ᥫ᭡Dispatch: revealing my next book | what I'm reading, loving, and more.
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Workshop:
I had technical difficulty last month with my live feature but It’s all good to go now! Let’s try this again… This month’s live stream is on creativity as a form of resistance — a tool for inner and collective change. We’ll talk about turning overwhelm into something that fuels you instead of drains you, and how to build creative practices that keep you rooted, flowing, and connected— even when everything around you is unraveling.
Click HERE to set your reminder. Please note that if you can’t make the date, the live will be recorded and sent to you.
Every month I choose a different topic/practice for us to gather around. I will also make sure to shift from morning to evening each month so everyone gets a chance to join the lives streams.
BOOK GIVEAWAY
There are two books to choose from, but only one winner. To enter, simply leave a comment.
If your name is drawn, you’ll get to choose between these two books:
I’ll also be giving away 2 bookmarks to folks who comment. Winners will be chosen before the end of the month ᥫ᭡.
And the votes are in! In the last dispatch, I asked you to help me choose the direction of my next book. I also shared a bit about why I’m moving differently with the books I publish moving forward (you can read that here).
The magic of alignment has spoken: a novel!
I’ve been talking about writing a novel for a while now. I have scattered pages tucked away (digitally) that hold glimpses of what I hope will one day become a full story. Earlier this year, I asked my dear friend and editor extraordinaire,
—the brilliant editor behind the 2nd edition of The Altar Within—if she would do me the honor of editing this brewing novel. She said YES!I already have a title in mind and the seed of a concept. Your votes confirmed what my intuition was already whispering: it’s time. I will share more deets in the coming months.
This won’t be rushed. I want to study, research, practice my craft, and let the story emerge at its own pace. My hope is to share pieces of this journey with you as I write.
will be a huge part of keeping me rooted, dedicated, and inspired along the way. More on that soon.Thank you for voting, for your encouragement, and for your words of love and care as I shift the course of my publishing path. As always, I’m deeply grateful to be in community with you. ᥫ᭡
COMMUNITY
One of the greatest gifts of being a writer is getting to connect with other writers. I’m lucky to call so many brilliant authors my friends — people whose work is not only inspiring, but vital to our communities. Many of them have books on pre-sale. I’d love for you to take a moment to explore their work.
Everything Is a Story - Reclaiming the Power of Stories to Heal and Shape Our Lives by
Whole and Human - Forty Meditations for Liberating Body and Spirit by
Nagassar
Bold, Brilliant, and Latine - Meet 52 Latine and Hispanic Heroes from Past and Present by
I Am Worthy - Break the Spell of Unworthiness, Reclaim Your Divinity, and Unearth Your True Power by Christine Gutierrez
Looking for the Magic
I want to take a moment to share that my dear friend, Lauretta Wong is creating a documentary called Looking for the Magic — “My whole life has been guided by magic and witchcraft, but these last few years have been particularly challenging for me spiritually. I feel like I've lost my magic, and I need to get it back. This project is not only therapeutic, it's a piece that will take you past the surface level misconceptions about witches.”
She’s asking for support to help bring this vision to life.
Here's the link to the project: https://igg.me/at/KEeVFSR1qgs/x#/
What to read instead of doomscrolling
Mycorrhizal Fungi: Innovations in Grassland Restoration and Sustainable Agriculture
You’re exquisite, ready to fuck: on being sick of yourself and how to stop
News that has my attention- stay informed
Majority Of Voters Oppose Deploying National Guard To D.C., Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds; Support Drops For U.S. Military Aid To Israel As 50% Think Israel Is Committing Genocide In Gaza
Note: For ongoing updates on Gaza, I recommend following Team Zeteo—especially the reporting and commentary from Mehdi Hasan and Naomi Klein—as well as Al Jazeera, which offers a necessary counter to mainstream narratives.
The books I’m currently reading
The Serviceberry and Gathering Moss (a duo read) By Robin Wall Kimmerer.
These are my September Book Coven reads. You can find the book guide here.
