Stargazing, New Moon, and A New Chapter at TNS 🪷

Join me as we explore the significance of new beginnings written in our stars, wander through beautiful gardens, and get a sneak peek at the exciting changes coming to The Nourished Sensitive soon!

Dear friends and readers,

It's a rainy Friday afternoon here in Maine, as I’m snuggled under a blanket on my couch, writing this love letter to you. I hope it reaches you wherever you are with feelings of ease, softness, and relaxation as we head into the weekend.

Today, I’d like to nerd out a little over what’s happening in our night sky, share some stories from my personal life, and update you on a new chapter we’re writing for The Nourished Sensitive.

So, grab your favorite sip (I’m savoring this Seasonal Strawberry Nectarine Smoothie), turn on a lazy afternoon playlist (here’s one), and let’s catch up.

In today’s Love Letter, we’ll explore:

• ✨ Three celestial events shaping our lives right now—and how they offer valuable insights for your personal growth as an HSP.

• ✨ The beauty of starting a new chapter—what it means for you as a sensitive soul and how to embrace it.

• ✨ A sneak peek into the future of The Nourished Sensitive—including exciting updates on our soon-to-launch online sensitive sanctuary.

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Have You Looked Up (at) the Sky, Lately?

If you're a bit of an amateur astrology and astronomy nerd like me, and tend to find and create meaning in life's little oddities and coincidences, while relishing the tiny thrill of repeating numbers, you might be feeling a special significance lately when gazing up at the stars this past week.

Now, to be clear I am not an astrology expert or even a devoted hobbyist, but here at The Nourished Sensitive, we're all about acknowledging life's little magical moments and feeling connected to something greater than ourselves.

Astrology—a practical astronomy in its earliest form is one way we can feel connected to this sense of meaning in our lives. Looking up at the heavens, seeking meaning in their vastness, offers us a sense of connectedness to the magical mysteries of life—and ultimately, something much greater than ourselves.

(Side note: Astrology is for everyone. You don’t have to believe in anything particular, or be spiritually “in-the-know”. You also aren’t asked to betray your belief system or chosen faith to learn about this art. Astrology, in it simplest form, is simply what’s going on up there with the physical stars and planets of our Universe, plus the meaning and significance we assign to it. So, if you’re even a little curious and can suspend your disbelief or skepticism, keep reading. It’s just for fun, pinky promise.)

This week, we experienced three major astrological events or happenings, that are so special and worth learning and sharing about, and I share because it’s been a very significant time for me both personally and in my work.

One of my favorite parts of looking up at the night sky, especially with a friend, is the sense of connectedness to everything and everyone through our shared experience of being on this planet, underneath this sky.

So, I invite you to grab your blanket and imagine you’re laying down in a field of wildflowers with me. Let’s look up, keep our hearts open, and see what we find.

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First major event: New Moon in Leo

Right now, the moon is “new”, meaning the side of the Moon that is illuminated by the Sun faces away from Earth, and so cannot be seen. The new moon is the start of a new lunar cycle, which is like a kind of fresh start. When the moon is new, it’s generally an advantageous time to reflect on your last month or so, and decide what new seeds of intention you wish to plant for the month ahead.  

Here are some examples of what New Moon intention-setting might look like:

• Work-Life Balance:
  "Reflecting on last month, I noticed that work often spilled into my personal time, leaving me drained. This month, as the moon becomes more full, I intend to set clear work boundaries by avoiding emails after 6 PM and dedicating an hour each evening to unwind without screens. I’ll also reserve one day each weekend for self-care activities like reading or walking."

• Mindful Mornings:
  "Last month, I struggled with feeling overwhelmed in the mornings. To change this, as the moon brightens in the sky each night, I intend to start each day with a calming routine, waking up 30 minutes earlier to meditate, stretch, or journal. This will help me stay grounded and less overwhelmed throughout the day."

• Supportive Relationships:
  "Looking back, I realized some interactions left me feeling drained. This month, by the time the moon is full, I intend to deepen connections with friends and family who uplift me. I’ll schedule weekly calls or meetups and practice assertive communication to maintain healthy, supportive relationships."

Do you see how magical it can be to live your life with intention, and in alignment and awareness of your place and what’s happening in the Universe?

