Victoria Powell

About Victoria Powell

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July 15 2025

Tailtiu, the Earth Mother

Tailtiu, the Earth Mother: Harvesting Wisdom and Abundance at Lughnasadh by Victoria Powell

As the sun arcs high in the summer sky, we approach Lughnasadh (or Lammas), a pivotal cross-quarter holiday that marks the beginning of the harvest season. While often associated with the god Lugh, the spirit of this time is deeply intertwined with a lesser-known but equally significant figure in Celtic mythology: the goddess Tailtiu [1]. An ancient Earth Mother, her story embodies the sacrifices, resilience, and nourishing power of the land, offering profound lessons for our own spiritual harvest [2].

Tailtiu’s origins are rooted in the mythical history of Ireland. She is primarily known as the foster mother of the god Lugh Lámhfhada, the skilled and brilliant deity of light and crafts [3]. Accounts vary regarding her exact lineage; some traditions link her to the Fomorians, a race of primordial beings associated with chaos and the untamed forces of nature, while others describe her as a queen of the Fir Bolg, an earlier wave of inhabitants in Ireland.

Regardless of her precise ancestry, her most defining act was the clearing of a vast forest to create arable land for agriculture [4]. This immense undertaking, a monumental feat of labor and sacrifice, ultimately led to her death from exhaustion [5]. In her honor, Lugh established the Óenach Tailten, or Tailten Games, an annual assembly held at Teltown (Tailtiu) in County Meath [6]. These games, which continued well into historical times, were a vital part of ancient Irish society, featuring athletic contests, horse racing, legal proceedings, and most importantly, funerary rites and memorials for the dead [7].

Tailtiu’s sacrifice highlights her profound connection to the land and its fertility. She is the embodiment of the Earth itself, giving tirelessly of herself so that life may flourish. Her story speaks to the inherent cycle of growth, death, and renewal—a cycle mirrored in the agricultural year.

Tailtiu and Lughnasadh: The First Harvest

Lughnasadh, celebrated around August 1st, marks the first grain harvest [8]. It is a time of gratitude for the abundance provided by the Earth and a recognition of the labor and sacrifice involved in bringing forth that abundance [9]. This aligns perfectly with Tailtiu’s narrative. While Lugh is often seen as the divine instigator of the games and a patron of skills and light, Tailtiu represents the very ground upon which the harvest is reaped.

Her story at Lughnasadh reminds us that the bounty we enjoy comes from the generosity and immense effort of the land, often through metaphorical “death” or sacrifice (the cutting down of the grain). It is a time to honor the Earth Mother who nurtures and sustains us, and to acknowledge the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth inherent in the harvest.

Connecting with Tailtiu in Your Metaphysical Practice

Connecting with Tailtiu can deepen your understanding of cycles, sacrifice, and the profound generosity of the Earth [10]. Here are some ways to invite her energy into your metaphysical practices:

Honoring the Earth’s Sacrifice: Spend time in nature, particularly in fields or gardens. Reflect on the immense effort and natural processes that go into providing food. Offer silent thanks or a small, biodegradable offering (like water or birdseed) to the land in her name.
Embracing Sustainable Practices: Tailtiu’s story emphasizes the importance of land use and sustainable practices. Engage in gardening, support local farmers, or learn about permaculture. These actions directly honor her legacy of nurturing the Earth.
Practicing Mindful Harvesting: Whether it’s picking herbs from your garden or buying produce at a market, approach the act of obtaining food with mindfulness and gratitude. Acknowledge the life that was given for your nourishment.
Working with Cycles of Release and Renewal: Tailtiu’s death leads to renewal. Reflect on areas in your life where you might need to “clear the forest” – releasing old patterns, beliefs, or habits that no longer serve you, to create space for new growth and abundance.
Sacrifice and Dedication: Consider what you are willing to “sacrifice” (dedicate time, effort, or resources) to achieve your goals. Tailtiu’s story teaches us that great rewards often come from great effort.
Ancestor Veneration: As an ancient figure connected to the land and its earliest inhabitants, Tailtiu can also be a point of connection for ancestor veneration, honoring those who came before us and laid the groundwork for our present.
Offerings and Altars: Create a simple altar dedicated to Tailtiu, especially around Lughnasadh. Offerings could include grains, fresh produce, water, soil, or even a small stone from the earth.
Meditation and Visualization: Meditate on images of fertile fields, the process of growth, or the act of clearing land. Visualize yourself connecting to the deep, nurturing energy of the Earth Mother.

