Amanda Reads, Issue 3

A witch is never late... except for on Tuesday, July 6th

Happy Tuesday, friends! Since the American Independence day fell on a Sunday this year, I had the day off this Monday, which means I kind of forgot that it was actually a Monday.

By which I mean I clearly planned to release this newsletter a day later for the holiday because I am a very organized adult woman. I color code my planner and everything.

For those of you already a day into your work week, I hope it’s off to a start. For those, like me, who are working with a Tuesday that looks a lot like Monday, grab yourself an extra shot of espresso and let’s dig into our weekly reading goodness.

Book Rec of the Week

A lovely copy of Jessamyn Stanley’s new essay collection, Yoke: My Yoga of Self Acceptance arrived on my doorstep last week. I know I’m going to love it, but haven’t gotten the chance to read it yet. So, I’m recommending her fabulous first book, Every Body Yoga: Let Go Of Fear. Get on the Mat. Love Your Body.

This book is part yoga memoir, part Yoga 101 guide with a gorgeous full color photos that guide you through a few sequences designed by Jessamyn for a variety of circumstances. It’s a real treat for new and experienced yoga fans, and I highly recommend getting a copy.

Tarot Reading of the Week

Card of the Week: Ten of Swords

Deck Used: Starchild Tarot (Akashic)

As a refresher, last week’s card was none other than the Nine of Swords. I both love and hate a good linear journey through the minor arcana. On the one hand, it feels a bit like poor shuffling—though, rest assured, this deck has been in rotation for quite some time. On the other hand, it has a nice progression to it.

The Ten of Swords suggests that you may be in the midst of a challenging time or that you recently encountered an unexpected setback. Consider what you can learn when things go sideways, as they inevitably do at times. Remember that without shadow, we cannot have light, and vice versa. How do recent events invite you to grow or let go in order to move forward?

Words from the Web

This week, I really enjoyed my internet friend Danielle Loewen’s article about 8 reader personalities she’s come up with from reading reviews. I self-identify as a mix between the “Eclectic Enthusiast” and the “Trending Reader,” personally. Give this one a read and let me know which reader type you are!

As we move back into having in-person social lives, I’ve been thinking a lot about my emotional capacity for social activities. So, this piece from Kelly Eden about being down to one local friend yet still feeling exhausted really resonated with me.

In my own writing corner, I put out this reflection on how getting engaged during the pandemic feels kind of weird. Andy and I just met with our wedding planner for the first time, so things feel ever so slightly less surreal now, and yet… where is my post-engagement mimosa brunch?!

That’s all for this week, friends! I’ll be sliding back into your inbox (on time) next week with another set of reading recommendations and a weekly tarot card pull. Money on the Page of Swords next, anyone?

I’d love to hear how I’m doing! Let me know how you’re finding the newsletter or just drop a line to share how the Ten of Swords shows up for you this week.