(Written) Moonday Musings 2-16: On Blogging & Breaking

Moonday Musings on That Witch Podcast is a weekly astrological forecast show that brings you the cosmic energy of the week, and teaches you how you can work this energy into your intentions and spiritual practice.

No podcast episodes for the week of Feb 16th

And instead, this. A blog post. First posted yesterday to all of my students in That Witch School, and then today for the rest of the neighborhood.

It's 2:59pm and I just poured a steaming mug of mint tea in my big round Little Mermaid mug, and the New England sun has decided to show its face for the afternoon of its namesake day. There's a lot of peace I feel today compared to how I felt most of this past week, and it also still feels like I'm staring down the barrel of the week that lies ahead. The week after that, and after that, etc. The thing about living one day at a time means sometimes you're constantly pulling yourself out of the future and back into today- it's like that for me lately.

On Blogging

I've been wanting to get back to longform written content for so long now, and I keep saying I don't have the time. When, instead, I suddenly realized I could actually just write the blog post when I am not in a space to record content on the mic or camera. And that's exactly where I feel today, at home and comfortable in writing, whereas recording even a 5 min announcement feels like it would take the last of my spoons.

I've identified as a writer for as long as I can remember, and yet I'm currently devoting the least amount of time to it than I have at any other time in my life. I do technically write a lot, but about 65% of it is copywriting, descriptions, captions, emails, etc., and the other 35% is in my journal or spiritual practice. My longform written content is super rare and usually comes through in an email or the longer side of an Instagram caption. And my creative writing? Practically nonexistent these days.

But THIS. Ugh, this sun-peaking-through-the-afternoon-windows, Wizard of Oz playing in the other room, all while I can take in the aroma of my hot tea and tap away on the keyboard vibe?? It's a long awaited vacation- that's how nourishing it feels to be connecting with you through written word. (Lmao no wonder it has NEVER sounded appealing to allow ChatGPT to take this experience from me! If you're looking for sanctuary in humanmade content, I assure you I could never use AI to replace my writing.)

Long ago when I started That Witch Next Door, it was with the intention to become a blogger, and to lead me to becoming the published author I've always dreamed of being. Podcasting was a love I discovered later in life, but something I immediately felt strongly connected to as well. And when I brought podcasting into That Witch Next Door, it changed everything, and more and more time would go between my longform written pieces. And somewhere along the way I stopped prioritizing it altogether.

So, my hope is we'll meet with each other this way more often. Through a medium I adore just as much but in different ways. And if reading longform isn't your thing, that's totally okay! That Witch Podcast isn't going anywhere :)

On Breaking

One of the biggest (and most unexpected) things I've learned about giving myself the permission to take breaks is that it means you also have to take into consideration the time and energy it will take to catch up again.

In fact, I didn't realize it for a long time, but I think one of the reasons I would avoid giving myself space or time off was because I was already exhausted at the idea of having to make adjustments or catch up on what accumulated during that time. Now, I try to just factor that in.

This past week came crashing in after already getting through some already very challenging weeks, and when it hit I was already down in energy, down in sleep, already feeling behind, and already spread dangerously thin. I felt like I was already at the bare minimum and then life came in and said, "No, even barer than that." Everything you heard on the Struggle Magick episode was recorded before this past week, so you can imagine the space I was already in and then just picture life dumping another 100lbs of stress on top of it.

All of this is information I absolutely have to take into context as I move into this week and the weeks ahead. The biggest disservice I used to do to myself time and time again was expecting myself to operate at normal capacity any time I would go back to work after any kind of break, when the reality is it takes great effort for me to get back into routine.  Especially after time off due to personal emergencies -because let's face it- it's a whole different ballgame going back to work after an actual vacation than it is after life's kicked your ass to the ground.