Embodying Tailtiu’s traits can bring balance and strength to your life:

Resilience: Her story speaks of enduring immense labor.11 Cultivate your own resilience in the face of challenges.
Generosity and Nurturing: Embody a spirit of giving and nurturing, both to yourself and to others.
Stewardship of the Earth: Develop a deeper sense of responsibility for the environment and its well-being.
Sacrifice for the Greater Good: Understand that sometimes personal effort or sacrifice is necessary for collective benefit or long-term goals.
Cycles of Life, Death, and Rebirth: Embrace the natural ebb and flow of life, recognizing that endings pave the way for new beginnings.
Foundation and Grounding: Tailtiu represents the very ground we stand on. Seek to be grounded and build strong foundations in your life.

By honoring Tailtiu, we connect with the ancient wisdom of the Earth, acknowledging the profound gifts she bestows and our role as grateful stewards of her bounty. At Lughnasadh, let us remember the Earth Mother who sacrificed for the harvest, and in doing so, find inspiration for our own journeys of growth, release, and abundant renewal.

Resources

MacKillop, James. A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. Oxford University Press, 2004. (A comprehensive resource for Celtic myths and figures, including Tailtiu and Lughnasadh.)
Ó hÓgáin, Dáithí. Myth, Legend & Romance: An Encyclopaedia of the Irish Folk Tradition. Prentice Hall Press, 1991. (Provides detailed entries on Irish mythological figures and traditions.)
Ross, Anne. Pagan Celtic Britain: Studies in Iconography and Tradition. Constable, 1997. (Offers insights into pre-Christian Celtic beliefs and practices.)
Online encyclopedias and scholarly articles on Celtic mythology and Lughnasadh from reputable sources (e.g., academic journals, university websites focusing on folklore or Celtic studies). (Note: Specific URLs are prone to changing, so it’s best to recommend searching for these topics through academic search engines or established online encyclopedias like Wikipedia with a critical eye towards their cited sources.)

Victoria Powell (she/her) is the Metaphysical Coordinator for Phases Therapy and a resident in counseling at our Richmond office.

To learn more about Victoria, head over to https://phases-therapy.com/outpatient/victoria-powell/

June 16 2025

Clinician Spotlight: Max Lamm

Victoria PowellSpotlights

Max Lamm June Clinician Spotlight

Max’s Path to Therapy: From Curiosity to Connection

Max has always been fascinated by the inner workings of the human mind. That fascination began early—sparked, surprisingly, by the TV show Monk, where a quirky protagonist regularly met with a therapist to explore his trauma and habits. For Max, this portrayal illuminated a possible future where their natural curiosity about people’s internal lives could merge with their interests in neuroscience, art, yoga, spirituality, and language. The idea that someone could be professionally devoted to helping others make sense of their emotional world resonated deeply.

Like many in the field, Max began their journey into therapy as a self-identified “wounded healer,” initially driven by a desire to rescue others from pain—perhaps as a way to avoid confronting their own. They found early grounding in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), drawn to its structure and practical tools. At the time, DBT provided a sense of control, offering Max something to “hide behind” while building up their identity as a clinician.

But as they grew in the field, Max’s understanding of healing deepened. Over time, they came to recognize that true change doesn’t come from a set of tools alone—it comes from authentic human connection. It was their presence, not just their skills, that made the most meaningful impact. Max began showing up more vulnerably in their sessions, prioritizing their own self-care and humanity, and the results were transformative—not only for their clients, but for themselves.

A major turning point in Max’s evolution as a therapist came through discovering and training in Internal Family Systems (IFS). This modality, which views the psyche as a system of inner “parts,” offered Max a creative and compassionate framework to engage both their own healing and that of their clients. With IFS, they’ve found a path that supports deep shadow work, builds internal relationships, and even allows for integration with spiritual practices like ancestor work and deity connection. For those less spiritually inclined, Max appreciates that IFS also stands on solid clinical ground, supported by research and evidence-based outcomes.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Max’s work is the way it has stretched their own emotional capacity. Therapy, they believe, is a kind of quiet rebellion—to feel grief, rage, joy, and peace fully, without being overwhelmed or numbed into inaction. Their clients’ courage often reflects and amplifies their own, creating a mutual journey of emotional expansion.