Witches by Brenda Lozano
The Next American Revolution - Sustainable Activism for the Twenty-First Century by Grace Lee Boggs
What I’m watching| Listening to (Podcasts)
I cut out TV this month so I could focus my time on book promotion, reading, and catching up on Until All Of Us Are Free — a multimedia education project by
, dedicated to Black liberation as collective liberation.I just finished this episode…
Art that moves me
When I first moved into my house four years ago, or is it five? hmm—anyway, I set an intention to be intentional about the art I brought into my home. I found Dixie’s art online and fell in love with the Caribbean canvases. I was immediately pulled to Lovers Lying in the Field—it screamed my husband and me.
We are both Indigenous Taíno -I’m from Cuba and he is from Borikén (Puerto Rico). I’m a Pisces, he’s a Taurus—so the woman with water and him with earth felt like the perfect reflection of us. Especially since we both love our islands, our culture, our Indigenous spirituality, working with the land, and devotees of the water spirit.
Favorite recipe of the month
Blueberry galette with lavender crust.
A week ago, my friend sent me a recipe raving about how delicious it was —I had just harvested a huge basket of blueberries, and the recipe called for them. A blueberry galette with a lavender crust. 🫐
After my family devoured it, I grew curious about the creator and went to check out Lauren’s Substack, the writer behind Flour Fairy Tales. To my delight, I discovered that each of her recipes comes paired with a story!
I highly recommend you try this galette and take some time to read her stories. I love the creativity and the way she brings a little magic into the kitchen.
Find the recipe + story here.
What I’m listening to (music)
Ariel J. is an artist whose music stands out for its sincerity and depth. Her voice carries an effortless richness that draws you in, while her songwriting is weaved with vulnerability and authenticity. What impresses me most is her ability to fuse R&B and hip-hop into something that feels both timeless and current — a sound that takes me back and roots me in a kind of delicious embrace. A whole vibe.
What I’m loving
Tender Reminders: 50 Healing Affirmation Cards for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color by Jacquelyn Ogorchukwu Iyamah
This deck was created as a tool for racial healing—for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Each card is a gentle invitation—to pause, to reflect, to care for ourselves in the midst of an oppressive society.
What I love most is that this deck isn’t just affirmations—it’s an offering of care and resistance. The prompts invite us to slow down, name our truths, and make space for tenderness in a world that often denies us that softness. They remind me that healing is not something I have to earn—it’s already mine.
Cards (clockwise from top left):
Interpersonal (top left):
“How has racism impacted how empathetic people are toward me?”
Top right card:
“May you find ways to pour into yourself as you navigate living in an oppressive society.”
Dream (bottom right):
“How can I use creativity to support liberation?”
Tender Reminder (bottom left):
“Reminding yourself what it means to feel good in your body, and no one else’s, is a form of self-love.”
One of my favorite cooler-weather face oils. As soon as autumn arrives, it becomes part of my daily ritual. I put it on at night before bed and wake up literally glowing—my skin feels soft, moisturized, healthy, and dare I say, youthful.
I don’t like to pile on products; I’m a make-up-free girlie most of the time and only wear it on special occasions. So when it comes to skincare, I keep it minimal and focus on products that are truly good for you. This oil is lightweight, absorbs quickly, has no scent, and keeps my skin hydrated all through autumn and winter.
What I love most? A little goes a long way—so it lasts, which means real savings.
“Our Barrier Lipid Complex supports skin barrier function, while hydrating squalane works with 8 antioxidant rich botanical oils including jojoba, rosehip, sunflower and sea buckthorn. Dermatologist tested and approved, soap-free, non-comedogenic, alcohol and fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty free.”
Coloring calms me. It quiets the voices in my head, closes the tabs, and anchors me in the present. You can find coloring books tucked in little nooks all over my home. My children, now teenagers, still remember how I used to set aside time every week for us to color together—at the kitchen table, with snacks, candles lit, piles of crayons and colored pencils, and a fun playlist while we brought pages to life.
With AuDHD, some days it’s hard to get out of my head, so I’m grateful that something as simple as coloring can bring ease to my mind. This one may seem “childish” but tell me it isn’t cute!
You can find this particular one here.
Now listen here—don’t go making this oil go viral on social media. It’s mine, all mine! (JK… kind of.) I have a full-on love affair with this Mabon Moon perfume oil. I first discovered it at the DollyMoo shop while testing products to carry at my apothecary back in the day. It became a bestseller every year, and for good reason—the scent is absolutely intoxicating.