Now, if you simply don’t believe in “magic” or a moon phase carrying special powers, that’s perfectly okay. Perhaps you believe in God, and you look at the new moon as a reminder of God’s love and the beauty of Creation. In any case, you can simply use the new moon as a celestial notification to remember to connect and reflect with yourself at least once a month. Isn’t that nice?

It’s also cool to realize that when the moon is new, and isn’t shining brightly, this means that the night sky is darker, and so the stars and planets become more visible. If you haven't looked up in awhile, it’s the perfect time to go outside at night and get a nice, nourishing dose of feeling small, yet somehow deeply significant at the same time.

In addition to being new, the moon is also currently positioned in the part of the sky that corresponds to the astrological sign of Leo: the sign of the Lion. According to my friend and astrologer, Chelsea Jewel (who creates this amazing ✨Google Calendar Astrology Integration✨ that you've gotta try!), here’s a little bit of what the New Moon in Leo represents:

 “[The New Moon in Leo] is a time for setting new intentions around around being seen for who you truly are, standing out, and expressing your most authentic heart. [Like a lion], the Leo is not afraid to be bold and receive attention. In its highest light, it inspires others to similarly be unafraid of shining bright.”

*cue*

…and I just can’t WAIT! to be KING!” energy (or QUEEN in your case 😘)

While the moon remains new, now is the time for you to ask yourself:

Am I listening to my heart's deepest calling, living a heart-and-soul led life?

If I’ve been ignoring that call, can I tap into the courageous spirit of the lion (Leo) to move past any fears I might have of…

being seen,

being known,

being who I truly am?

This is especially important work for us sensitive folks, who may be prone to wanting to hide away the parts of us that we don’t want others to see (like our caring hearts, our deep feelings, and our thoughtful minds). Here at The Nourished Sensitive, you don’t have to feel bad about who you are deep down.

So, I invite you to really ponder these questions.

And if they feel overwhelming, or scary, maybe, if you can, go lay down and look up at the stars tonight. I promise they will help you feel more at ease with such big questions, and will shine a light on whatever answer is in your heart.

Are you a stargazer? Did you give this a try? Share with me in the comments, cause’ I love to know what's at the heart of this community.

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Second Major Event: Full Circle since the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

Exactly four months yesterday, I held my breathe, my heart, and my best friend Marina (@cosmicmarina), as we looked up together with awe and excitement at the sight of our Moon crossing over our Sun during the Total Solar Eclipse of April 4th, 2024, which was visible across parts of Mexico and along a narrow path stretching from Texas to Maine in North America.

I personally viewed the eclipse from my Earthly vantage point at a remote place in the very far northern part of the state of New Hampshire, at a state park that took me and my partner Daryl and our dog Mika about 2.5 hours to reach. Gathered with humans from all walks of life, including a small group of close friends, and the sounds of a nearby waterfall, I looked up and saw something that my eyes had never seen before.

The Sun, the one that always shines, went out gentle like an blown candle at bedtime, except it was…the middle of the day. The light on the ground was strange. The birds were insane, and the people cheered. For 3.5 minutes, this continued as I stared directly at the Sun’s corona, as visible redish sparks (solar flares) danced off the edges. I was mesmerized, enchanted, a little uneasy (is the sun gonna come back?).

Came back she did (phew!), and it just felt right in that moment to make a wish.

This experience was honestly, without question, one of the most important and transformative experiences of my life, and so as not to overwhelm you, or give you too much FOMO (fear of missing out), I’ll spare you the poetic details. Besides, it’s actually really hard to put into words exactly how moving and magical it was to be a part of seeing such a relatively rare event.

And even if I could, I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise for you. 😉

Bottom Line: you simply must see it for yourself. I truly believe that everyone should make time to see at least one total solar eclipse in their lifetime (more if possible).

If you haven't already, go find your bucket list right now, and write “see total solar eclipse” at the top. Not cause’ I said so, but because we live in an absolutely gorgeous Universe, and you are an inextricable part of that.

Already witnessed a total eclipse? Please comment below and share what that experience was like for you (so it feels like we saw it together!)

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Third Major Event: The Lions Gate Portal (8/8/8)

Adding to the magic and significance of a new moon and total solar eclipse, yesterday on August, 8th, 2024, a kind of starlit “door” opened up in our sky when

🌏 our planet, The Earth,

+ our star The Sun, ☀️

+ the constellation of Leo in our solar system, ♌🦁

+ the brightest star in our Milky Way Galaxy, 'Sirius 🌟,

all lined up in our sky (The Cosmos) 🌌.