When challenges arise in therapy, Max brings mindfulness to their own reactions, ensuring they don’t project unresolved baggage onto their clients. They value the perspectives of trusted colleagues, seeking feedback to expand their lens, but ultimately believe in working collaboratively with clients—seeing therapeutic challenges as not only normal, but often rich with potential for growth.

And in true Max fashion, they love sharing little nuggets of wisdom. For instance:

“Even just looking at pictures of nature or listening to recorded bird sounds can calm the nervous system. But if you can—go outside barefoot and experience it for real. Your whole body will thank you.

Max’s work continues to evolve, but one thing remains consistent: a commitment to staying curious, being real, and helping others connect with the parts of themselves they may have forgotten or silenced. Through IFS and the healing power of relationship, Max is reshaping what it means to be a therapist—one grounded, vulnerable step at a time.

June 16 2025

Metaphysical Spotlight: Jaye Spratley

Victoria PowellSpotlights

Jaye Spratley June's Metaphysical Provider Spotlight

Jaye’s Journey: Turning Grief into Spiritual Purpose

Jaye’s path into the metaphysical world began after a profound personal loss—the passing of their mother. This life-altering event sparked a deep journey of self-discovery and healing. In the process of navigating their grief, Jaye began exploring various metaphysical practices as a way to make sense of the emotional weight they were carrying. What started as a search for comfort soon unfolded into a much deeper awakening.

As Jaye delved further into spiritual work, memories from childhood began to resurface—specifically, their experiences of speaking with what they had once dismissed as imaginary friends. With a new perspective, Jaye came to recognize these presences as spirit guides who had been with them all along. Reconnecting with this intuitive side, paired with intentional shadow work and other spiritual practices, helped Jaye step fully into their authenticity and live in alignment with their truth.

A central tool in Jaye’s spiritual practice is astrology. Through studying their birth chart, Jaye has been able to identify deep-seated wounds and better understand their soul’s mission. Astrology has become both a personal guide and a broader lens through which they interpret the collective energies at play. Tracking planetary movements and transits allows Jaye to see how cosmic shifts influence not only their own growth, but the evolving world around them.

In addition to astrology, Jaye practices self-Reiki on a daily basis. This energy healing ritual keeps them grounded, clear, and balanced—especially important in their work supporting others on their healing journeys. Reiki, for Jaye, is a sacred act of self-care and spiritual alignment that strengthens their connection to universal energy.

When asked what advice they’d offer someone just beginning a spiritual or metaphysical path, Jaye emphasizes the importance of going slow and focusing inward. Healing, they believe, must be the foundation. They encourage beginners to engage in shadow work—acknowledging that while it can be difficult, it’s one of the most powerful ways to move through blockages and show up fully in one’s spiritual truth. “Be patient with yourself,” Jaye often says. “The journey is the destination.”

And in case you’re wondering—Jaye isn’t all mysticism and moon maps. A fun fact? They’re a devoted fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and proudly own a large collection of memorabilia. Jaye can talk Buffy trivia for hours, a reminder that joy, play, and pop culture can beautifully coexist with a spiritual life.

“My healing didn’t start with light and love—it started with loss. But in that darkness, I found my truth, my gifts, and a path that feels like home.” — Jaye

June 12 2025

What is Somatic Therapy?

Victoria PowellSelf-Help

What is Somatic Therapy... and can it help you?

When you think of therapy, you might picture sitting across from a counselor and talking through your thoughts, emotions, and life experiences. That’s the classic “talk therapy” approach—and for many, it’s incredibly helpful.

But what if your body is trying to tell a story, too?

Somatic therapy is a body-based approach to mental health that focuses on the connection between your mind and body. It’s especially helpful if you’ve ever felt like you’ve done all the “talking” in therapy but still feel stuck, overwhelmed, or physically tense. Let’s explore deeper what somatic therapy is and how it can work alongside traditional talk therapies to support deep, lasting healing.

So what is it, exactly?

“Somatic” means “of the body.” Somatic therapy recognizes that our experiences—especially traumatic or stressful ones—don’t just live in our minds. They can get stored in our bodies, too. That might show up as chronic tension, trouble breathing deeply, panic attacks, or feeling disconnected or numb.

