped fill a void that was an illusion of feeling heard when I was just being used. From flirting with my older neighbor to dating college guys when I was in High School, my screams for help became louder and louder. And only when I went to therapy and practice did I dissect all of it and release the guilt of being a naughty child. I didn’t know better so I didn’t do better. And now that I do, I will.

3.Forgive yourself, too.

The hardest person to forgive is ourselves because we are often our biggest critic. Especially once I became sober in 2012, I had memories of when I was a teenager and acting like a drunken mess, stoner and angry child.

I have had to remind myself so many times that there is nothing any of us can do about the past. I cannot rewrite how I have previously behaved or anyone else can. Although I feel remorse of how I might’ve hurt another, myself and been inappropriate or rude, I cannot let it rule my life.

God has blessed each of us with life and it’s not to hold one another (and ourselves) up to unrealistic expectations, it is to learn unconditional love. That we are all capable of good and evil. And, that there is true redemption in forgiveness. Self-forgiveness is a real healer, it can release the tons of guilt that has kept you in the same cycle, stopped you from being at your best or that has wanted you to no longer continue.

There is a future available for all of us, no matter what we have done.

9 Things to remember while dealing with healing.

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As I continuously say, healing is a part of life and most of life consists of being on the journey of healing. There is no economic status or privilege that denounces our need to heal as a big part of the human experience is hurt and if we don’t heal, we will either hurt others or ourselves.

As I have found myself on a constant path of healing, I have had to remind myself of a few things. Here are 9 of them:

1. It is okay to make mistakes.

2. Breathe!

3. Allow others to be wrong (sometimes) for them to find themselves.

4. Allow yourself to be wrong (sometimes) for you to find yourself.

5. Surround yourself with people who support you but who also hold you accountable.

6. Growth doesn’t happen in one day, sometimes it takes lifetimes.

7. There is love inside all of us that is waiting to be let out.

8. We are all capable of being in light, no matter what we have done in the past.

9. Judgement comes from my shadow-side. It is worth healing.

3 Things that I learned from writing for a popular blog magazine.

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When I began writing for a popular wellness blog 8 years ago, I had no idea of the intense success that I would receive. It all started from me writing a piece to them and then being asked to be one of their top contributors.

Each week, I would have seventy or plus thousand views of my articles that they published and it felt great! I had always thought that I needed a bachelor’s degree to do what I was doing and was so grateful that I didn’t need to. I had become a successful writer for the biggest wellness blog website and I felt like one of my biggest dreams was coming true.

Like with everything else, there is it’s positive side and negative. And, although I was living out a dream, it was still reality. And, life is filled with duality so that we can learn and grow.

I do not regret the experience and will never take it back as I learned a lot. Here are 3 of the things that I learned:

1. Haters are a sign that you are doing something right.

When I was younger, especially in school. I was popular but only by fluke. I was very rebellious and hated school so because I vocalized that, the underdogs were naturally drawn to me. I did, unfortunately, have my days when I hurt others because I was insecure but I mostly wanted to defend others from being bullied themselves.

Because of this nature, I was popular but not liked. In fact, most teachers would ask for me not to be in their class because I would ask a lot of questions and call them out if they were being biased or unfair. Growing up, I lacked the awareness to see that I could rub people up the wrong way until one day in a debate in our English class, I defended someone who had been plastered in the newspapers as a ‘thief’ without any convictions. I asked, ‘what happened to innocent until proven guiltily’ and was met with a lot of hateful comments and as though I was dumb for asking the question. I learned then that if you believe what you believe, especially if it doesn’t go with the common narrative, you will have haters.

So, later on in my life, I would read thousands of comments and remember that I was doing something right. I was questioning a common narrative and pushing boundaries- in a respectful way, obviously. But, having a strong opinion will be met with people who think otherwise. We are all allowed to have opinions.

2. A lot of media is sensationalized.

As I began to receive the top views on the blog, I noticed that more and more of my articles were being heavily edited. I am an Editor and believe in editing and changing titles for SEOs and branding. However, they started to completely change what I had written in an attempt to draw more attention.

After this, I lost trust in most media outlets as I saw how my articles which were written with good intentions were twisted and distorted to seem otherwise.

This is what spurred my decision to start BiologiqueLife, to promote wellness; not sensationalize and dramatize it.

3. There is no such thing as bad press.

I was a writer for them for almost two years and went from feeling hurt by some comments to the point where I look at it from a business perspective. Some say don’t look at the comments; however, I find myself sometimes curious and want to know.

Knowing what someone thinks of me doesn’t mean that it’s true. An opinion is just that, an opinion. I think as a whole, we have become so weak and get upset over words as though they are facts.

To me, words will never be violence to me. I’ve been called fat, ugly, too dark, too light, too black, too white, too African, too European and many other things but none of those words mean anything to me. I am a child of God and align myself with divinity- no other opinions matter of me. If it is about my business, I will always protect that but a comment about me only carries weight and importance if I give it.

Life is too short to give other people power over me like that. My life belongs to me; not those who like me today; hate me tomorrow. Or vice versa. It’s all a facade anyway.