Over the past two weeks I embarked on a birthday journey to Europe. My intention for this trip was to gain clarity about where I was meant to live, to find my future soul home. I chose to travel during the eclipse portal: eclipses are quite intense (as we have seen recently, the solar eclipse has had tragic worldwide ramifications) and I knew that this past one would pack an extra punch as both it and the South Node (representing the karma we are releasing) were in my sign of Libra.
When I planned this trip, my original intention was to begin in Italy but spend the majority of time in France. Yet the universe (and French transportation systems) had other plans: my flight to France was cancelled due to a nationwide strike and I found myself unable to get in touch with anyone from the online travel agency (side note, I do not recommend EDreams ever) to book a new flight. So I surrendered, pivoted and allowed the universe to guide me towards exactly what I needed. Italy welcomed me into her arms like a loving mother, inviting me to sit, to reconnect with the sensations of joy and pleasure and to stay a while. Four days unexpectedly turned into a week as the universe rerouted my most carefully laid plans. Italy reconnected me with my playful inner child as I indulged in gelato and pizza, ordered hot chocolate in my forgotten Italian and wandered the beautiful piazzas at night. I began in Turin, a city said to be built on a grid of black and white magic. Each day I spent time connecting with the regenerative power of the river. The “black magic” side evoked my shadow, bringing in and transforming sacred rage as I acknowledged and released anger over the relationships where I had suppressed my voice and given away my power. The “white magic” side of the river returned me to the light, inviting in the energy of hope and possibility. I then journeyed to Rapallo and the Isola Superior by Stresa, allowing myself to be soothed and regulated by the healing power of the majestic lakes.
After Italy rebooted my nervous system, France then gave me the beautiful gift of clarity. I spent my birthday by the ocean in Saint Malo clearing out old programs, gaining insights into my relationships (hello Libra Solar Eclipse) and reconnecting with my inner wisdom. This is the first birthday that I’ve ever spent alone and to be honest, part of me had been afraid of feeling lonely and isolated. Yet the opposite happened: I’ve never felt so empowered and connected. Above all, this solo trip helped me to strengthen the most important relationship that I’ll ever have: that with my Higher Self.
The past two weeks were full of insights and revelations. One of the main lessons: life can change in the blink of an eye. I consider myself to be a planner and did my best to structure everything ahead of time for this trip: the flights, trains, accommodations. What I didn’t anticipate was the universe rerouting many of plans. Spirit has a keen way of getting you to exactly where you need to be when you let go, trust and surrender. It’s may not end up being the destination that you had in mind, yet the journey provides the exact medicine needed for your soul.
A second important lesson: sometimes you’re just not supposed to know. Before this trip, I was sure that my soul home was France. After a week in Italy, I started to wonder if this country with an incredibly healing energy, delicious food, nice people and beauty around every corner wasn’t a better fit for my Libra Sun and Pisces Moon. Then I started to get signs for going to Spain and really got confused. When I sat by the river and tuned into my inner guidance, one distinct message came through: you’re not supposed to know yet. So I pivoted and turned my attention from the destination to the journey. As I shifted my perspective, I finally understood why my move back to the US was necessary and how this is a pivotal step that my soul wisely chose in getting me to my future European soul home.
This has by far been one of my most transformational travel experiences. And the journey is just beginning.
Stay tuned for the next chapter of this spirit quest.
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