Dreaming, Grace, Gratitude, Nature, Reflection, Ritual, Storytelling

2026: My Year of Emancipation

Freedom is a vibrant palette reflecting our diverse paths to liberty. Blue evokes vast possibilities and openness; white symbolises purity and freedom from oppression. Red captures the revolutionary spirit and the courage required for liberty. Green connects us to nature, representing growth and renewal. Yellow and gold shine with enlightenment and hope, symbolising the joy of living without constraints. Each colour tells a story of the different ways we find and fight for freedom. I took this photo of the sunbird on the protea in Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town – a stolen moment of wild magic in between the hustle.

As the Gemini Full Moon of December 2025 cast its luminous glow, it invited me into a realm of introspection. This celestial event called for solitude, urging me to delve into my inner world and release the burdens quietly draining my spirit. Dreams, rich with symbolism, became portals to understanding, guiding me to let go of what no longer served me.

With Neptune’s direct station in Pisces, a transformative 14-year cycle came to a close, reshaping my inner self and dissolving outdated identities. Emotions surged, dreams intensified, and intuition sharpened, leading me back to the core of my truth. The Sagittarius New Moon also graced the sky in December, acting as a beacon for renewing my daily routines and nurturing my health, balancing service to others with honouring my own needs.

2025 was undeniably my year of Magic. This enchanted word became my guiding star, drawing me into a realm where mystery intertwined with daily life. It was a journey of embracing my roles as a WayFinder and Lightworker, celebrating authenticity and the wild spirit within. Magic was not just about transformation but about healing, tapping into Earth’s energies, and reconnecting with untamed beauty.

Standing on the precipice of 2026, my heart swells with anticipation for a year centred on Freedom and Emancipation. The Keepers of Light Life Path oracle (by Kyle Gray) reading has unveiled a path of profound change and liberation, promising a flourishing professional and public life guided by a redefined sense of purpose and success aligned with my authentic self. This is the year of Expansion of the Heart, where true growth happens in spaces of safety and emotional support, allowing me to redefine belonging and deepen my capacity for love.

Financially, 2026 invites me to reassess my relationship with money, letting go of long-held scarcity mindsets to embrace abundance through joy and passion. It’s a year ripe with opportunities for entrepreneurship and creative endeavours, where prosperity flows dynamically and vibrantly.

In this vibrant realm of existence, where love and acceptance intertwine with each heartbeat, the idea of Earth Angels shines brightly as a symbol of hope and transformation. These radiant souls, driven by a divine mission to spread love and healing, guide us towards spiritual evolution. My journey has been profoundly touched by such an Earth Angel—my Aunty Denise. Though not a blood relative, she embodied the essence of an Earth Angel with her quiet strength and boundless kindness. Her unexpected passing nearly two years ago left a void, yet she gifted me a legacy of love and liberation. In our last moments together, she encouraged me to embrace my wild-hearted odyssey, to dance to the rhythm of my own drum. Her unwavering acceptance and belief in my path have catalysed an enormous change within me, setting me free to explore the world with an open heart. Aunty Denise’s spirit continues to guide me, her indelible mark a testament to the power of Earth Angels in shaping our lives for the better.

As the sacred dance of life calls me to unleash my true self, 2026 becomes a canvas where divine interventions guide each step. I honour my lineage, healing ancestral wounds, and embracing a future rich with purpose and joy. This journey as a Lightworker is illuminated by the lighthouse versus rescue boat analogy. The lighthouse stands tall, offering steady, long-term guidance, empowering others to find their own way, while the rescue boat dives into crises, offering immediate relief but risking burnout and dependency. This year, I embrace my lighthouse phase, a beacon rooted in the wisdom of trust, light, love, rewilding, and magic that has shaped my path.

In numerology, 2026 is a year of new beginnings, a 1 year, and a 10 year. It’s also a Fire Horse year in Chinese astrology, a time of passion and dynamic change. As I embrace the words Freedom, Emancipation, Co-creation, and Beloved, I am ready to dance into this new chapter, guided by intuition and a heart purified by fire. Here’s to a year of becoming, where authenticity and balance reign, and where the wild heart beats ever stronger.

