Robes of Light

We're looking back at Chapter 6 of our annual Solar Story — The Crucible — and talking on: the art of the audible, why staying can be a radical new movement, the (cat) life-saving art of trusting feminine intuition, and what it really means to be pulled out of the belly of the beast (or iguana) — even if all you can do is picture yourself as a tiny golden boat floating in the cosmos. Show notes and Dixit card images on the Podcast page at RobesofLight.com. Register on the website to join the Summer Solstice Live Show on June 21st. (Replay available after the show.) 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

We've entered the Crucible, the mid-spring threshold of the annual Solar Story where the heat and pressure burn away what no longer serves. In this lunation retrospective, Cassidy and Susan dive into their Dixit storytelling cards: a weary bucket and a bossy broom, a child sailing alone through a storm, an astronaut monkey glimpsing multidimensional reality. Listen in to their conversation about the inner work of this season. In this episode: - The value of slowing down to navigate consciously - The inner masculine/feminine dialogue with six months of tracking the animus through dreams - The paradox of creativity: why we must take play seriously - Real-time synchronicities caught live on recording - The 13th century anchoress tradition, and what it reframes about "public life" 📷 See the Dixit card images in the show notes at RobesofLight.com ✉️ Send us your speech bubbles for the broom and the bucket 🎟️ Spring Show replay now available — 35% off with code MIDSPRING26 Robes of Light is a podcast for the serious spiritual practitioner — tracking the symbolic language of the soul through an annual heroic journey. 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm Ⓐ Episode description courtesy of Claude

Today's conversation finds us in the approach to the inmost cave—the charged midpoint between spring equinox and May 1st where the quest gets real. In this episode we look back on chapter four of our annual heroic journey, unpacking our Dixit storytelling cards and the themes that surfaced along the way. We explore ancestral karma clearing, the integration of suppressed rage, and what it means to be both the seeker and the sought after—the hero climbing the cliffside and the red-eyed monster waiting in the cave. We talk about how surprisingly simple practices—an Altoids tin prayer box, three minutes of breathwork—can become unexpected keys to unlocking inherited patterns that go back generations, or lifetimes. We also zoom out to bigger threads: the archetype of Emergence, the return of the priestess, and how our Lunar Cartomancy praxis helps us attune to the soul's evolutionary intentions, one chapter at a time. Show notes & Dixit card images available on the Tune In page at www.RobesofLight.com Our spring equinox seasonal show is available for purchase and replay on our homepage. 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm 📝 Show Notes on the "Tune In" page at www.RobesofLight.com Ⓐ Episode description courtesy of Claude Sonnet

In this conversation, Susan and Cassidy explore **exigency**—that which you cannot remain silent about—and discover why following your inner compass matters more than any external tool. In this episode: - How Western astrology often reads like you'll be "clobbered" by your chart (and what changes when you've done your psycho-spiritual work) - The difference between fate (cards you're dealt) and destiny (how you play your game) - Cassidy's unexpected open mic poetry performance at Gypsy Coffee House - Susan's Substack writing about "things that crinkle my heart" - Why women speaking from the heart is as revolutionary as political activism - Quest questions emerging: wild medicine, divine romance, and the postmodern priestess - Red balloons, Bodhisattva prayers, and the truth that we're not healed until everyone is healed Core teaching: Don't mistake the tool for the goal. Stay in liminal space long enough for emergence. Recognize when experiences arise to serve—even when they're not what you expected. We're nearing the end of Question season in our Heroic Journey framework. 📣 Announcements: - Spring Equinox approaches with our 3-hour Collective Cartomancy Field Reading (March 20; recording available). - Robes of Light Membership doors are open only for 2 weeks before equinox/solstice. - Free MVP Challenge (120-day spiritual practice) starts April 1 - Find out more at www.RobesofLight.com 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm 📝 Show Notes on the "Tune In" page at www.RobesofLight.com Ⓐ Episode description courtesy of Claude Sonnet

Join us as we transition from winter's stillness into early spring's creative stirrings. We geek out on our Visionary New Year collage breakthroughs, the surprising journey of making a sacred talking stick, and how creative collaboration feels like—or maybe even better than—winning the lottery. We explore how tools like collages and cards train attention toward the sacred, and what happens when the inner voice that will not be silenced finally picks up the pen. 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm 📝  Show Notes at www.RobesofLight.com --> "Tune In" 🚪 Spring Equinox registration opens March 6th

