I can’t believe 2022 is almost over! I say it every year, but this one really flew by for me. From having my baby girl to navigating motherhood to moving house- I feel like I'm just trying to keep my head above water.
If you knew me in real life, you’d know I’m a planner. In fact, I have been bullet journaling for at least five years now. It’s become one of my favorite ways to relax. Something about decluttering, organizing & listing all my mental clutter within one notebook, really puts me at ease.
However, this year the only planning I’ve done has been within the Notes app on my phone. It’s definitely not ideal and doesn’t bring me the same kind of joy bullet journaling does; but it’s efficient enough. And with a fussy infant going through sleep regression after sleep regression, it’s all I seem to be able to handle.
Even the idea of “planning” feels like a joke. As a new parent, I’ve learned my plans are merely a hopeful fantasy- soon to be derailed and thwarted by this adorable little toothless human.
Now- instead of concrete plans, I have “little wins” or mini-goals to achieve. Along with the daily merry go ‘round of diaper changes, feedings, pumping, naps & bottle washing- simply getting ready for the day or being able to wash a load of laundry counts as a win.
This got me thinking about the New Year and my “plans” for 2023. Surely theYear of the Toddler would promise more of the same exhaustion, if not more so. How could I possibly plan for a year which is almost guaranteed to be defined by its unpredictable nature? What little wins could I look forward to? What habits could I anchor, so that even when my day is commandeered by my baby- I can still show up for these mini-goals? What kind of magick will help assist with this feat?
Journal Manifestation Magick
When looking back at what kind of magick has worked the best for me- I can’t help but think of my visualization journal. It’s basically a vision board within a sketchbook.
Through this journal I got the apartment of my dreams, the best paying job I’ve ever had and a brand new car. I was at my most abundant- effortlessly magnetic, and I think it had something to do with this book.
And then 2020 happened- I was laid off from my dream job, could hardly afford my lovely apartment and to add insult to injury, the very next year my husband got in a bad accident leaving our car totaled. The very best thing to come out of the past two years has been our baby girl, for which I am eternally grateful. But not a day goes by that I don’t wish we could provide her with a better life. I also think it’s important to acknowledge the current state of our country- inflation is out of control and minimum wage hasn’t budged. Lots of us are hurting now more than ever as we stare down the mouth of another Great Recession.
So how can we possibly manifest considering the times we’re in?
I should start by noting that simply pasting pictures of what you desire within your journal is not enough. Manifestation truly requires rewiring your brain, specifically if you have any mental blocks or shadows which are unconsciously blocking your magick. Your mind has to believe that what you want is already on its way. You can’t just trick it with mindless affirmations. Your brain is too smart for that. It needs to be convinced and that’s pretty hard to do if you allow a continuous loop of limited beliefs to play unchecked.
In my case, the limiting beliefs are consistently being reinforced by various hardships. And even though it pains me to say this because it’s so cliche it’s bordering cringe- the trick is gratitude. Highlighting the abundance in your life- no matter how small, you can begin to shift your focus on the kinds of things you want to attract more of. Think of it as a mental trigger. The moment you start spiraling into a pity party of limiting thoughts and scarcity mentality- flip that switch and pivot your thoughts toward something you know you’re 100% grateful for. This repetitive thought process begins to create new neural pathways and starve the limiting ones.
For more information on this, I recommend checking out the EXPANDED Podcast by To Be Magnetic. It's based on neural manifestation which combines neuroscience with psychology, epigenetics and spirituality.
NOW, with that being said- let’s talk about the fun part- the Journal Manifestation Magick. This is fun because the act of working in your manifestation journal is exciting. It may seem like just a silly little arts and crafts project but the true magick lies in how it makes you feel. It ignites your spirit and sparks a giddiness from within. That’s the energy you want to tap into!
Cleanse. Bless. Protect.
As we do with a lot of our magical tools- cleansing, blessing and protecting is a way to transform this mundane journal, which has been sitting on the shelves of your local bookstore simmering in its limp manufactured energetic- into a living, magnetic embodiment of your manifestations. Cleanse away its commercial bleh, bless it with an intention- give it a name, allow it to develop its own personality. And then protect it- not only from naysaying cynics but more importantly the cynic within your own subconscious.
Pictures vs Words
Use what works! If you’re an avid reader or simply enjoy writing- describe in detail your manifestations as if they’ve already been acquired. This is called scripting. But if you’re not inspired by words, by all means- use pictures. There’s a reason why vision boards are so popular. A picture has the power to inspire instantly. You can go old school and clip pics from magazines or print out various images from Pinterest.
Craft Magickal Ink
Choose a pen exclusively for working in your manifestation journal. Or better yet, craft a magickal ink which you have fixed for magnetism. Use this for scripting or drawing various symbols of power.
Anoint with Fixed Oils
Use fixed oils to anoint your pages or use them to draw runes and sigils. I like to draw a sigil and paste a picture of what I want on top of it. This is the one that got me approved for my dream apartment.
Paint with Charged Moon Water
If you want to get even more creative, use Charged Moon Water to paint with watercolors. This is a great way to add a bit of color magick to your pages. I prefer New Moon Water for manifesting but use whichever moon phase feels the most magnetic to you.
Use Dried Herbs
Sprinkle your pages with dried herbs or flowers for added Earth energy. I especially like catnip for its playful attraction properties. If you don’t mind the mess, you could just keep it loose but I want to try experimenting with Mod Podge. I think the adhesive element could be another interesting way to add a binding energetic.
Candle Magick
Dress a candle with Road Opener Oil and let it burn sitting on top of your journal. Use a good candleholder with feet so you don’t burn your book. This would also be a good time to meditate and visualize your book’s contents coming to fruition.
Like I said, this was a hard year in many ways but I’m hopeful we will take the lessons learned in 2022 and manifest the best 2023 possible. Wishing you all a blessed and safe New Year!
xoxo, Snow