Somatic therapy helps you tune into these physical sensations with curiosity and compassion. You might work with your therapist to notice how your body responds in certain situations, practice grounding techniques, or gently release held tension through movement, breathwork, or stillness.

How is it different from Talk Therapy?

Talk therapy focuses on thoughts, beliefs, memories, and feelings—usually through conversation. It can help you understand why you feel a certain way or what patterns might be influencing your life.

Somatic therapy, on the other hand, focuses on how those feelings show up in your body. Are your shoulders always tight? Do you feel a knot in your stomach when you talk about a certain topic? Somatic therapy helps you become aware of those sensations and gently work with them, instead of just pushing through or ignoring them.

Together, somatic and talk therapy offer a more complete path to healing: head and heart, mind and body.

What happens in a Somatic Therapy session?

Every session is different and tailored to your needs, but here are some things you might experience:

Body awareness: Your therapist may guide you to notice areas of tightness, warmth, or numbness in your body.
Breathwork: Simple breathing techniques can help calm your nervous system and build a sense of safety.
Movement: Gentle movement, stretching, or even changing your posture can help shift stuck energy.
Grounding: You might practice focusing on your feet, surroundings, or other present-moment sensations to feel more anchored.
Talking: Yes, there’s still talking! You can share what you’re noticing in your body or explore emotions that arise as you reconnect with yourself.

Can it help with Anxiety, Trauma, or Burnout?

Yes. Somatic therapy can be especially powerful for folx who:

Struggle with anxiety or panic attacks
Feel “stuck” in therapy or like they “know” what’s wrong but can’t change it
Have experienced trauma, abuse, or chronic stress
Feel disconnected from their body or emotions
Experience chronic pain or tension with no clear medical cause

It can also be a great support for anyone looking to feel more grounded, present, and connected to themselves.

Is it right for me?

If you’re curious about somatic therapy, you don’t have to choose between it and traditional talk therapy. Several therapists at Phases Therapy now integrate both approaches, helping you process experiences on both a mental and physical level.

You don’t need to have a background in mindfulness or movement to benefit—just a willingness to explore and gently reconnect with your body at your own pace.

Final Thoughts

Healing doesn’t have to be all in your head. Your body carries wisdom, too. Somatic therapy offers a gentle, empowering way to listen to that wisdom—especially when words aren’t enough. Whether on its own or combined with talk therapy, it can help you feel more whole, more regulated, and more you.

Resources

Levine, P. A. (2010). In an unspoken voice: How the body releases trauma and restores goodness. North Atlantic Books.

Ogden, P., Minton, K., & Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the body: A sensorimotor approach to psychotherapy. W. W. Norton & Company.

Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking Press.

Payne, P., Levine, P. A., & Crane-Godreau, M. A. (2015). Somatic experiencing: Using interoception and proprioception as core elements of trauma therapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 93. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00093

Victoria Powell (she/her) is the Metaphysical Coordinator for Phases Therapy and a resident in counseling at our Richmond office.

To learn more about Victoria and inquire about booking, head over to https://phases-therapy.com/outpatient/victoria-powell/

May 17 2025

Meet May’s Goddess: Kali

Victoria PowellGoddess and Deities

Getting to Know Our Goddesses: Kali by Bekah Drake

This is a goddess that goes by many names and has many faces. She has several different personifications so you will see stories that sound a little like her character and you might be right. Let’s start with some basics.

Kali is a Goddess in Hinduism often featured with blue skin and up to 10 arms! Most often shown in her fiercest battle ready form wearing a skirt of arms, a necklace of heads, and carrying various weapons and demon parts in her many hands. She is primarily associated with destruction but one of her main personifications is of a nurturing Mother. You may find her worshipped as the Divine Mother in some places, especially Bengal. Another thing often connected to her is knowledge that both lifts and liberates.

Kali is a Goddess that personifies both/and – that tantalizing part of life that is right on the edge of things, holding space for more than what you see, that reaches across the lines and pulls the darkness closer to explore and create something completely new and free and beautiful.

There are many stories of how Kali came to be born. One version says she is the anger of Durga personified in battle to defeat an enemy. It is said that she took all the battle rage and went on a rampage causing much destruction in her wake until the God Shiva lay in her path and was able to calm her by bringing her back into herself. Another version is that she came into existence when Parvati shed her dark skin. Kali appeared, taking on the eternal darkness of both destruction and creation, leaving Parvati to be known as “The Fair One” or Gauri. Yet another version involves Parvati diving down the throat of Shiva to be transformed by a poison he had previously swallowed, she emerged as Kali and was then able to defeat the dread they were fighting easily.

