The Dragon Compass

19/08/2026

The Hazel Moon is reaching its First Quarter phase.

We are now in the waxing action phase of the lunar cycle, moving from the New Moon towards the Full Moon.

At the New Moon, the Moon Cycle Practice encouraged reflection on the previous month: what went well, what you learnt, and what you want to achieve during this cycle.

Now the emphasis shifts firmly into action.

What are you doing now to bring what you learnt at the New Moon into action?

The Hazel Moon brings wisdom, learning and reflection, while Leo adds confidence, creativity and self-expression.

First Quarter is a good point to use those qualities consciously, strengthen what you have already begun and keep moving towards what you want to achieve during this Moon cycle.

Until next time, Until next time, see what unfolds as you keep putting this month’s learning into practice.

You can still join this month’s New Moon Practice.

Subscribe here: https://www.nicolabeard.com/moon-practice

Nikki x

19/08/2026

Tai Chi for Better Health in Hucclecote, Gloucester.

I have Tai Chi for Better Health classes at Pineholt Village Hall on:

* Monday afternoons 14:00 - 15:00

* Thursday evenings 17:45 - 18:45

The classes combine flowing Tai Chi movements with mindful awareness, with a focus on balance, posture, mobility and coordination.

Shibashi is often described as meditation in motion, and the movements are slow, flowing and accessible.

If you’d like to come along, you can find full details and book here: www.nicolabeard.com/classes

Please feel free to share with anyone locally who may be interested.
Nikki x

I also have classes in the Forest too - click the link above to find out more.











Hucclecote Parish Council

18/08/2026

Sunrise at Stonehenge today (18th August) was at 5.59am, sunset is at 8.23pm 🌥️

17/08/2026

Took a trip up May Hill after class this evening - what wonderful views. I think thats Sugar Loaf Mountain - Wales, in the hazy background?

17/08/2026

Tai Chi for Better Health in the Forest of Dean

I have Tai Chi for Better Health classes at May Hill Village Hall on Monday evenings, 6.30–7.30pm, and Huntley Village Hall on Tuesday mornings 10:30 - 11.30am.

The classes combine flowing Tai Chi movements with mindful awareness, with a focus on balance, posture, mobility and coordination.

Shibashi is often described as meditation in motion, and the movements are slow, flowing and accessible.

If you’d like to come along, you can find full details and book here: www.nicolabeard.com/classes

Please feel free to share with anyone locally who may be interested.

Nikki x

I also have classes in Gloucester too - click the link above to find out more.

17/08/2026

Notice the Doors Opening

This is something I often talk to my daughter about. Sometimes, in work, life or relationships, we have to force a door to close to allow a new one to open.

Last week I wrote about taking time to reflect and giving ourselves enough space to notice what is going on in both the body and the mind.

Reflection can help us see things more clearly.

Sometimes that means recognising what is changing. A door may be closing, a situation may be coming to an end, or something may simply have run its course.

Closing a door can free up space, time and attention. It can help us see what else is there.

It is easy to keep looking at the door that has closed, especially when it has been an important part of our life. But there may also be another door opening.

Something new may be becoming possible. A different direction may be appearing. An idea may be starting to take shape, or an opportunity may be sitting quietly in front of us waiting to be noticed.

We are now moving towards the First Quarter Moon, and the moon becoming brighter, moving towards next week's full moon.

For me, this feels like a good time to notice what is opening up.

What doors are opening for you?

And is there one you need to close so you can see them more clearly?

Until next time, keep an eye on the doors that are opening.
Nikki x

Image © Nicola Beard.
Photographed 8th April 2026
Location: Tintagel Castle

15/08/2026

What a happy chappy 🪶

Start the weekend how you mean to go on. Like this bouncy, bouncy Robin 🤗

And let’s all do our bit to help wildlife beat the heatwave this weekend by creating a bird bath or putting out some water for our garden friends 🐦‍⬛

Top tip: it’s best to use tap water*, replace the water daily and make sure you give it a thorough clean at least once a week to help prevent the spread of diseases.

📸 by Robert Sawyer



*Subject to location

15/08/2026

In June, while travelling through Northumbria, we saw a heron standing at the side of the road. It was completely still, watching, and as we passed it looked directly towards the car.

It was one of those moments that stayed with me, so I looked into its meaning.

The heron has long been associated with patience, independence, self-reliance and quiet wisdom.

You can see where some of this symbolism comes from in the way the bird lives. A heron can stand almost motionless at the water’s edge, watching and waiting for the right moment to act.

Then it moves with remarkable speed and accuracy.

The heron waits, watches and moves when the time is right.

Herons are often solitary birds, which adds to their association with independence and self-reliance. They are equally at home standing on land, wading through water and flying through the air.

That ability to move between three different environments adds another layer to their symbolism:
* Land is traditionally associated with grounding and the physical world
* Water with emotion and intuition
* Air with thought, perspective and communication.

The heron moves between all three, adapting to each environment while remaining completely itself. Perhaps that is part of why seeing one in Northumbria stayed with me.

The more I thought about the heron and its symbolism, the more I realised it already had a much older connection with my life. In 1982 we moved to the Heron Estate, and I went to Heron Primary School. The name was part of my childhood, so seeing that heron all these years later brought back a connection I had forgotten.

Perhaps there is something useful in the heron’s behaviour for us too. When life feels as though it needs an immediate answer, there can be value in observing what is happening first.

Sometimes awareness comes first, and movement follows when the direction becomes clearer.

Until next time, think about whether any birds or animals connect with you.
Nikki x

Image: Stock

14/08/2026

The next stop on my Northumbrian pilgrimage was Housesteads Roman Fort, one of the best-preserved Roman forts along Hadrian’s Wall.

Housesteads was built shortly after work began on Hadrian’s Wall in AD 122. Known to the Romans as Vercovicium, it was occupied for more than 250 years and housed an auxiliary infantry unit of around 800 men.

Its position on the Whin Sill gave the Romans a strong vantage point across the surrounding landscape. The fort formed part of the wider frontier system of Hadrian’s Wall, helping to control movement, organise troops and support Roman military presence in the north of Britain.

A few of the practical details really caught my attention during the visit.

The communal latrines are remarkably well preserved. The Romans used channels and running water as part of the drainage system, showing just how organised their approach to sanitation and everyday life was.

The granaries were just as interesting. Feeding hundreds of soldiers required careful storage, so the buildings were designed to keep food dry, ventilated and protected. The floors were raised to allow air to circulate underneath, helping to reduce damp and spoilage.

I liked the small openings that allowed dogs to get underneath the raised floors and catch rats.

It is easy to focus on walls, gateways and military strategy when thinking about Roman forts, places like Housesteads also show the practical systems needed to keep a large community functioning day after day.

Food, water, sanitation, storage, drainage and maintenance were all part of life on the Roman frontier, and many of those systems can still be seen in the stonework today.

Until next time, what fascinates you about British history?
Nikki x

Image © Nicola Beard.
Date of Visit: 17th June 2026
Location Housesteads Roman Fort, Northumberland.

13/08/2026

The only positive thing about this hot weather is…

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