The more I talk with people about reading, the more I hear the same gentle confession: “I want to read more, but it doesn’t feel as easy as it used to.”
Life is louder now. Our attention is pulled in so many directions, and the quiet space that reading once filled can feel harder to reach.
That is why I created this little reading ritual — not as another thing to do, but as a gentle reminder of how special reading can be. A book is more than words on a page; it is a place to rest, to dream, to learn, and to return to yourself for a while.
I hope this ritual helps you slow down, set the world aside for a few precious minutes, and rediscover the simple magic of opening a book and disappearing into a story.
A Little Reading Ritual
Gather what you need: a book, a cosy blanket, a warm drink, and perhaps the glow of a candle or a gentle lamp. Settle into your favourite chair, or find a quiet spot by a window where the light feels kind.
Before you begin, take three slow breaths. Let your shoulders soften. Allow the busyness of the day to drift a little further away with each exhale.
Hold your book for a moment and quietly say: "For the next little while, I choose stories over scrolling, imagination over distraction, and peace over pressure."
Now place your phone on silent and give yourself permission to be unavailable for a little while. Let this be a small pocket of time that belongs only to you.
Then open your book and simply read.
There is no need to finish a chapter or meet a goal. Even ten quiet minutes can be enough to soothe the mind and nourish the spirit.
When you are ready to stop, close your book gently and notice how you feel.
Reading is not another task to complete. It is a gentle invitation to rest, to wander, to imagine, and to spend time somewhere other than a screen.
May every page bring you a little more calm, a little more curiosity, and a little more joy.
Good Reads
One habit that has deepened my reading life is using Goodreads. I now write a short review for every book I finish. It doesn’t have to be clever or perfect; it’s simply a way of honouring the time I’ve spent reading and the years an author may have spent creating that book.
My memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be, so those little reviews have become a gift to my future self. When I look back through my Goodreads shelves, I’m not just reminded of the plot — I remember how the book made me feel, what I was thinking at the time, and why it mattered to me. A few sentences written today can bring an entire reading experience back to life months or even years later.
For me, Goodreads has become less about rating books and more about keeping a gentle record of my reading journey. It’s like a diary made of stories.
I use both the app on my phone and website www.goodreads.com you can add me as a friend on there by CLICKING HERE
The remarkable true story of Henry Harrod, Harrodsville, and the legal battle that captured New Zealand’s heart.
This week I had the honour of sharing my grandad Henry's story on Seven Sharp. Thank you to Erin and the Seven Sharp team for giving me the opportunity to honour his memory.
Some family stories become legends. This is one of ours.
When I was eleven years old, my grandfather, Henry Harrod, found himself in a legal battle with one of the most famous department stores in the world—Harrods of London. At the time, I didn't understand much of what was happening. I just knew there were newspaper reporters, lawyers' letters, and worried conversations between the adults. Looking back now, I realise how much the whole ordeal weighed on Grandad's shoulders.
Before all of that, he had already built something extraordinary. Grandad and his wife transformed an old girls’ home on Margaret Street in Palmerston North into a beautiful restaurant they called 'Harrods'. It was never just a place to eat; it became a destination where countless celebrations were shared. The gardens were stunning, weddings were held there, and in time motel units were added to the property. It became a place filled with laughter, milestones, and treasured memories for many people.
Here is a photo of Henry and Brenda on one of those special evenings, celebrating their wedding anniversary and the love they shared.
Some of my happiest childhood memories are from that place. I remember Grandad teaching me to ballroom dance. I remember the wonderful staff, who always made me feel welcome. I remember wandering through the restaurant and kitchen into the staff room, where Grandad would grin and ask if I wanted some licorice. It was his favourite, but with his mischievous sense of humour you were never quite sure what you were being offered real or fake licorice.
Then everything changed. In court, Harrods of London argued that people might believe there was a connection between the two businesses. What followed was, from what I remember and what I’ve since read on how far a famous brand’s reputation can stretch.
For a small family business in New Zealand, taking on one of the world's most famous retailers was overwhelming. The newspaper articles tell the legal story, but they don't tell the emotional one. They don't show what it feels like when your own surname suddenly becomes something you have to defend.
Then New Zealand stepped in. People across the country saw Grandad as the underdog. They believed a local businessman was being bullied by a global corporation. In one of the most wonderfully Kiwi responses imaginable, the town of Otorohanga temporarily renamed itself Harrodsville. Businesses changed their signs in support of my grandfather, transforming a legal dispute into a nationwide statement of solidarity.
It was more than a protest; it was a community saying, “We’re with you."