We may not know exactly how she came into being but she has gained in popularity in the last few decades because of her ability to be fully herself, to dance in the darkness, to hold the line, to protect those in need, to nurture with compassion and respect, to be fully in her body, and to feel every feeling. She is not light or dark, one thing or the other. She is both.

There are many ways to bring Kali into your own practice. Offerings of food out of gratitude is one way, in many cultures where they worship Kali Ma they offer food to a priest and then share it together there. Some creative ways to offer food to Kali could be to volunteer at your local community garden, or community fridge or food spaces. There is always work to do in a garden and connecting to our community is a beautiful way to show gratitude for what we have and are able to do and create.

Another way to honor her is with breath and body work. Practicing the art of being solidly in your own body and feeling all the feelings, moving to release the feelings back out into the Earth when they are overwhelming, and finding time to be still and breathe to be grateful for a body that breathes. There are many videos online on breathework, you can find some easy starting ones on free apps like Insight Timer. My favorite breathing practice is to stand outside with my bare feet on the ground for 5 minutes and breathe slowly, allowing my body to move as I need to like a tree shifts in the wind, connecting to my own body and energy.

One way I have added connection to Kali into my practice is by using tarot and oracle cards associated with her! I love the decks I’ve used and use them in my readings often. There are several card decks focused on Kali that are beautiful and easy to use for gaining connection, clarity, and guidance. My favorite deck is the Kali Oracle by Alana Fairchild.

More info can be found at https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kali & https://www.worldhistory.org/Kali/

Or for the TLDR version there’s always wikipedia

May 17 2025

Introducing: Kane Brown

Victoria PowellSpotlights

Introducing: Kane Brown

For this Australia-based therapist, the path to clinical work began not with a textbook, but in the classroom. Before earning his degree, Kane spent a year running an in-school suspension (ISS) program at a local high school. What struck him most wasn’t the discipline—it was the connection. “I really enjoyed getting to know the students and building relationships that helped them stay out of ISS in the future.” That experience planted a seed, but it wasn’t until a trusted therapist pointed out Kane’s natural aptitude for the field that he seriously considered a career in mental health.

With that encouragement, Kane pursued a Master’s degree in counseling and began his clinical journey in 2020. At the time, he envisioned working primarily in-person, but like many during the COVID-19 crisis, he shifted to telehealth—and found it a smoother transition than expected. “I had no idea which populations I wanted to work with,” he admits, “but that’s become much clearer with experience.”

One of the most fulfilling aspects of Kane’s work has been building authentic relationships with clients. Being a stable, supportive presence during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life is not something he takes lightly. When challenges arise, he leans on his own community—supervisors, therapist colleagues, and mentors—who are always ready to offer support or a listening ear. Collaboration, both with clients and colleagues, is central to his approach.

These days, Kane’s especially passionate about supporting chronically ill individuals and those in the COVID-cautious community. “It can be hard for people in these communities to find care that doesn’t dismiss their concerns as unrealistic anxiety,” he explains. “There’s a lot of loneliness and misunderstanding, especially now that many assume the pandemic is over.” Kane’s goal is to create space where those clients feel seen, validated, and supported. He also hopes to become certified in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy to better serve clients with OCD, another group he feels strongly connected to.

Outside the therapy room, Kane leads a life rich with creative pursuits. A lover of all things vintage, he’s unintentionally started collecting mid-century furniture, linens, clocks—and Toby jugs. But perhaps his most unique hobby is his deep love for typewriters. Through the website Typepals.com, he connects with penpals around the world using his collection of typewriters, which span from the 1930s to the 1980s. He’s especially drawn to pre-1960s machines for their craftsmanship and character. “Each one has a personality,” he says, always on the lookout for rare models like those with Vogue or Script typefaces or the fascinating IBM Selectric.

If that weren’t enough, Kane also plays the piano and is learning the trombone—proof that for this therapist, curiosity and care extend far beyond the screen.

Interested in working with Kane? Send an email to referrals@phases-therapy.com today!