Happy New Year—or as we say, Happy New Solar Story! We're back kicking off our 4th season! In this episode: - Why we measure success by showing up authentically and consistently - How our Solar Story framework has evolved through years of experimentation - The profound difference between surviving challenges and dancing with them consciously - A toddler's wisdom that might be the best teaching on shadow work we've ever heard - Why rest is actually productive - The sacred art of transitions, endings, and holding space for what's liminal - How your life is literally a work of art—shadows and all We also get into Dixit cards as tools for spiritual initiation, the belly of the whale, and why normalizing conversations about death might be one of the most loving things we can do. Whether you've been with us since Season 1 or you're just finding us now, welcome. Pour yourself something warm, settle in, and join the conversation. This is what spiritual wisdom sounds like between friends. 📝  Show notes with Dixit card visuals: www.RobesofLight.com -> “Tune In” 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

We've reached the end of another year—another Solar Story. Perhaps you can sense it's not just the end of a year, but the end of an era. Some are doubling down on American "Christmas," while others are choosing less, choosing peace, quiet, stillness. In this episode we discuss Time—from the mundane ("holiday time") to the metaphysical ("time-bending"). We offer a message of hope with the return of light on winter Solstice: when you move from linear to cyclical time, living during "end times" means a new beginning. Note: We discuss Santa and how we're navigating that with our kids—if this is a sensitive topic for your family, consider listening without little ears around. 🎁 Holiday Special Bundle: Two beloved online courses—Beautiful Resolution (journal your 2025 story) and Visionary New Year (revelations & visionary board collaging). See the top banner at www.RobesofLight.com! 📝 Show Notes on the "Tune In" page 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

Cassidy and Susan explore what it means to be "hypersensitives" who've become more comfortable with discomfort than ease, examining shared patterns of self-criticism and the surprising ways their bodies intervene when they refuse to slow down. They are landing in the rest they've been seeking all year-- trusting that they're truly safe and embracing comfort. This episode marks our transition into the "Status Quo" phase of our annual Solar Story offering a tender and honest look at what comes after the quest ends and the real integration begins. 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm 📝  Show Notes at www.RobesofLight.com under "Tune In" 🎉 Beautiful Resolution workshop Dec. 7th! Registration available on website.

Cassidy and Susan explore the "return" phase of their annual Solar Story - that final stretch where you expect smooth sailing but encounter unexpected boulders. They discuss practical approaches to working with challenging mental patterns, the power of living in "not knowing," and how to honor both personal truth and others' spiritual paths. A raw, honest conversation about the unexpected challenges that can arise just when you think you're reaching the finish line. Key topics include: - Different types of negative (”parasitic”) thinking: inherited/conditioned patterns, self-limiting beliefs, & intrusive thoughts - The difference between replacing negative thoughts with positive ones vs. sending them "back to the light" - Victory and grief existing simultaneously - An incredible dream synchronicity involving a song Susan had never heard - Navigating misunderstandings about their spiritual work - Creating space for diverse beliefs and perspectives 📝 Show Notes on www.RobesofLight.com--> "Tune In" 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

Starting with the ancient symbol of the caduceus, this episode weaves through breathing techniques, the Wise Woman Tradition (a la Susan Weed), and the magic of following your heart. What we explore: • The caduceus as a symbol of balance • Practical breathing techniques for anxiety and nervous system regulation • Susan Weed's "wise woman" approach: asking "How is this my ally?" instead of "Why is this happening to me?" • Susan's "blanket technique" for gently exploring what lies beneath surface emotions • Mind-body healing approaches for pre-verbal trauma and emotional integration • The intersection of improv, creativity, and transformative healing arts • Following your intuition in academia and creative pursuits • Navigating eclipse season with presence + two new kitten family members From bibliomancy as a study superpower to envisioning the future of collaborative healing arts, this conversation is perfect for anyone interested in alternative wellness, creative process, or simply eavesdropping on two friends exploring life's mysteries with curiosity and heart, stirring up wisdom for anyone ready to meet us in that field beyond right and wrong. Show notes at www.RobesofLight.com on the "Tune In" page.