To feel in 2026… one with nature, guided by inner wisdom, held by the land, nourished and inspired, at home in my own skin, drawn to the trees, wild and free.

Toyed around with which word to use:

  • Freedom: Old English meaning exempt from a particular state or condition, evolving from a Proto-Germanic word meaning “beloved” or “at peace,” linked to tribal belonging and protection, linked to words like “friend.”
  • Liberty: Latin meaning free choice, independence, exemption from constraint.
  • Emancipation: Latin meaning to take out of hand, freedom from legal or social bondage, release from restrictions.

In the end, there are aspects of all three words at play this year.

I encountered some profound thoughts recently, and though I am unsure of their origin, I paraphrase them here: 

Each family births a soul attuned to the quakes within their lineage. This one dreams in symbols, waking weary from battles unseen by others. She mourns for wounds not of her making but coursing through her veins. She carries more than her own sorrows; she bears echoes, ancestral murmurs, and silent grief buried for ages. Labelled as overly sensitive, too intense, too different, she is heaven's cycle breaker. Born with open eyes, her spirit rejects deceit, her nerves react to manipulation, and her heart refuses to accept dysfunction as normal. She doesn’t turn her back on her family; instead, she saves it by refusing replication. She disrupts, interrupts patterns, and says “no more” when others accept “that’s just the way it is.” She questions the unquestioned, heals the unhealed, and voices the unspoken. And yes—it costs her. Comfort, belonging, and inner peace are the price. Breaking a cycle incurs resistance; inherited pain loyalists label her an enemy. She is blamed for chaos she merely revealed and accused of shattering the already fractured. But here’s the harsh truth—the chosen one is often sacrificed before being revered. She walks in solitude before honour finds her, misunderstood before remembrance. Even those she liberates may never express gratitude. Yet she stands firm, knowing what others don’t—yielding perpetuates the curse. Silence allows the wound to persist. So she becomes the fire, not to destroy her family but to cauterise what has bled for generations. When the smoke clears, the bloodline transforms forever. For once a soul awakens, the spell is irrevocably broken.

Disclaimer: the words above and the resonance described below are not to say I have a terrible family in the here and now. Quite the opposite in fact. I am sharing this part of my story as we all carry ancestral wounds, it is no one’s fault, it just is. I am only now beginning to understand my journey in terms of being the cycle breaker and pattern interrupt for my family and this includes my soul family.

These words resonate deeply! For this Wild Heart, it has been more than just breaking my ancestral cycle of wounds, but also my wider journey and the people I’ve met along the way. I only see it now in hindsight—all those nights crying in a foetal position on floors, body wracked with pain as my heart cried out, “What did I do?” or “Why me?” It has been worth the pain in the end as I have been cracked open to live authentically, and the reward is seeing how the spell has broken for so many around me. This is not me, but the universe working through me. I think back to my lowest moment on a concrete floor of my little Maun home, the energy surrounding me filled with all my broken dreams. A chink of light in the dark spoke gently and softly—be my sunshine. I still wake up each morning with that intent. I certainly do not get it right all the time, but still, I try.

I have been writing and rewriting this post since the 1st of January. Stolen moments to myself in between a horrendous list of have-to’s for work. I feel like I am on the edge of a deep and profound shift personally—a renewed soul calling for me and my Anam Ċara. But drowning in the overwhelm of an unsustainable workload in the here and now. The opposite of work-life balance, living to work has become my norm of late. Actually, perhaps it ever was. The opposite of freedom and emancipation. Perhaps that is why it is so overwhelming at my day job, to teach me just this—let go of the old hustles I felt I needed to earn my place in the world. Surrender to the flow of soul calling, allowing the healthy boundaries to show themselves and settle. Perhaps I needed these last two months to start embodying my word for the year, my year of emancipation taking shape so I could articulate the concept more thoughtfully. Here’s to Freedom.

Extraordinary Voices, Grace, Reflection

Beyond the Fairytale

Inspired by Emma Watson’s heart-to-heart with Jay Shetty on his On Purpose podcast, I penned this blog post. Her courage in sharing her journey of challenging societal norms struck a chord with me. Emma’s insight into how we often reduce life’s complexities to rigid binaries—this or that, black or white—resonated deeply. Her story of soul-searching and inner work inspired me to explore these themes further. Join me as we delve into some nuances that make life so beautifully unpredictable.