May 17 2025

Beltane: The Fire Festival of Fertility

Victoria PowellHolidays

Beltane: The Fire Festival of Fertility by Penelope Davis

Beltane is an ancient Celtic festival celebrated on May 1st, marking the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. Beltane heralds the beginning of the warm half of the year. It is a time when the earth’s energies are thought to be at their peak, overflowing with life, passion, and potential.

Origins and Historical Significance
Beltane originates from the Gaelic traditions of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. The name is believed to derive from the Old Irish Bel Taine, meaning “bright fire” or “Bel’s fire”, referencing the Celtic god Belenus—a deity associated with the sun, healing, and fertility.
Historically, Beltane was one of the four major Gaelic seasonal festivals, alongside Samhain (October 31), Imbolc (February 1), and Lughnasadh (August 1). It marked when pastoral communities would move their herds to summer pastures. Bonfires were lit to honor the sun and encourage its warmth for crops and animals. Cattle were driven between two fires as a ritual of purification and protection.

A Celebration of Fire and Fertility
Central to Beltane is the theme of fire. Bonfires were believed to have protective and cleansing powers. Participants would leap over the flames or embers to bring fertility, good fortune, or to ward off illness. The fire also symbolized the sun’s growing power to call the seeds to sprout.
Fertility rites are a common part of Beltane and was a time of sexual freedom and the symbolic marriage of the May Queen and the Green Man, representing the sacred union of earth and sky. Young couples would spend the night in the woods or fields, invoking the fertile power of the land.

The maypole dance—a later addition from Germanic and British traditions—became a prominent feature of Beltane in some areas. Dancers would weave ribbons around a pole, symbolizing the spiral of life and the interconnectedness of community and nature.

Modern Revivals and Neo-Pagan Celebrations
In recent decades, Beltane has been revived by modern Pagan and Wiccan
communities as a joyful celebration of life, sexuality, and the earth’s abundance.

Contemporary rituals may include:
-Lighting a ceremonial fire or candle: Bonfires are a major part of this celebration and sharing one with friends and family can be an easy and accessible way to participate.

-Dancing around a maypole

-Handfasting ceremonies (pagan weddings)

-Outdoor feasts and music: This can be as simple as having a picnic in a park or as lavash as hosting a dinner for a group of friends.

-Nature walks: Spending time in nature and soaking in the sun.

-Making flower garlands: Daisy, dandelion, and other flowers can be used to make crowns or be braided into hair.

-Personal or group rites honoring fertility, creativity, and love

The Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, held annually since 1988, is one of the most prominent modern celebrations. It blends Celtic traditions with theatrical performance, dance, and symbolic rituals, attracting thousands of attendees each year.

Citations:
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica (2025, February 7). Beltane. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Beltane

Swanner, R. (2025, April 24). 15 beltane rituals to try this year. The Pagan Grimoire. https://www.pagangrimoire.com/beltane-rituals/Text content

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Penelope Davis (they/them) is a resident in counseling in Phases Therapy’s Richmond office.

To learn more about Penelope and inquire about booking, head over to

https://phases-therapy.com/outpatient/penelope-davis/

May 17 2025

MP Spotlight: Bekah Drake of Dragons Way Wellness

Victoria PowellSpotlights

Introducing Bekah Drake!

Want to learn more about our metaphysical practitioner of the month? You’ve come to the right place! Meet Bekah, the owner and reiki master at Dragons Way Wellness. Here you’ll get to know more about tools they use in their own spiritual practice and what advice they may have for you.

When asked which tarot card makes them cringe, Bekah admitted that not many do—but if they had to choose one, it would be The Devil. For them, this card is deeply tied to their trauma history and a long-standing tendency to be overly self-critical. Bekah’s first reaction is often, “Oh great, what did I do now?”—a reflection of how the card often represents self-sabotage or inner obstacles. But over time, they’ve learned to pause, breathe, and remind themself that it’s usually their own self-doubt and self-blame standing in the way.

We all here at Phases have emotional support bevies. As for coffee or tea? For Bekah, it depends. “As a Queer, Nonbinary Gemini”, they laughed, decisions aren’t exactly their “strong suit”. While choosing one is tough, they’re drawn to iced mocha coffees and fruity or floral iced teas. “Hot drinks have their moment too, especially in cooler months.” They particularly enjoy sourcing their teas from local farmers markets and small vendor events, adding a personal, community-rooted touch to every cup.