In this conversation, we explore what happens when the ordinary world feels impossible to return to during times of extraordinary change, and how we might reconnect to our human nature, and Nature herself. We discuss: • How online connection has become more natural than in-person interaction (and what that means for community) • Practical ways to reconnect with nature, even in modern urban life • Alternative wellness approaches like grounding for mental health • Why following your "bliss" might be the most practical thing you can do right now Perfect for anyone seeking authentic community or curious about living more intentionally. We get real about caring for ourselves, in relationship to the Earth, and why following your heart might be the most practical thing you can do to navigate through chaotic times. Reminder: doors open to register for our Autumn Equinox live show on Sept. 8! Learn more on our website--www.robesoflight.com--and find today's show notes on our "Tune In" page.

As the world enters revolutionary times (Pluto in Aquarius, Uranus in Gemini--IYKYK)--and it feels like we've collectively stepped into the Twilight Zone--Cassidy and Susan explore how to remain deeply human through unprecedented technological advancement. This casual conversation between friends updating each other on their personal lives captures how today's conscious seekers are navigating everything from AI technology to electromagnetic frequency awareness, while stepping courageously outside their comfort zones (and onto the dance floor). Heads up! We’ve recently launched a bold, fun redesign of our website—feel free to check it out at RobesofLight.com. You can find the show notes for today’s episode on our “Tune in” page. 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

In this heart-to-heart, we touch on themes of sovereignty, stillness, and authenticity, specifically while in the crucible of personal and collective pain. We reflect on the format of our latest workshop as a model of mirror-reflecting wisdom and the power of spiritual community, relating this to the recent astrological transit of Jupiter entering Cancer. From Knights of the Round Table to whales and the Sirian star system, we explore how ancient myth and cosmic allies can guide modern spiritual work. We wrap up this episode with a prayer for reconciliation—for families and friends, for humanity and the planet—at this time. Remember, you can find our show notes and our seasonal playlist on our website www.RobesofLight.com under “Tune In.” 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

As May draws to a close, we find ourselves in the seasonal in-between—late spring or early summer, depending on your perspective. In this episode, we reflect on where we are in our 2025 journeys and how themes of the season—purification, flexibility, and power—are showing up in our lives. We explore: - The spiritual value of sensible risk-taking—and the surrender it often requires - What it means to travel lightly, both physically and emotionally - How a change in wardrobe can mirror deep inner transformation - A multidimensional, alternative model of feminine empowerment—bold, sensitive, and expansive Plus, a quick announcement: Registration for our Summer Solstice live show and card ceremony opens soon! Join us Saturday, June 21 live or via recording. Details, membership options, and show notes for this episode are at RobesofLight.com. 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

This episode opens with the spirit of air. We discuss how this relates to where we are in this stormy season of spring, specifically with the process of “clearing the air,” i.e., purifying our thoughts and emotions. We dive in to the mechanics of emotional processing, including how to engage in honest self-reflection while also maintaining self-compassion. This leads into a discussion about the challenges of parenting, and an invitation to join us at Robes of Light in honoring Mother’s Day and Father’s Day this year a little differently through ancestral healing work—with details forthcoming on our website. Detailed show notes available at RobesofLight.com on our "Tune In" page. 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

It’s springtime, and our annual quest is underway here at Robes of Light! Journey with us through this conversation in which we explore our concept of a “minimum viable practice,” as in a daily spiritual practice. We discuss how connecting with your soul every day can help you build a solid personal foundation which supports entering and navigating the inner landscape. Join in our MVP Challenge on your own, with a friend, or in community with us by signing up at robesoflight.com. Code: 25FOR2025 for 25% off! 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of LesFM

We’re halfway through winter, which means it’s time for Exciting Incidents to appear on the stage of life that will lead into our annual (inner) quests. Inspired by our own fatigue, and the invitation to pause this season, Cassidy and Susan enjoy a slow, nourishing conversation about how we practice self-care and about self-compassion as the key for healing. 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

Cassidy and Susan are back, kicking off the first episode of their 2025 Solar Story! Both have been prioritizing inner stillness in winter (or “The Status Quo” in their heroic journey lingo), even with disruptive outer events on the world stage. Topics include: Cassidy's latest hand injury as a metaphor for spiritual healing; Susan's tips for supporting a Vata imbalance in winter time; the wisdom of syncing with the lunar cycle; and how both Susan and Cassidy anticipate working deeper with ancestors and Nature towards creative self-actualization in the annual quest ahead. 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

In this episode we share some information that we are super excited about regarding the new programs that are on the horizon for you in 2025. We had a super time with this one not only because we’re excited about our new programs but because we broadcasted this episode together from Virginia.