I highly recommend listening/watching the whole thing through

Love. It’s a word soaked in romance and adorned with fairy tale endings, yet its essence often eludes us. We’ve been fed a steady diet of Disney romances and Hollywood love stories, where the ultimate goal seems to be “falling in love.” But what happens after the credits roll? What about the journey beyond the first kiss or the wedding vows? In the real world, love is far more complex and dynamic. It’s a dance, a partnership, and sometimes, a battlefield where the stakes are high, and the rewards are profound.

For many of us, the concept of love was shaped by childhood fantasies—those sweet, letter-writing romances that seemed so perfect. But as we step into adulthood, reality hits. Real love involves navigating through misunderstandings, learning the art of conflict, and finding someone willing to dance the intricate dance of life with you. It’s about making someone feel safe—not just physically but emotionally. It’s about the little things, like responding to a text promptly or knowing when to give space. It’s about compatibility and vulnerability, the willingness to make micro-adjustments in the relationship dance.

In my own journey, I’ve come to realise that love is more about the everyday choices we make. It’s not just about the initial spark but about finding someone who is willing to engage in this never-ending dance of checking in, adjusting, and evolving together. This understanding is far removed from the binary notion of love many of us grow up with.

Jay Shetty and Emma Watson delve into this topic beautifully in their conversation on the “On Purpose” podcast. They explore how love is not about one person leading and another following, but about both partners engaging in a mutual exchange of teaching and learning. It’s a dance where humility is key—a humility that allows one to be taught without feeling led or misled. This kind of love is deeply fulfilling, as it challenges us and makes us grow.

Emma’s reflections resonate with many of us who have grappled with societal expectations, especially the persistent question, “Why aren’t you married yet?” This question often carries the implication that one’s worth is tied to their marital status. Yet, Emma’s insights remind us that marriage and partnership are not the ultimate markers of success. They are not benchmarks that validate one’s existence. Instead, love and partnership should be choices made from a place of wholeness and understanding of oneself.

In a world that often pressures us to conform to traditional timelines and milestones, it’s crucial to remember that love isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Real love respects the individuality of each person involved. It’s not about forcing a relationship into a predetermined mold but about nurturing it in a way that honors both partners’ purposes and visions.

Jay shares a poignant perspective on this: love is about learning from the other person and being open to change and growth. It’s about respecting what your partner values and how they evolve over time. This mutual respect and understanding are what make a relationship sustainable.

One of the most profound lessons from the podcast is the importance of truth in love. Real intimacy requires constant truth-telling, even when it feels risky. It’s about revealing deeper truths and being courageous enough to risk vulnerability. True connection thrives on this honesty and openness, setting both partners free to be their authentic selves.

As a society, we often romanticise love, overlooking the real work it takes to sustain it. We need to move beyond asking why someone isn’t married yet or why they haven’t followed a conventional path. Instead, we should hold space for people to live their truth, whatever that truth may be. Love is a deeply personal journey, one that should be respected and celebrated in all its unique forms.

Ultimately, love is not about fitting into a societal box. It’s about finding a partner who complements your journey and respects your individuality. It’s about creating a shared vision while honoring each other’s dreams and aspirations. So, let’s celebrate love in all its diversity, and let people’s hearts and choices be their own, free from judgment or expectation.

Africa, Beginnings, Extraordinary Voices, Gratitude, Nature, Reflection, Storytelling

Life Is Indeed A Magic Thing

This mid-July, in the soft glow of a glorious South African sunset across this beautiful KwaZulu Natal sand forest of my newly found Hluhluwe Happy Place, I find myself reflecting on the tapestry of influences that have shaped my life. The recent loss of my mentor, Uncle Dave Rushworth, alongside the haunting melodies of Johnny Clegg, and the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela, weave a story of resilience, connection, and hope.