When it comes to crystals stones, they’re consistently drawn to cool tones—blues and greens like blue apatite and turquoise. But their preferences shift depending on what they’re working through or needing at the time. As a jewelry maker, they use carefully chosen crystal combinations, knotting them together to create supportive, intentional pieces. For them, the beauty lies in seeing how perfectly each design aligns with someone’s needs.

When it comes to guiding the next generation of folx exploring their own spiritual journey, Bekah’ best advice is simple yet powerful: Trust yourself. They emphasize the importance of listening to your instincts, learning from others, but always honoring your own pace and intuition. Not every path or teacher is meant for everyone—and that’s okay. “Follow your own music,” they say. “You got this.”

Want more info? Interested in booking a session with Bekah? Email us at referrals@phases-therapy.com

April 15 2025

Metaphysical Spotlight: Penelope Davis

Victoria PowellSpotlights

Spotlight: Penelope Davis

Penelope’s spiritual journey began in a vibrant, multicultural household that encouraged exploration and reflection from a young age. Now a self-described laid-back pagan reconstructionist within Druidry, they blend ancestral wisdom with modern values—focusing on sustainability, decolonization, and deeply personal practice. With a passion for ethical sourcing, Penelope brings a grounded, Earth-centered approach to everything they do. Penelope’s story is one of curiosity, community, and living a path that’s both intentional and ever-evolving.

1. What led you to explore metaphysical practices, and how did you first discover your unique path within the spiritual community?

I started out on this path from a young age. Family played a massive role in how I first learned and also my first taste at how diverse and dynamic this community can be. My family, both blood relation and otherwise, is multicultural and multifaith. And throughout my life, I’ve had to reflect, evaluate, and consider what resonates with me and what doesn’t. One of my favorite things about Druidry is that it varies so much from person to person. This adds richness and depth as Druidry encompasses a passion for lifelong learning and development.

I define myself as a pagan reconstructionist in Druidry, but a weird and very laid back one! Meaning, in the tradition of the Irish Pagan School, I fully acknowledge that there is no going back to origins when it comes to Paganism or Druidry. I believe we have to take ancestral lessons and adapt them to the current time period. However, I do look at decolonizing my practice and explore what that means as a Druid. I have a strong affiliation with traditional practices and stories that I feel should be carried on.

But also love and appreciate other cultures and I’m fascinated by globalization and how various cultures and beliefs interact with one another. I have been exceptionally blessed and will be forever grateful to all the people who took me under their wing and gave me a chance to learn from them.

2. Can you describe a particular practice, tool, or ritual that is central to your work, and how does it enhance your spiritual connection or healing process?

My area of focus and research for the last decade has been trying to help people engage with their path in day-to-day life. Part of this comes from personalizing one’s path, this can also include localizing and only using things that you can grow, gather, or forage for oneself, but doesn’t have to.

The biggest focus in my own practice is sustainability. Not just living the practice but trying to bring that practice in alignment with my values. One of which is living closely with the cycles of the Earth. This also includes living as sustainably as possible, which means I also have had to localize a lot of my practice. I owned my own Botanica with my brother in Colorado and learned very quickly that sourcing sustainable products and ingredients was nearly impossible and took a lot of trust in other suppliers.

When it comes to sustainable products, the only ones I could guarantee were the ones I made myself, which limited what I felt comfortable selling. Most stones are mined through unethical and unsustainable means, often proceeds go towards organizations that promote terrorist activity, unsafe and forced mining, and unfair trade. Many herbs and resins are also unethically and unsustainably harvested. This has pushed many species close to extinction. Sandalwood, Frankincense, Copal, Dragon’s blood (depending on the variant), and many other common ingredients in incense, oils, and herbal blends are overharvested to the point of exhausting the resource. There are other issues including the discussion of cultural appropriation, but unless we are willing to expand that discussion to all herbs and spices that have circled the world via globalization, that discussion is missing key component and deserves deeper discussion and exploration.

And I’m by no means asking people to change things that are meaningful to their practice. Only to educate themselves and others and really evaluate the meaning and importance of using these things in practice. Are we just doing things because we have been told to, or do they hold significant meaning for us? Is it just because we love aesthetics? Are we satisfied with that answer on a personal level? Ultimately, no one can answer these questions but the person involved and this is the core of living your path.

3. What advice would you give to someone just starting out on their metaphysical or spiritual journey, especially when it comes to finding their own truth and path?