Woahhhh. 🥹

In astrology, these times of the alignment of celestial bodies, are referred to as “portals” and the most recent one opened on August 8th (8/8/8 if you add up all the numbers). Gives just a little thrill, doesn’t it?

Now, since the moon is in Leo (sign of the Lion), we call this door the “Lions Gate Portal”. It is said to be a time when manifestation (bringing new things into existence through the power of your intention), spiritual awakening (connecting with your spiritual awareness), and personal transformation (becoming the next and best version of yourself) is said to become more possible for us “mere mortal” Earthlings.

The thing is, long before smartphones, social media, and Substack newsletters took over our collective attention span, we were once a planetary species, deeply connected to the rhythms of nature and our galaxy, as well as the meaning that we collective created as we observed these events from the ground.

In ancient Egyptian times, the rising of Sirius, marked the beginning of the annual flooding of the Nile, which was essential for the fertility of the land. This event was thus seen as a time of renewal and abundance. Similarly, the ‘Lions Gate Portal’ is viewed as a time of spiritual renewal and a gateway to higher consciousness.

It’s a time when the land is fertile, and ripe.

With our Sun in Leo during this time, we may also choose to feel more connected to, or work on embodying the qualities of the Lion—courage, strength, and leadership. The lion’s gate “energy” encourages us as highly-sensitive individuals to embrace our inner power and take bold steps toward our goals.

What goals are you working towards right now that you need a lil’ courage for? I’d love to hear.

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The Significance of this Time: A New Chapter.

Since I know that “astrology-speak” often comes across like ‘Spiritual Swahili’, and we’re all about making things accessible and inclusive to all at The Nourished Sensitive, let me try to get us all on the same page by breaking this down a little bit more in plain human-speak.

Portal is just another name for a door, so you can think of an astrological portal, like the ‘Lion’s Gate Portal’, as a door. Literally, just picture a door such as the one that opens to your home, or a gate that leads to a beautiful garden, and see how it moves from one space to another. What do you sense, what ideas does it bring up?

A door is transitional, it carries us forward into the next thing. 🚪

To illustrate this further, here’s a picture I snapped during my recent weekend solo trip to Montreal which shows an arched gateway leading to the Rose Garden at the Botanical Gardens (and it just happens to have a lion positioned at the front, so it’s perfect to illustrate this.)

Symbolically, a door or a portal represents a transition, a transformation, or a new beginning (such as moving from the Lion into the Rose Garden).

It might also signify moving from one phase of life to another, entering a new chapter, or experiencing a profound change (think: the newlywed carried across the threshold into their married life).

So bringing it all together, this Lions Gate “Portal” we're all living through underneath our night sky (whether we know it or not) represents a kind of universal transition from one space to another, a transformation, or a new chapter.

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Are you entering a new chapter in your life?

If so, these three astrological events may have you sensing change, feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty, and reflecting on where you’ve been and where you want to go. You might feel a quiet energy or inspiration, along with a sense of possibility, even if the path isn’t fully clear yet.

Transitions and change may also have you feeling a bit overwhelmed, as the unknown can be both thrilling and daunting, and you’re wondering if you’re truly ready for what’s ahead (you are!)

But I get it, change and transition is often hard for us sensitive souls.

My advice as a fellow HSP walking the same path? Trust these feelings—they’re signs that you’re on the verge of something deeply meaningful to you. Remember that your fear and uncertainty are here to guide you, and that this is your moment to embrace change with courage, and explore what’s ahead with wonder and curiosity.

So, please share with me in the comments if you’re resonating with all this. I’m feeling curious, and I love to hear your thoughts and stories!

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A New Chapter in The Nourished Sensitive Story

Now, I want to share a little bit about how I’m feeling through this time of change, transition, and new chapters. (hint: really excited and proud!)

I’m beginning an exciting new chapter at The Nourished Sensitive, and I want you to write it with me. To start, TNS is getting a brand new and beautiful home!

That’s right, we’re building a new website! And I couldn’t be more excited to bring you along for this journey.

For those of you who have been a part of TNS since the beginning of this story, from my former clients to newsletter subscribers and followers on Instagram new and old, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You, who have been part of this vision and mission, and an essential part of what we’re creating; a story about a world where sensitivity is honored, cherished, and nourished as a sacred gift.