Uncle Dave was not just a mentor but a bridge to the wild heart of Africa. My first journey to Hoedspruit at age 13 to meet him and his family, was more than a physical passage; it was an awakening. Through the years and the relatively small pockets of time I got to spend with him and Aunty Julienne at Trackers, his teachings about bushlore and the intricate beauty of the Lowveld became the rhythm of my soul. Uncle Dave taught me to face my fears, to embrace the wildness within, and to find solace under the African sky. His legacy is etched in the landscape of my memories, a guidepost in my journey. It is because of him and all he openly shared with me of his bush wisdom, that Hoedspruit was my original happy place, and always will be. I have deep roots there, a geography of soul connection. It continues to show up in my art and in my writing.

As I reflect on these memories, the music of Johnny Clegg resonates deeply. His songs, rich with the spirit of Africa, echo the same themes of belonging and identity that Uncle Dave instilled in me. Clegg’s words about being “Scatterlings of Africa” remind me of the journey we all undertake to find our place in the world. Words so indelible, I have them inked into my skin. His music, like the land he sang of, is a testament to the resilience and unity that transcends borders.

This reflection is especially poignant as we honor Nelson Mandela’s legacy on Mandela Day. Mandela, a towering figure of hope and reconciliation, reminds us of the power of unity and shared humanity. In a world still grappling with inequity and division, his call for solidarity and action is more relevant than ever. Just as Uncle Dave nurtured my wild heart, Mandela’s spirit encourages us all to nurture the world around us, to combat poverty and injustice with compassion and courage.

The convergence of these influences—Uncle Dave’s mentorship, Clegg’s music, and Mandela’s legacy—has shaped my wild heart into one that seeks wild connection and soul purpose. They remind me that life, indeed, is a magic thing.

Though Uncle Dave has passed, his spirit lives on in the wild places he loved, in the lessons he taught, and in the heart he helped to shape. As I listen to the whispering song of the wind in the grass, I carry his memory forward, embracing the magic and mystery of life.

Rest in peace, dear Uncle Dave. Your legacy, like Mandela’s and Clegg’s, is etched in the stars and in the story of my life. Thank you for teaching me that life is, indeed, a magic thing.

Africa, Birth Place, Creativity, Extraordinary Voices, Human Wildlife Coexistence, Nature, Storytelling, Values, Wildlife Conservation

Odyssey of my Wild Heart: A Journey of Trust, Light and Magic

A couple of years ago, I made a promise to the Universe: I would learn to trust my intuition. This commitment set me on a transformative journey, one that has allowed me to reconnect with the calm, clear voice of my authentic self, separate from ego. My Year of Trust in 2022 was filled with dreams fulfilled and crucial lessons in balancing what I can create and what I allow to unfold.

As I moved into 2023, I embraced the themes of Light and Love, further deepening my soul journey. This year was about finding balance in how I love and embracing my true self—what I like to call my Sunshine Reflected. I chose love over fear, which has led to an incredible synergy and abundance in my life, allowing me to live my Dream Life fully.

In this space of Love and Light, the Universe introduced me to an unexpected muse, a soul connection rich with love, radical authenticity, wisdom and insight. This relationship, along with those of my Soul Tribe, has illuminated my path, revealing that my creativity is my Soul Gift and Great Purpose. I’ve come to appreciate the significance of my identity as a Conservation Storyteller.

My belief in the energy that connects all things is strong. Tapping into this cosmic energy fuels my intuition and instinct, guiding me to seek wisdom from both Nature (Mother Earth) and the Universe (Sky Father). This reflection inspired my thoughts for 2024—an exploration of the concept of Reclaiming Wild. Drawing inspiration from Ian McCallum’s poetry, I aim to embrace the ideas of Wildness and Wilderness as integral to my soul’s vocabulary, reflecting my connection to Nature and the seasons of my life.

Wilderness
Have we forgotten that wilderness is not a place,
but a pattern of soul where every tree, every bird and beast is a soul maker?
Have we forgotten that wilderness is not a place
but a moving feast of stars, footprints, scales and beginnings?
Since when did we become afraid of the night and that only the bright stars count?
or that our moon is not a moon unless it is full?
By whose command were the animals
through groping fingers, one for each hand, reduced to the big and little five?
Have we forgotten that every creature is within us
carried by tides of earthly blood and that we named them?
Have we forgotten that wilderness is not a place,
but a season and that we are in its final hour?
Ian McCallum

With Trust and Light as my foundation, I embarked on a reclaiming of my Wild and Untamed self. This journey has been about embracing my Wild Heart and empowering the sacred feminine and divine masculine within me. By reconnecting with my authentic self, I can live wholeheartedly and fulfil my Great Purpose.