It’s never too late to make a beautiful ending. In this episode we discuss how ancestral work can provide deeper context and meaning for our individual stories, beyond the level of personal drama, as well as how we can hold for ourselves and others a vision or blueprint of the highest potential and live into it. Susan and Cassidy share anecdotes of how they’ve brought their 2024 Solar Stories full circle. And, disclaimer, a few words on 🎅 😂 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

In this episode we discuss the pitfalls of separating our work from our joy and the need for our youth to come to understand in an embodied way humanity’s purpose here while actively tying that in to personal purpose and career goals. We suggest the chakra system as a foundation for this understanding and path toward healing. And, as we near holiday season, we offer some tips for how to gather with family, even dysfunctional ones, with ease and grace. We also touch on the power of Bert Hellinger’s family constellation work as a healing tool for improving family dynamics as well as the reasons why healing the family field is so important for us personally. And of course, we can’t mention family constellations without again recommending the Turkish TV show Another Self. 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

Today’s conversation is inspired by The Road Back or Return Phase of the Heroic Journey, the trials that occur at the climax of the story and how this months' trials have affected us personally, in our communities, and globally. We also discussed the mystical path of active love, a new model of heroism, as opposed to “quietism.” 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

In this episode we reflect upon the question: What does it take to change? We also reflect on blessings in disguise, the balancing of the masculine, and then were led into a larger discussion of the quest and the holy grail. 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

It's mid-summer and we're beginning to look at our Ordeals through the rearview mirror. Yes, we've corrected the skid and are beginning to glean some wisdom from all that began to go sideways on us. The pace of this conversation even exemplified a sneak peak of our reward...a "well digested life." In this episode, we talk about a favorite TV show we’ve been watching that delves into the world of family constellations and the impact of our ancestral DNA and roots, we also discuss the virtues of rootedness and rootlessness, as well as the concept of living viscerally vs. vicariously. 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

We just hit the midpoint of the yearly Solar Story. We're in the heat of summer, stepped into the crucible and entered the fire. 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

Today’s conversation is inspired by the closing and integration of the spring season and the challenges faced during The New Approach. 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

We’re at the point in our Quest where we are beginning to meet challenges along the way. These challenges can be viewed as opportunities to respond differently to sometimes all too familiar experiences. In this episode we some share valuable new moves. 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

This episode is inspired by the change of seasons. We've entered Spring, been guided into a a slow defrost, and are contemplating what lies ahead. 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

As we integrate and complete the winter season, we are at the point in our Solar Story where we are investigating and formulating the questions that will inform our year long soul quest. We also speak briefly about refusing the call of soul. 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

It's mid-winter, the point in the heroic solar story arc when we find inciting incidents begin to arrive in our lives. Inciting incidents can show up as circumstances beyond our control, a call or invitation, a provocation, an interruption or upset. Incidents can arrive in either our inner or outer lives. In this show, we discuss how the Gallbladder has arrived for each of us as an unexpected visitor and share how we use that symbology to inform our lives. We also explore how we might use relationship as part of a quest and lastly Cassidy gets specific on how she would like to engage with others as she quests this year and offers us an invitation to join her in this quest. 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

This is the first podcast of our new 2023-24 annual Solar Story. In this episode we continue our discussion on authenticity, begin to reveal the A's of spiritual ascension, and discuss the impact of values and ideals on creative solutions. 🎵 Music: Markotopa / “A Call to the Soul / courtesy of Lesfm

This is the last Podcast of the 2022-23 Solar Story and in this episode we follow the threads of our own personal story lines for the year in a wandering reflective conversation as a form of informal integration. As always we want to give a big thank you to Markotopa for our Intro Music: A Call to Soul

We are entering the final stage of the 2023 Solar Story as we begin to close out the Autumn season. Today we discuss some of the foundational concepts of the Solar Story as well as a current theme both Cassidy and I are working with; the idea, as Kelly Sullivan Walden writes, that "Life's A Story, So Make It A Good One." As always we want to give a big thank you to Markotopa for our Intro Music: A Call to Soul

Today’s conversation is inspired by the new moon solar eclipse occurring on Saturday, October 14th and one of our seasonal themes which is balancing compassion with integrity. In this episode, we'll discuss how this affects personal relationships. As always we want to give a big thank you to Markotopa for our Intro Music: A Call to Soul