So, if you’re still here with me, and you’d like to get a clearer picture of what’s to come, close your eyes for a moment, take a deep breath, and picture the most beautiful garden you’ve ever seen.

When you have it, open your eyes and continue reading to the end where I’ll ask you to finish the story.

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The Nourished Sensitive: A Sanctuary for the Sensitive Soul.

Imagine walking into a tranquil, beautifully curated garden—a space where every element is intentionally designed to nurture and soothe your senses. This “Garden” will be the heart of our online home, a place we all tend to, where you can find peace, authenticity, personal expansion, inspiration, and a deep sense of connection as HSPs.

A sanctuary for the butterflies to rest, transform, and nourish.

As you navigate this online space, you’ll follow gentle paths, each leading to a new discovery. These paths are lined with soft, blooming flowers, symbolizing the different aspects of The Nourished Sensitive—each petal representing a piece of wisdom, a story, or a resource designed to support your journey as a sensitive soul.

New content will soon be growing like flowerbeds, each section carefully planted and tended to. From the ‘Garden Notes’ blog to the planned ‘Toolshed’ of resources, everything will be arranged like a garden in full bloom—rich with color, life, nourishment, and vitality.

Imagine each article, guide, resource, or story as a rose that you can pick and hold, taking in its beauty and meaning; breathing in its sweet fragrance for a renewed sense of nourishment. 🌹

At the center of our garden will stand a majestic tree, symbolizing the deep roots of our community and the strength of our shared values. This will be a gathering place, where you can sit, reflect, learn, share, and feel the grounding energy of what we will built together as a community of HSPs.

Just as a garden changes with the seasons, so too will our online space. Each visit will offer something new—fresh blooms in the spring, lush greens in the summer, warm hues in the autumn, and a cozy, introspective atmosphere in the winter. This evolving environment will keep our space feeling alive, vibrant, and ever-growing.

The Nourished Sensitive will help us thrive as sensitive souls, by drawing us close to Mother Nature, beauty, and (most of all), love.

Scattered throughout the garden will be quiet nooks—secluded spaces where you can pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. These nooks will offer gentle reminders to slow down, reflect, and find peace in the present moment.

This garden isn’t just a visual experience; it’s a space designed to nourish your mind, body, and soul—holistically. Because, you are a whole person who deserves to feel whole.

Together with Verô, I’m crafting a home that will feel like a safe, warm embrace—a place where sensitive people can explore, rest, and grow, surrounded by the beauty and care that our community will provide.

While this vision is not done complete, and things may change (as things so often do), I simply cannot wait to share more with you as ‘The Nourished Sensitive Garden’ blossoms into reality.

Thank you so, so for being part of this journey with me. I hope you’ll continue to follow along as I work to share my process with you and the transformation I’m going through.

It is my intention to reach out more, and share my stories.

It is my intention to say hello, and let you know I care.

It is my intention to spread beauty and love.

Wherever I go. 💐

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Sending love to you from the bottom of my heart,

💗 Leah

PS. What happens next in this new chapter of The Nourished Sensitive? Help me write the story. ✍️

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Hi, I’m Leah, the creative lover behind these letters. As a visual storyteller, I express myself through art, music playlists, and candid photography, all infused with my love for life’s little moments—like a warm cup of tea or a sunrise hike.

As the founder of The Nourished Sensitive, I provide a sanctuary where sensitive individuals can learn to harness their unique gifts, find their own path to nourishment, and embrace their authentic selves.

My purpose is to illuminate the value of sensitivity as a world-healing superpower and be part of creating a world where the trait of sensitivity is recognized for its incredible potential to foster deep understanding, creativity, beauty, connection, and peace.

I inspire humans like you to put yourselves first, harness your sensitivities as strengths, and find a creative expression that serves you and the world, enabling you to lead a richer, more authentic, and purposeful life.

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Ways to Support Our Mission at TNS

The Nourished Sensitive mission is to unique sensitive individuals to foster mutual growth, holistic wellness, and learning, helping us live authentically and contribute meaningfully to the world.

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If our content and mission resonates with you, here are a few meaningful ways to support the work we do.

🌐 Visit Our Website – Explore all that we offer, including our latest blog posts, membership options, and resources: nourishedsensitive.com.

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Thank you for being here and for supporting a more inclusive, compassionate world. Together, we’re growing something beautiful. 🌿