As I reclaim my internal Wild, I hope to be more in tune with Nature, allowing this spiritual rewilding to enhance my contribution to the Conservation Collective I’m part of. This group is dedicated to physical rewilding as a Nature-based solution for the environmental and social challenges we face.

Rewilding is a messy, real, and imperfect process—much like Nature itself. It teaches us to embrace the beauty in imperfection and understand what it means to be human. In this journey, I am excited to embrace my magic and the happy wanderer within me, which I have dubbed the Odyssey of My Wild Heart.

The next phase of this journey is a physical one, focused on my purpose as a Conservation Storyteller. It’s about collecting stories that convey the Geography of Soul—capturing what it means to be profoundly connected to the spirit of place. This narrative intertwines community with ecosystems, aiming for human-wildlife coexistence.

The term Geography of Soul, a phrase that continues to whisper to me as my Odyssey takes shape, encapsulates the essence of my exploration. As best as I can define it right now, it combines the study of the earth with the spiritual and emotional aspects of our existence. This odyssey is both a physical and internal journey, studying the stories written into the earth’s surface, shaped by Nature and human actions.

Much of this journey leads me back home to Mzansi, where I feel a deep spiritual connection to the land, its wild places, and its people. I have long envisioned articulating the extraordinary voices of ordinary individuals in this land, capturing the wildness, beauty, struggles, and paradoxes of life here.

Practically, this means spending weeks and months immersed in the communities of my Soul Tribe to gather their tales. I’ll begin sharing snippets on my platforms and gradually build these stories into a book format. The chapters I’ve already drafted consist of love letters inspired by my journey towards Love Lightly—a commitment to choose love over fear.

My Wildhearted Odyssey has already begun. A soft launch of sorts during last year and some magical time spent in Eshowe, Zululand as well as a whole month on the road in November – Kruger to Hoedspruit to Dullstroom. The next chapter began this month settling into a new home in the bush in my new Hluhluwe Happy Place.

As we move into 2025, I’m drawn to the concept of Magic—an enchanting tapestry that invites connection with the mystical. As a Lightworker and Wayfinder, I celebrate the power of authenticity, and this journey into Magic encourages us to stay present and revel in our Wildness. The playful spirits of fairies, the wisdom of witches, and the teachings of druids all guide us toward healing and reconnection with our wild spirits.

This Odyssey of My Wild Heart is not just a recent development; it traces back to my childhood, echoing an ancient belief in the immortal journey of the soul. I’ve learned that my purpose is to shine light into the world, embracing both the sweetness and the bitterness of life.

Dear Heart, remember that your love story began before you were born. You were called to bring light into the world, to witness and speak truth. Embrace the light that shines in shadow, and let your journey be one of love—lightly, freely, embracing the wild and untamed. Love to infinity… Me xx

As I venture forth, I remain values-grounded, committed to kindness, courage, creativity, and authenticity. In the wild and untamed places, I find purity and a sense of belonging, learning how to be in harmony with the world around me. Deep within me, a Wild Heart resonates with Mother Earth, pulsating to the primal rhythms of Nature. This dance of divine masculine and sacred feminine harmonises strength with sensitivity, inviting me to embrace my imperfections. Each step I take is a celebration of authenticity, reminding me that growth flows naturally with the changing seasons.

Join me as I embark on this adventure, exploring the Geography of Soul and the profound connection we share with the land, its people, and its Wildness. Together, let’s celebrate the essence of Storytelling and the Magic that binds us all.

Grace, Nature, New Year, Reflection, Ritual, Storytelling

2025 – a year of Magic

In the depths of my soul, a wild spirit beats in rhythm with the earth. My heart pulses to the primal drum of nature, creating a symphony that balances strength and sensitivity. It’s a dance of the divine masculine and sacred feminine within me, reminding me that raw beauty lies in our imperfections. As I wander through life, I embrace both courage and vulnerability, guided by intuition and a commitment to conscious love. Each step I take is painted with the wild hues of authenticity, reminding me that growth flows as naturally as the changing seasons.