Although the legal battle came to an end, I think something else ended too. Grandad had poured his heart into that restaurant, and after years of stress, it just wasn't the same. In time, he sold the business and started a new chapter. Life moved on, as it always does, but the story of Harrods remained part of our family history.
Then, around twenty years later, something rather lovely happened. My auntie Lyn bought Grandad a ticket to London, and he finally visited the famous Harrods department store—the very place that had caused him so much stress all those years earlier. What had once been a source of worry became, in the end, a place he could see with his own eyes.
I've always imagined there was something healing about that visit. Perhaps he looked around and smiled. Perhaps he realised life was too short to carry old battles forever.
Today, if you look through the history of Harrods, you'll even find a small mention of my grandfather on the wikipedia page. His story became part of the history of one of the world's most famous stores.
But that's not how I remember him. I remember the man who taught me to dance and many other wonderful life and work ethics. I remember the beautiful gardens, the celebrations, the laughter, the smell of the restaurant, and the cheeky grin as he offered me "licorice." Those are the memories that matter. The court case made headlines. Henry Harrod made memories. And for me, that's the legacy worth remembering.
This photo below is one of the last photographs of the Harrod family together, except for my Dad, taken at our wedding in 2007. After Grandad’s cancer diagnosis, we didn’t know if he would make it to our wedding, but he stubbornly held on so he could share that day with us. I will always be grateful that he was there. Sadly, he passed away a few weeks later.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve realised that Grandad left me with another lesson, one that had nothing to do with restaurants or court cases. He taught me that not every fight is worth fighting.
Years later, I unintentionally used the name of a well-known trademarked essential oil blend. When the company contacted me, I simply said, “That’s okay, I’ll change it.” I had seen what years of legal stress could do to a person, and I knew I didn’t want that in my life.
Grandad’s story taught me that protecting your wellbeing, your joy, and the life you are trying to build can sometimes be the bravest choice of all.
These days, I would rather spend my energy creating a good life than fighting battles that cannot give me back what has already been lost.
Love you Grandad x
This week brings a rare and beautiful meeting of energies. The Aquarius Full Moon illuminates what's ready to be released, while Imbolc — the first quiet stirring of spring in the Southern Hemisphere — invites us to nurture what is just beginning to awaken.
Aquarius asks: What am I ready to free myself from so I can live more truthfully?
Imbolc asks: What small spark of hope, creativity, or healing is ready to grow?
Together, they form a threshold — between letting go and calling in.
What You'll Need
A white candle
Incense, herbs, or a bell for cleansing
Two small pieces of paper
A small envelope
A pen
Optional: dried flowers, herbs, ribbon, or a tiny crystal
A tarot or oracle deck
A cup of herbal tea or cacao for closing
Cleanse Your Space
Light the candle and take a slow breath. Cleanse your space with smoke, sound, or intention.
Say: As the light returns, I welcome clarity, courage, and new beginnings.
May this space be filled with peace, inspiration, and the gentle promise of spring.
Let the flame be both moonlight and hearth-light — illumination and warmth.
July 2026 Full Moon Meditation | Full Chakra Cleanse from The Psychic Soul Guided Meditations
This July 2026 Full Moon Meditation is an Aquarius guided meditation and chakra healing meditation for a full chakra cleanse. Join Crystal Heinemann of The Psychic Soul to balance all 7 chakras under the light of the full moon. In this Root-to-Crown Chakra meditation, the Aquarius water bearer blends water and air alchemy to help you release non beneficial energy, cleanse your chakras and aura, calm your nervous system, and restore your natural flow. Tibetan singing bowls and tuning forks create a gentle field of sound throughout your practice. Headphones are recommended so you can receive the full experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QliEpKP9yWo
Full Moon Release
On the first piece of paper, write what you're ready to release: old fears, habits, limiting beliefs, self-doubt, or anything that no longer aligns with your path.
Fold the paper. Burn it safely, or tear it into small pieces.
Say: Under the Aquarius Moon, I release what has completed its purpose.
I free myself from what keeps me small, and I make space for truth, freedom, and authenticity.
Let the moonlight carry those burdens away.
The Imbolc Seed Envelope
On the second piece of paper, answer:
Place the paper inside the envelope. Add any symbolic items you wish — a pressed flower for growth, lavender for peace, rosemary for clarity, a bay leaf with a wish, or a tiny crystal.
Write on the front: To the person I am becoming or Open at the Spring Equinox
Hold the envelope and say: I welcome the first light of what is becoming.
May this seed grow with patience, courage, and love.
Place it somewhere you'll see often. Open it at the Spring Equinox and notice what has begun to grow.
Aquarius Full Moon & Imbolc Tarot Spread
Lay the cards left to right, moving from release into renewal:
Let the cards tell their story then journal a few words for each card.
