 A bridge across time, carrying centuries of stories. Toledo, Spain. © Maree Bento 2025. As we approach Winter Solstice, I’ve been reflecting more on liminal spaces, those quiet times in between phases, the places where we can’t yet see what’s coming.
The past couple of years have been a time of deep transformation and listening for me. I've been living in that in-between, letting my work find its next shape. During this time, I’ve been dancing with the Muse of Poetry; hearing Her voice and writing a mystical manuscript that has been helping me metabolize these years of adjustment. It’s been a different kind of devotion, one that asks me to slow down, surrender, and trust.
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 Two of Swords, Antiquarian Tarot 3rd Edition ©Maree Bento 2022 Keywords: Impasse, Indecision Happy summer! Here’s an update on what has been going on here regarding the deck side of things.
I sent out a poll last Fall asking Divine Muses subscribers to answer some questions regarding the reprints of my deck creations. I wanted to know which of my decks to prioritize for rerelease. First place in that poll was the Antiquarian Tarot, so I started down the path to reprint it...  In the cosmic dance of celestial spheres, oppositions are powerful catalysts for growth and self-discovery. This aspect occurs when two planets are at 180 degrees (opposite) in our chart, creating dynamic tension. While it can be viewed as a challenging aspect in astrology, oppositions give us the chance to recognize what is imbalanced in our lives and teach us how to integrate the planetary energies involved, as well as the two houses that the planets are lighting up.
In this article, we’ll look at the ways planetary interactions play out across the opposing house pairs, and learn how to harmonize and integrate these energies for personal growth.  A Winter Solstice Reading with the Magical Child Oracle Reflecting on this unique alignment, one might think it's only a coincidence but one could equally wonder at it's more meaningful synchronicity. I think there is spiritual significance to Christmas and Hanukkah falling on the same day this year. It feels like a divine message to me. As both holidays land on December 25th, let’s consider the meaningful coincidence of this convergence.
Both share themes of spiritual dedication and renewal that stretch back far beyond their current religious traditions. The sacred connection to the sky and to the emergence of the Light during the darkest part of the year is an age-old experience, echoed in Winter Solstice celebrations by ancient peoples across the globe. Uranus Opposition, Part II: Letting Go and Moving Forward, My Uranus Opposition Experience12/16/2024  In part I of this series, I introduce the Uranus Opposition, so be sure to read that essay for context. The following article explores my personal experience with this major life transit. I hope it can show you how this midlife transit can unfold for someone.
Uranus was transiting the 8th House opposite my natal Uranus in the 2nd House in the summer of 2022 when David and I started discussing selling our house and moving. This meant confronting all of our stuff, my stuff really, reflected by my natal 2nd House of Possessions. I had accumulated years’ worth of things: books, tarot, oracle decks, crystals, jewelry, clothes, and shoes, along with the artwork, music equipment, records, and glassware that we had collected together over 15 years, not to mention our home decor & furnishings.  When you enter your early 40s, you will experience one of astrology’s major life transits, the Uranus Opposition. This is when the transit of Uranus becomes opposite (180º) your natal Uranus. Much like the significant life transit of your Saturn Return (28-30), you can expect the transformative power of Uranus to usher you into a new phase of your evolution. How this transit might personally affect your life is explored below.
This major astrological transit often coincides with the struggles commonly known as the midlife crisis. This timing is no coincidence; the Hermetic axiom As Above, So Below, As Within, So Without is always relevant when considering all things spiritual and astrological. In this context, we see how the external influences of the Uranus Opposition mirror the internal conflicts we face during this pivotal turning point in life.  One of my decks is still in print! Beautifully printed by Arcana Sacra, the French Edition of the Divine Muses Oracle, oracle cards and companion guidebook, are still available for the French speaking part of the world. You can purchase them from their website and in book shops in Canada and the EU.
 Twenty months have gone by in just a snap of the fingers! But when I think back, it was not that snappy.
It has been quite the journey with many twists and turns, but David and I (and Dante) have finally settled into our new home in Portugal, where we can now relax and exhale into a new way of life. I'm grateful to be living where my family and ancestors hail, speaking my mother tongue, and absorbing the sunshine in new ways that the Pacific NW was not capable of giving. But, I have to be honest... |
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