Dana Maria Basilone, LMT

08/05/2026

08/04/2026

namaste 🌷✨

🌿 Welcome, August — A New Month of Purpose, Joy & Meaning

A new month does not require us to have everything figured out. It simply offers us another gentle opportunity to pause, listen inwardly, and return to what makes life feel meaningful.

The Japanese concept of Ikigai is often understood as our “reason for being”—the quiet purpose that encourages us to rise each morning with hope. It may be found in the people we love, the kindness we offer, the work that matters to us, the beauty we create, or the simple moments that make us feel fully alive.

As we begin August, may we stop measuring our lives only by productivity and begin asking:

✨ What brings me genuine joy?
✨ What gifts am I ready to nurture?
✨ How can I contribute with compassion?
✨ What gives my days a deeper sense of meaning?

You do not need to discover one perfect purpose. Your Ikigai may grow, soften, and change with each season of your life.

May August gently guide you toward what nourishes your heart, serves others, and makes you grateful to be alive. 🪷

May you be well.
May you be happy.
May you live with purpose and peace.

07/29/2026

so far my summer has been dreamy..i planted flowers from seeds visited the ocean joined the fae for an ethereal day, attended the 72nd choir festival fireworks at mohonk one of my favorite days was spending the summer solstice at kent falls having a picnic reading by a stream and playing in the waterfall pools when the sun was at its peak. I made a beautiful tincture for the solstice with calendula rose and chamomile and sun tea to celebrate the height of the season. the sun on my face brought such healing energy to my soul. today it is raining which i love for so many reasons also, as i am reflecting on what a great summer it has been so far.

07/29/2026

Cyclamen carries the appearance of something delicate, yet its true strength remains buried underground.

Its swept-back petals rise above the soil while a rounded tuber rests beneath the surface, storing life through difficult seasons. This hidden growth made the flower a natural symbol of secrecy, endurance, fertility, and power concealed from view.

Cyclamen has long appeared in medicinal and magical plant lore. Ancient writers described uses connected with childbirth, desire, protection, and serpent bites, while later traditions treated it as a love charm and a guardian against harmful influence.

Its direct ancient connection to Hecate is less securely documented. The association found in modern witchcraft likely comes from shared symbolism: underground roots, liminal spaces, protection, fertility, and the mysteries hidden beneath the earth. Hecate herself was strongly connected with boundaries, crossroads, ghosts, and household guardianship.

In magical practice, cyclamen may represent protection at the threshold, devotion that survives hardship, hidden strength, and love that does not require possession.

It is a flower for the doorway.

For the guarded heart.

For the life quietly rebuilding beneath the surface.

Cyclamen reminds us that what appears fragile may be rooted in something ancient, persistent, and far more powerful than anyone can see.

Quick Safety Note: Cyclamen contains toxic compounds and should not be consumed or used internally. Could be used to decorate your altar.

07/22/2026

07/21/2026

We do not become healers.
We came as healers. We are.
Some of us are still catching up to what we are.

We do not become storytellers.
We came as carriers of the stories
we and our ancestors actually lived. We are.
Some of us are still catching up to what we are.

We do not become artists. We came as artists. We are.
Some of us are still catching up to what we are.

We do not become writers.. dancers.. musicians.. helpers.. peacemakers. We came as such. We are.
Some of us are still catching up to what we are.

We do not learn to love in this sense.
We came as Love. We are Love.
Some of us are still catching up to who we truly are.
-Clarissa Pinkola Estes-

Photo: This image was created by artist Elena Kukanova