So, while I'll be getting back to work this week, it will be far from a normal-functioning week. And from me to you, I deeply appreciate your understanding and support, and I truly hope you can take some of that love you offer me and give that same grace to yourself too 🫂💞

This Week's Astro News

This week brings Pisces season, the start of eclipse season, and next week Mercury Retrograde begins (aka you're cordially invited to buckle up, buttercup 🙃)

Tue 2/17 at 7:01am ET — Annular Solar Eclipse New Moon in Aquarius

First and most important, what's not pictured in these cards is *eclipse energy* and that definitely makes a difference. Think of those vibes and key concepts on the moon card in an even more amplified way. I think under eclipses people can be even more emotion-ruled, and this accounts for the higher sensitivity, the overwhelming or intense feeling, the erratic behavior. An eclipse asks us how do we feel about + handle the unexpected? Aquarius, "The Innovator," likes the unexpected and honestly craves it. The Aquarian in us can thrive in eclipse energy when we embrace the unknown and stand in our humanity.

Wed 2/18 at 10:51am ET — Sun enters Pisces

Pisces Season 2026 begins! The Sun moving into Pisces the day after an eclipse is definitely an indicator that some of us may feel a bit laid out by our emotions. BUT I will say that the gift of Pisces is surrendering to the infinite, and so if you can remind yourself that no matter how big things feel there is space for all of it, and that bigness or overwhelm will dissipate in time. Connect, connect, connect with the relationships in your life that fill your cup because they are often the key to moving through our most difficult Piscean moments.

Thu 2/26 at 1:48am ET — Mercury Stations Retrograde in Pisces

Mercury entered on Fri 2/6, its entire retrograde cycle will take place in the sign of Pisces during the duration of the sun's Pisces season, ending on the same day the sun moves into Aries on 3/20.

(Quick Recommendation: Inside That Witch School, All-Access students can learn more about Retrograde Cycles in the Complete Astrology Resources Library, and Essentials and Starter students can check out the same Retrograde Cycles lesson in the Astrology Starter Pack. Not a member of That Witch School yet? Join us today!)

Mercury likes communication, Pisces likes connection. There are definitely similarities in these concepts, but they are also very different. Mercurial communication is very typical- spoken conversation, written word, etc. Piscean connection isn't what I'd call typical, and while spoken conversation and written word can be part of the equation, it's really about the unspoken and nonverbal message underneath. Mercury likes facts, data, and information that is or can be spelled out. Pisces says, "All of that is great, but what do you sense? What do you feel? What does it mean for you?"

So this Mercury Retrograde in Pisces, during Pisces season, beginning amidst eclipse season—well, I'd say there's going to be some frustration ahead. I'd be shocked if we weren't met with at least a mishap or two (that's me trying to put a positive, light spin on it 😅), and I believe there's purpose waiting for us in bridging the gaps between Mercury Communication and Pisces Connection.

My Witchy Advice this week?

I'd say ignoring your emotions won't make you feel them any less, and that they also don't have to steer the wheel of your life (queue Incubus' Drive). Call on your gods and your guides right now for emotional support and regulation.

Sacred activities that keep the hands busy and the mind focused are a blessing (and can definitely bridge any Mercury-Pisces gaps) like crafting, sewing, knitting/crocheting, painting, drawing, coloring, puzzles, playing an instrument, writing, cooking, cleaning, building, fixing/mending, gardening (indoor plants count!), and gaming (digital or analog games). Whatever the activity, envision the task is moving you through one stitch, one stroke, one swipe, etc. at a time.

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It's 5:55pm  as I'm finishing this up, and here at the end I'm reminded again about one of the things I love about written content—it's so easy for me to get up and do other things, then return to my flow after 😂✨

It's felt truly so wonderful to spend a Sunday afternoon writing to you, neighbor. Feel free to comment your thoughts or questions about this week's astrology.

I'll talk to you soon, and until then make sure you stay safe, have fun, and stay magickal out there.

If you’ve never been here before, welcome! I’m so glad you found our little witchy neighborhood here. I’m Dani, I’m That Witch Next Door—your host, your guide, your mentor, and spiritual bestie in all things modern witchcraft & cosmic living ✨