Closing Blessing
Hold your hands over the candle.
I release what has completed its purpose.
I welcome the first light of new possibilities.
Like the earth awakening beneath the soil, I trust that what I nurture with love and intention will grow.
May I walk forward with courage, wisdom, and an open heart.
May the returning light guide my steps, and may my spirit remember its own radiant truth.
So it is.
Finish with Gratitude
Pour a cup of tea or cacao. Sip slowly, and let yourself receive the energy of the moment.
Before extinguishing the candle, whisper one word you wish to carry into spring.
Carry the energy of this ritual with you in the days ahead. Notice the signs, the synchronicities, and the quiet invitations to begin again. You do not need to rush the unfolding of spring; every blossom starts as a hidden seed.
Blessed Full Moon. Blessed Imbolc. Blessed be.
One question I’m asked from time to time is, “Why would anyone buy a second‑hand tarot deck?” The truth is, there are countless reasons — and many of them are more meaningful than you might expect. Pre‑loved tarot and oracle decks have a charm all their own, and choosing one can be a deeply personal, practical, and even magical decision.
Some of the most beautiful tarot and oracle decks ever created are no longer in print. Once a publisher stops producing a deck, the only way to own it is to find a second‑hand copy. Collectors often spend years searching for that one elusive edition they’ve always dreamed of owning — and when they finally find it, it feels like discovering buried treasure.
Not everyone can spend $60–$100 on a brand‑new deck. Buying pre‑loved makes tarot more accessible, allowing beginners to start their journey and seasoned readers to expand their collection without stretching their budget.
Tarot decks retain their value surprisingly well. Many popular or out‑of‑print decks resell for close to their original price, and some even increase in value over time. A well‑cared‑for deck is a smart, sustainable purchase — you enjoy it now, and if your tastes change later, you can pass it on without losing much.
Indie decks are often created overseas, and international postage can be expensive — sometimes costing as much as the deck itself. Many websites now have three‑week or longer wait times for stock to arrive from overseas.
Buying second‑hand locally means you avoid high shipping fees, customs surprises, and long delays. Your deck arrives quickly, ready to be enjoyed.
Sometimes a deck simply doesn’t connect with its owner. Rather than sitting unused on a shelf, it can find someone who absolutely loves it. I’ve seen decks that never “spoke” to one reader become another person’s favourite companion.
Buying second‑hand is a wonderful way to reduce waste. Tarot and oracle decks are made to last for many years. Giving a deck a second life keeps it out of landfill and honours the resources that went into creating it.
Second‑hand decks are widely embraced within the tarot community. Readers have been trading, gifting, and rehoming decks for decades. A pre‑loved deck isn’t less spiritual or less powerful — it’s simply a tool ready for its next chapter. What matters most is the connection you build with it.
One of the biggest concerns people have is whether a second‑hand deck carries someone else’s energy. Every reader has their own beliefs about this. Some like to cleanse a pre‑loved deck before using it. Others simply shuffle, set an intention, and begin reading.
There is no right or wrong approach — only what feels right for you.
Personally, once I sit with a deck — maybe enjoy a few minties while I’m handling it — my own energy settles in and gently replaces whatever came before. It becomes mine in the most natural way.
This is one of the most important reasons to buy carefully. A genuine second‑hand deck still honours the artist and publisher because it was originally purchased legitimately. It’s no different from buying a second‑hand book — the creator was supported through the original sale.
What we do want to avoid are counterfeit decks. These illegally copied versions steal artwork from creators and are often printed on poor‑quality card stock. Some counterfeit decks are even listed at prices close to genuine ones, which makes careful buying essential.
One of the things I love most about second‑hand decks is imagining where they’ve been. Perhaps they helped someone through a difficult chapter. Maybe they travelled around the world. Perhaps they sat quietly on a bookshelf waiting for the right person to discover them.
Every pre‑loved deck carries a story — and sometimes that story is only just beginning.
Whether you’re searching for a rare collector’s piece, an affordable first deck, or simply enjoy giving beautiful things a second life, buying a genuine second‑hand tarot or oracle deck can be a wonderful choice.
Tarot isn’t about whether a deck is brand new. It’s about the connection you build with it, the moments you share, and the intuition that grows with every shuffle.
Discover our curated collection of pre‑loved tarot and oracle decks — each one waiting for its next reader to continue the story: thewoowooshop.co.nz/cards/pre-loved
Sunday the 21st of June marks the longest night and the quiet turning point of the year. Winter Solstice reminds us that darkness is not the opposite of light — it is the place where light is born. This is the season of slower mornings, soup pots, wool socks, candlelight, and allowing yourself to rest without needing to earn it. Nature is not disappearing; she is dreaming.