My first piece of advice is to build a solid foundation for yourself. Regardless of the path you decide to follow, you will need a foundation to work from. When I was teaching, I broke beginner lessons down into three things: cleansing, circle casting, and grounding. I am fully aware that many cultures and traditions don’t use a circle. However, I included it because it helps build a foundation for energy work that most people can conceptualize, particularly those coming from an etic perspective. But I acknowledge that much of the practices being taught are highly steeped in colonialism and are Eurocentric.

My second piece of advice is to understand where you lie as a practitioner and really reflect and make sure that your personal values, your worldview, etc. aligns with the magick you’re doing. A tell-tale sign of this is if you are feeling guilty after doing spell work. I am, of course, leaving room for religious trauma as that can also be a source of guilt, but if you step away from your values you will also feel guilt. There tends to be two camps in magick, ritual (“High Magick”) and practical (“Low Magick”). I don’t like those terms, but some people may be familiar. In both camps you have right and left-hand paths. Right hand paths focus on community, one could consider it to be a more collectivistic path, while left hand paths are more focused on the self and could be considered more individualist. I don’t use terms like “black” and “white” for magick, but rather hard and soft. You can use hard healing magick and it can still be positive even while being more intensive. Or you can do a soft curse and banish someone from your life by cutting ties.

Explore and really come to know what works best for you and what resonates with you.

4. Share a fun fact about yourself or the metaphysical world!

A fun fact about me is that my first career was as a vet tech. I primarily worked in wildlife but was trained to treat all animals. I have had the privilege to see and work with animals that most people never get to see in person. I loved working in that field, and it taught me a lot about myself and my values. I’m forever grateful for the people who taught and guided me and places my medical knowledge has led me and how it has helped me to serve my community.

March 12 2025

Attachment Styles: How Early Relationships Shape Our Present Relationships

Victoria PowellSelf-Help

How Early Relationships Shape our Present Relationships by Sydney Robinson

Attachment styles are patterns of behavior in relationships that are often shaped by early interactions with caregivers, and these patterns can influence how we connect with others throughout our lives. The four primary attachment styles are secure, anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant, each reflecting different ways people relate to others based on their early caregiving experiences.

Secure attachment is characterized by comfort with intimacy, trust, and independence. This attachment style develops when a caregiver is consistently responsive, fostering a sense of security and trust in the child. Individuals with a secure attachment style tend to communicate effectively and maintain healthy, balanced relationships, where both emotional closeness and independence are valued equally.

Anxious-preoccupied attachment, also known as anxious attachment, involves a deep craving for closeness and frequent feelings of insecurity. People with this attachment style often seek constant reassurance and are preoccupied with the fear of being rejected. This type of attachment typically develops when caregiving is inconsistent, leading to anxiety about relationships. In relationships, those with an anxious attachment style may become clingy or needy, which can strain their connections with others.

Dismissive-avoidant attachment, or avoidant attachment, is marked by a strong desire for independence and an emotional distance from others. This attachment style develops when a caregiver is emotionally distant, leading the individual to adopt a coping mechanism of self-reliance. In relationships, avoidantly attached individuals tend to avoid emotional closeness and may resist depending on others, which can lead to challenges in building intimacy and trust.

Fearful-avoidant attachment, also known as disorganized attachment, is characterized by a push-pull dynamic: a desire for closeness paired with a fear of rejection. This attachment style often results from unpredictable or frightening caregiving, creating confusion about relationships. Those with a fearful-avoidant attachment style struggle with intimacy, often pushing people away due to fear, only to feel lonely and longing for connection. They may avoid closeness despite a deep desire for it.

So here’s a question: can attachment styles change?

The good news is, yes! Attachment styles can change over time. With therapy, self-awareness, and positive relationship experiences, individuals can develop more secure attachment patterns. Positive adult relationships can help foster a shift toward a more secure attachment style. Reflecting on one’s upbringing, past relationships, and current relationship behaviors can provide insight into personal attachment styles, as well as the attachment styles of loved ones. No matter what attachment style you currently have, it is always possible to grow, learn, and cultivate healthier, more secure relationships!

Sydney Robinson (they/them) is a graduate intern in Phases Therapy’s Richmond Office.

To learn more about Sydney and inquire about booking, head over to https://phases-therapy.com/outpatient/sydney-robinson/

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