Creating Your Own Luck

A Moon-inspired inventory on authenticity, dreaming big, and the questions we need to ask ourselves for a more aligned future.

I’d like to consider myself an astrology hobbyist. I love the stars, and the moon, and anything that makes this life feel whimsical. This isn’t because I think astrology has all the answers, but more so that I really love something that challenges my own self into a deeper self-reflection. Folded Napkins is centered around a collection of stories, learnings, conversations, and experiences in hopes that we are led to seeing ourselves more clearly. For me, why not consider the beauty and movement of the moon and the stars to teach us a bit more about who we are.

From a night in Spain with friends, watching the stars in the middle of the street.

Now I know some of you are already rolling your eyes, but stick with me here :) This is less about the planets and more about answering the question: What makes you feel the most aligned with yourself, and what do you need to do to make that happen?

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First, let’s break down what’s happening…

*For my star doubters, I promise this will get practical ;)

What is going on right now with the planets?

• The Sun and Jupiter are extremely close together right now. Both are in Leo.

• It’s also a Full Moon. The moon is in Aquarius.

• This full moon is sitting exactly across from The Sun and Jupiter. This combination calls for one of the most optimistic alignments of the year. Think “visionary.”

What does this mean?

• The Sun symbolizes: your core self, identity, purpose, what energizes you, what guides your choices, and how you like to be recognized.

• Jupiter symbolizes: expansion, opportunity, faith, abundance, growth, and saying yes to bigger possibilities.

• Full Moons symbolize: celebrating, releasing, recognizing how you’ve grown, making room for the next chapter.

What should we be doing?

• Start reflecting and then take action

• The Sun and Jupiter are both in Leo. This calls us to ask:

  • What makes you feel confident?

  • How do you like to be creative?

  • What makes you feel seen?

  • How do you best express yourself?

  • What lights you up, and how can you follow that?

• The Moon is in Aquarius. This calls us to ask:

  • What kind of future are you building?

  • What communities do you want to be a part of?

  • What makes you feel the most like yourself?

  • What unique qualities are you here to share?

In basic terms, this current astrology line-up is asking us to clear the things out of our life that we no longer align with to allow new opportunities and spaces to come in and thrive.

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I love that this is a mid-summer check in. It’s the perfect timing amongst the busy moments of Summer to ask What kind of lifestyle am I being pulled towards? What isn’t currently working? What can I do about that? What’s the kind of home I feel most comfortable in? What are the kind of people that make me feel like my best self? What do I need to let go of to make room for things far greater? Whether or not you believe this to be true, I think there is something here for everyone. Jupiter rewards authenticity, and the more you practice attracting an authentic life, the easier and more rewarding it gets.

Authenticity has been a main theme in my life these past couple years. I’ve shared here the transformation I experienced whilst living abroad, and how it really made me look in the mirror and ask myself if I was truly living authentically. It was a complete breakdown and rebuild as I navigated figuring out what choices and actions felt the most me. I’ve now been back in the US for a bit more than 5 months now, and it’s stirred up a whole new set of questions amongst another new environment.

I loved my life in Amsterdam. I loved the people, the pace, the walkability, the energy. I thought that was exactly what I wanted when moving back to the US. I was so excited to try San Francisco cocktail spots, to walk everywhere, to spend Friday nights out and about, and this all quickly shifted the moment I moved here. I’ve felt so much more drawn to a slower pace. I want to be in nature, to go to bed early, exercise, read in the sun, live in a house with a big garden, have a small community, and be very intentional with where and how I spend my time and energy.

It’s been a really cool internal shift to be able to name what I want, and recognize the choices and decisions I need to make in order to make that happen. I’m sure this will be a constant evolution, but as someone who lived feeling so frozen in fear for so many years, this has been such a freeing thing to learn for myself.

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I know I’m not alone in this and I thought it would be cool if we did a little exercise together. Pour a cup of tea or a glass of wine, put on your cozies, light a candle, and get reflecting. We’re making big moves together!

Here’s the exercise:

1. Grab some paper and a pen

2. Write a list starting with the things you’d like to clear out. (You have to let go of the old to welcome the new). Maybe it’s your job or the city you live in or a relationship that no longer feels great. You can either keep or toss this. Sometimes it’s nice to just get your thoughts on paper, and then throw it away!

3. Create another list starting with “I am moving towards…” and name things you envision for your future that feel like it’s bringing you closer to your authentic self.

   1. a home that reflects my personality and taste

   2. work that feels authentic and abundant

   3. attracting friendships that make me feel really loved and supported

4. You can even add visuals to this second list. Make it a fun moodboard!

5. Store it somewhere that you can see to remind yourself what you’re working towards. Often times naming our goals and visions really helps bring them to fruition.

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I really love this current moment within the stars because it’s inviting us to imagine an even greater future.

Jupiter is all about luck, and we’re being told that whatever work you put forth right now - that work will expand. The key is realizing that this luck doesn’t just fall into your lap, it’s more a result of action. You’re going to have to step through open doors to make things happen.

You can pivot! You can make huge changes! You’re allowed to outgrow versions of yourself that no longer fit. You can allow old things to fall away that no longer serve you to make room for changes that are far more aligned with what you envision for yourself.

There’s so much ahead! More joy, more creativity, more warmth, more meaningful relationships, more possibility and even more confidence. I truly believe that what we clear out and allow into our lives will shape the way for so many aspects of our future. I hope you feel inspired by this to take a moment for a little mid-summer check in. ily guys!

xx

Maya