If you can:
• Meditate
• Light a candle at sunset
• Wrap yourself in something warm
• Pull a few tarot cards (spread below)
• Write down one thing you are ready to release
• Write down one tiny spark you want to carry into the returning light
May this season soften what has been hard and strengthen what has been quietly growing.
Winter Solstice Tarot Spread — Returning to the Light
Lay the cards in a star or lantern shape.
1. The Ember - What inner light is still glowing within me?
2. The Long Night - What am I being invited to rest, release, or stop carrying?
3. The Hidden Gift - What wisdom has this season been quietly offering?
4. The Lantern - What will guide me through winter?
5. The Returning Sun - What is beginning to awaken for me?
6. The Hearth - How can I nourish myself in the coming weeks?
7. The Blessing - What message does winter want me to leave with?
Take a few moments afterwards and notice which card feels warmest, brightest, or most comforting.
Winter Solstice Craft — White Star Lantern Ritual
Create a simple white star lantern to hang in a window or place on your altar.
You’ll need:
• White tissue paper or rice paper
• Thin sticks, bamboo, florist wire, or card
• Glue
• String
• A battery LED tea light (avoid real flames in paper lanterns)
Create a five-point star frame, cover it with white paper, and place your LED light inside. As you make it, you might whisper:
"I honour the darkness. I welcome the returning light. May this lantern remind me that even the smallest glow changes the night."
For inspiration and step-by-step ideas, I found these beautiful tutorials:
Winter Blessing
May your winter be gentle.
May your home feel safe.
May your body remember rest.
May your spirit remember wonder.
May what is leaving go easily.
May what is arriving come softly.
And may the returning sun find you ready.
Blessed Solstice.
Books on My Table Right Now
And for cards
Way back in 2019, I put together a list of YouTube tarot people I loved and shared it with the beautiful wāhine in my workshop. Seven years later, here’s my fresh 2026 edition!
A lot has changed in the tarot YouTube world since then. Some channels have gone quiet, some creators have moved over to Substack or Patreon, and a whole new wave of wonderful voices has emerged. I’ve kept the names I know are still going strong, added some newer favourites, and split things into the same two groups — Tarot Readers and Tarot Lovers.
One thing I always say to my students: YouTube is a wonderful place to explore the tarot world, but remember that a lot of what you’ll find there is people reading for an audience.
The real magic happens when you start reading for yourself and others — intuitively, curiously, and with a real deck in your own hands.
Use these channels to learn, to be inspired, and to see how many different ways there are to love the cards. Then put the phone down, pick up your deck, and trust what comes through you.
Want to learn tarot in person? I run workshops here in Whanganui — check the Events page for upcoming dates.
As always, these are in no particular order. Click the names to visit their channels. Let me know if any links don't work!
Subscribe to my YouTube channel: The Woo-Woo Shop
Tarot Teachers
These are the ones I'd send a brand new student to first — people who actively teach the cards.
Biddy Tarot
Founded by Australian-raised Brigit Esselmont, Biddy Tarot is probably the biggest tarot education platform in the world. Brilliant for learning card meanings and building confidence as a beginner. Very Rider-Waite focused, which is a great foundation.
Ethony
Author, professional tarot reader, teacher, and modern witch with over 25 years of practice. She's the headmistress of the Tarot Readers Academy and has created multiple tarot and oracle decks. Great for beginners through to advanced readers. Her book Your Tarot Court is a favourite of mine.
Benebell Wen
If you want to go deep, Benebell is your person. Author of Holistic Tarot and creator of the Spirit Keeper's Tarot. Scholarly, thorough, and beautifully grounded in esoteric tradition.
Colette Baron-Reid Colette Baron-Reid is a leader in the field of personal transformation. She is an intuition and Oracle expert, and a bestselling author of 19 Oracle Card decks and 8 books.
Minnow Pond Tarot
One of the consistently recommended channels for solid, grounded tarot teaching. Good community energy and great for building your skills step by step.
Nicholas Ashbaugh
Blends esoteric knowledge with tarot in a way that's genuinely educational. Passionate about raising consciousness through the cards, and his community interaction is wonderful.
Truly Teach Me Tarot
A wonderful resource for those who want to go deep into holistic tarot reading. Video tutorials and masterclasses with a practical, grounded approach — blending traditional, analytical, academic, and intuitive methods. Particularly strong on elemental and archetypal energies.
Tarot Readers
Spot On Psychic Readings by Tammy
Jane International Tarot & Astrology
Moon Magic Weekly TarotMoon Magic Weekly Tarot
Tarot Lovers