2024 was my year of Rewilding—a journey illuminated by the wisdom of trees. Each tree became a mentor, offering unique insights that guided my path. The enigmatic Pomegranate led me into the depths of my unconscious, encouraging me to interpret dreams and unearth hidden truths. The Horse Chestnut taught me the importance of weighing my decisions, balancing wisdom with caution. The Olive tree whispered of peace and harmony, while the Sugi tree called me to honor the sacredness of nature. The Scots Pine nudged me to step beyond my comfort zones, paving the way for a healthier, more fulfilling life. The mighty Oak instilled strength and self-belief, while the Ginkgo tree kept me anchored in the eternal present. The Ash tree guided me in mastering my relationships, and the Hazel tree imparted the crucial art of setting boundaries. Finally, the Yew tree, a symbol of regeneration, encouraged me to nurture new growth and practice self-care in moments of stillness.

And now, as we step into 2025, Magic becomes my guiding star. It’s a wondrous concept, weaving an enchanting tapestry of mystery and mysticism that invites me to connect with the magical beings that inhabit our world. I’m drawn toward mystical landscapes, yearning for the ancient wisdom of fairies, witches, and druids.

Learning to embrace new labels – a WayFinder and a Lightworker, I celebrate the power of authenticity. This journey into Magic encourages us to stay present, cherishing our unique paths and revelling in our wildness. The playful spirits of fairies remind us of the joy and creativity that flourish in nature-connected experiences.

Magic transcends mere transformation; it’s a sacred art of healing. Witches reveal the secrets of herbal remedies and natural spells, teaching us to tap into the Earth’s energies to restore balance and wellness. This healing magic mirrors the untamed beauty of the wilderness, inviting us to reconnect with our wild spirits. As we delve deeper into this magical realm, we are guided by the druids, who remind us of our intricate bond with nature and the human experience. They teach that we are part of a larger tapestry, woven with vibrant threads of life, energy, and enchantment.

This year’s Celtic Compass reading – from a delightful angels and ancestors oracle deck – has illuminated my path and deepened my connection to ancestral wisdom. Each direction shines a light on my personal growth and spiritual alignment. The Eagle, reigning from the center, encourages me to rise above limitations and embrace new possibilities with love and healing energy. In the North, the Winter Wolf fosters resilience and inner strength, grounding me amid winter’s energy of introspection. The East, represented by the Snake, invites renewal, urging me to shed old skins and reveal my true potential. The South, with the Mirror Guardian, calls for self-reflection, reminding me of my inherent beauty and strengths. In the West, the Traveller signifies new journeys—both external and internal—encouraging emotional growth and ancestral support. The Northeast, guided by the Witch, emphasises choosing light and positivity amid challenges. In the Southeast, the Seer invites me to envision a brighter future, harnessing my intentions to shape my destiny. The Southwest, with the Water Guardian, encourages me to dive deep into my emotions, recognizing them as soulful messages. Finally, the Northwest brings the Peacekeeper, a reminder of harmony and the power of choosing peace over conflict. This reading is a magical journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformative power.

Words can barely capture the mind-blowing signs and synchronicities that unfold as I align with this wild path. My Celtic Compass reading this morning left me with goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes. Just last year, I embarked on the journey of having my birth chart done for the first time. This deep dive into my soul’s story, alongside incredible energy healing sessions, has been restorative. I’m healing childhood wounds, breaking ancestral patterns, and learning to be fully present in the magic of each moment. I’m manifesting my dream life while leaving space for wonderment, spontaneity, and, of course, a whole lot of Magic.

If you look a little closer at my journey of the past few years since coming across this whole concept of a Word for the Year, you can’t help but notice a connection, a tapestry as my story evolves weaving all these spectacular threads together…. and more especially still as I learn surrender and letting go of all the no longer serves…… Magic, I tell you…

Reclaiming Wild
Light
15 Years Later

P.S. #odysseyofmywildheart – I have been teasing this on my social media in the latter part of last year…. an explanation coming soon!