Hey all! I try to get these newsletters out right when the Sun moves into the next sign, but sometimes I get busy, as I did this year. I assure you it’s worth it and I’ve got some exciting news to announce in November.

So, we’re in Libra season and it’s the beginning of Fall. I have been loving the crisp Fall feels (yes, even in Southern Cali the weather starts to get cooler) when I go on my evening walks. I even saw a barn owl take flight the other day! 🦉

Libra season and the Fall Equinox overwhelmingly represent balance. The hours of daylight and night begin to even out, and we’re moving closer to the time when we begin to acknowledge our ancestors. Libra is a Venus ruled sign and it’s all about art, beauty, and social justice. (Did I ever tell you about that time I hung out with a group called Anarchist People of Color and nearly all the folks were Libras?) If you’re in any sort of social justice group you’re probably surrounded by Libras. Lots of them are visual artists as well and they are often beautiful and always well-dressed.

This is a wonderful season to seek balance in your life. And if you’re an artist of any type, Venus is in Libra until October 23rd, and Venus will help bring beauty into your world. This is a great time to work with Venus, so if you have a calling to work with her, I highly recommend starting that journey now. Venus is great for artists, for calling in luxury (and money), and also self-love. Small bits of advice for working with Venus: honor her on Friday, bring her flowers, and adorn yourself with the scent of rose or yling-ylang. Offer her wine and chocolate. Listen to some Lizzo or some Bat for Lashes (really any awesome femme singer will work). Wear your favorite shade of green (green is Venus’ color). (Quick beauty and money trick for writers: I love to paint my nails green or gold and imagine money flowing to me as I write 😉)

Libra Season Book Recommendation:

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Bad Indians: a Tribal Memoir, by Deborah A. Miranda

Because Libra is such a social justice and art oriented sign I thought this book would be perfect. This is a mix of art, family history, and poetry. Miranda is a descendent of two California Indian tribes, Ohlone and Costanoan-Esselen. Through this book she discusses her family history and memories alongside primary documents and the history of the California missions (and the later Indian land dispossession). Through her family stories and art Miranda is able to cover a history that most of us are barely familiar with. While this book can be trying to get through, I think it’s well written and about a topic that little is written about. Trigger warning: while I’ve read much worse than what Miranda describes, know that the history of California Indians is not for the faint of heart. The book contains descriptions of various types of abuse and acts of genocide.

Also, have you heard that Native American rights are currently being challenged in the Supreme Court? There’s a case called Brackeen v. Haaland that is questioning whether or not the Indian Child Welfare Act is constitutional. If the Supreme Court decides that the Indian Child Welfare Act (aka ICWA) is unconstitutional, it would be open season on all of Indian law . . . This means that Native rights to resources like gaming, land, water, and minerals could be called into question. These are rights and resources that have been promised to Indigenous people by the US government since Native people (were often forced to) sign(ed) those treaties way back when. Yikes!!

If it’s Libra season and you’re feeling that itch to see more justice in the world, please educate yourself about ICWA and the Brackeen v. Haaland case by checking out @protectICWA on Twitter and Instagram. I also highly recommend season 2 of the This Land podcast.

That’s all for Libra season!

XO, Demelza

PS Want to get that story out of your head and onto paper? Want to experience some story alchemy? Fill out the questionnaire and get 20% off of book coaching with the special 20Libra22* discount code.

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Connect with me: on Instagram @foxandthestoryteller, on Facebook: Demelza Champagne, my website: alchemical-writing.com, and email: demelzachampagne@gmail.com

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