Want to smell magical? This is it. I don’t even know how to fully explain it—it feels nostalgic, like it was meant for my skin, like it whispers enchanted tales straight into my spirit.
I made sure to grab myself an extra bottle (just in case y’all sell them out, lol). And if you’re local to NJ, take the trip to their shop—it’s like walking into a coven of witches brewing delicious magic in the kitchen. I also adore the owners - good vibes!
“This rich and velvety Aura Oil is exactly what you need to bless your body and keep you warm, cozy, and sultry throughout the fall season. The alluring scent of sandalwood and vanilla oils are sure to lift your spirits as you embrace Autumn.”
How I’m nourishing my mind, body, and spirit
movement - I’ve been going on daily walks lately. The cooler weather makes it easier—I don’t have to worry about overheating. I have Lupus, and the summer sun can trigger inflammation and exhaustion. In the hotter months, I walk with a black umbrella (not that my neighbors need more proof that the black house on the hill belongs to a bruja… hehe). I live high up in the mountains of New Jersey’s highest peak, so I’m blessed every day with breathtaking views: the embrace of the lakes carried through the cool winds, farmland stretching wide, trees as far as the eye can see, and wild animals coexisting with the residents—bear, deer, rabbits, foxes, coyotes, mountain cats, frogs, turtles, squirrels, chipmunks, every kind of bird… okay, I’ll stop naming them all, but you get the point. These walks clear my mind instantly. They’ve been such a huge support this month—especially with my book launch just 4 days away!
inward - This month I am focused on breathwork. I usually do it at the end of the day or early morning if I wake up with anxiety. I’m currently loving this 10 Minute Balancing Breathwork with Adriene from Yoga With Adriene. She has a calming energy about her and it’s exactly what I need these days. A gentle breathwork that doesn’t activate fire. This 10 minute video is just what my nervous system needs to end the day in nourishing way.
wellness staples - I’m on an immune-boosting kick. From berries to teas, this time of year I nourish my body with herbs, teas, and foods that help protect my cells and give me a leg up on staying healthy—especially against viruses. I’m religious about wearing my mask and always keep a batch of fire cider brewing for the long, cooler months ahead.
Some of my staples: echinacea, ginger, garlic, turmeric, black pepper, chamomile, licorice root, peppermint, lemongrass, cinnamon, hibiscus, elderberry, angelica root, lemon balm, and red clover—just to name a few.
My favorite fire cider tonic recipe:
Fire Cider is a herbal health tonic and folk remedy that helps boost your immune system, improve digestion, and prevent a cold or flu.
Ingredients
1/2 cup peeled and diced horseradish
1/2 cup peeled and diced garlic
1/2 cup peeled and diced onion
1/4 cup peeled and diced ginger
1/4 cup peeled and diced turmeric
1 habanero chile, split in half (Any hot papers will work. You can also use cayenne pepper.)
1 orange, quartered and thinly sliced crosswise
1/2 lemon, quartered and thinly sliced crosswise
1/2 cup chopped parsley
2 tablespoons chopped rosemary
2 tablespoons chopped thyme
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
2 to 3 cups raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar (at least 5% acidity)
1/4 cup raw honey, or more to taste
Instructions
Place all of the vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices in a 1-quart jar.
Fill the jar with vinegar, covering all the ingredients and making sure there are no air bubbles.
Cap the jar. If using a metal lid, place a piece of parchment or wax paper between the jar and the lid to prevent corrosion from the vinegar.
Shake well. Let the jar sit for 3 to 6 weeks, shaking daily if possible.
Strain the vinegar into a clean jar. Add honey to taste. Refrigerate and use within a year. - I take one tablespoon daily.
With Love, Juliet ᥫ᭡
Please give this post a like, leave a comment, share your thoughts on the dispatch—on any part, or all of it, whatever you feel called to share.
I’ll meet you in the comments.
Literary Bruja ᥫ᭡.
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I am excited to.learn about crafting as resistance what a great topic
I love these roundups, they give a wonderful insight into your world and I always end up with new books on my wishlist!