🌌 Harnessing Intuition: Leveraging Pluto Retrograde for Personal Growth ✨
Midnight Scholar Weekly Newsletter April 2024
✨ A Gentle Shift: Next Stop on Our Journey at Midnight Scholar Society 🚌🌌
First, let's recap the month! April has ushered in a delightful introduction to spring. We've blazed new trails with Aries Season and embarked on our astrological journey through the inner houses. From Aries to Cancer, we've ventured into the spiritual realm and discovered what it takes to pursue self-mastery.
I pause here to inform everyone that next month's classes, starting from the 5th house, will be considered advanced material. Inner work is a deeply psychological quest, and I urge everyone to take stock of themselves before continuing down this path. You must feel secure in yourself, as the energies we’ll encounter may be overwhelming. From this point, The Midnight Scholar Society functions as a library for Wayfarers, not a sanctuary. This is a place of resources, tools, and knowledge that you must navigate on your own and at your own risk.
That being said, I will be incorporating both beginner and advanced level content. For those on the advanced path, the beginner material will serve as a vital grounding resource—and maintaining your grounding practices will be crucial. For those who find themselves overwhelmed by the complexity of the material, the beginner content will provide access to a solid foundation of knowledge before advancing.
Consider this: while we’re on a magical school bus, I am merely the driver. It is up to you to decide when to exit and when to board. You must understand your limits and purposes. I hold no responsibility for anyone’s journey. That is the nature of the Non-Material: She is wild and untamed. No matter how gentle and loving she may appear in my light—if it is through my light that you see her, remember it is mine alone. You must rely solely on your own brilliance, not the light of others, and especially not mine. You'll be tempted—so think twice and act with discernment. Every choice you make will either benefit you or lead to peril.
From here on out, I will do my best to label all course materials appropriately as "Advanced" if I believe the content requires a more adept understanding. However, as with any library, some materials may find their way to you whether you are prepared or not—you must exercise discernment and approach all materials, whether seemingly benign or profound, with a critical eye. To do otherwise is to step outside the bounds of our agreement. The spirits that haunt the walls of our great library are powerful, and not all are friendly to trespassers. Again, this is not a Sanctuary, and should not be viewed as a place to heal from trauma or to nurse wounds. This is a Library charged with potent knowledge and energy. To thrive here, one must act from a state of integrity: with Agency, Autonomy, Accountability, and Self-Responsibility.
Keep an eye our for an email about our updated Charter, reflecting the shifts and changes within our community. We thank you for understanding that while the Society is built on firm ground, we respect growth, change, and the flow of nature.
For all of you ready to continue—let me show you what lies ahead as we venture forward. Those of you following along at your own pace, consider this a glimpse of what's to come as you process and decode this month's classes.
Midnight Scholar Society: Unlocking the 4th House Recap
We've navigated the first four houses at the Midnight Scholar Society, and truly, this month has felt like an epic journey. Each week has been a venture to a distant planet. I must share, the door exercise has proven to be an exceptional method for organizing portals, and just recently, while on a call with a client, I crafted a spell. This has cemented my title as "Professor of the Dark Arts."
This week's class delved deep into the inner world—the 4th house, a crucial realm that shapes how we navigate our outer world. This sanctum, populated only by you and the spirits you commune with, is where no other human should tread. Yet in a world where the notion of colonization seeps even into the spiritual, understanding the inner world becomes essential. It's your power source; control it, and you control your outer world. Many of us are already clearing out, moving past rumination to reclaim power and focus. I've developed a spell to aid this process—it'll debut on my YouTube channel next month, designed to help you clean house effectively.
This spell, like all others, demands your effort, and the rewards are boundless. It comes with a necessary disclaimer: wielding such power requires integrity, without which the consequences could be dire. Watch for it in our next newsletter, where I'll link the video—a gift to inaugurate our YouTube journey.
🎧 Complementary Podcast Episode: Strengthening the Sense of Feeling “Intuition”
🌟Episode 04: Exploring the 12 Non-Material Senses
In our latest podcast episode, we explore the profound connections between the 4th House and our non-material sense of intuition and feeling. This episode aims to deepen our understanding of the 4th House, enhancing our ability to navigate the complex realm of emotions and internal responses. Just as one intuitively senses the subtle changes in the air before a storm, mastering the intricacies of our feelings can become instinctual. This heightened sensitivity is essential for recognizing personal growth opportunities, interpreting emotional signals, and aligning our inner experiences with the external world to effectively realize our deepest desires.
Let me share a recent story. Yesterday, during a storm, I went walking to deepen my bond with Zeus. My entourage of merry spirits and I found ourselves at a Church of Latter Day Saints. Given the company I keep, stepping onto church ground always feels like flirting with spontaneous combustion.
The sign declared "visitors welcomed," which I took as an open invitation (a cautionary note on the signs you put up—you never know who or what you might invite in). It was quiet inside, save for a lone man. I found what I was seeking without even opening the doors. Through the glass, I spotted a painting that captured my attention. Interestingly, the founder of the Mormons was a pagan practitioner of Jupiter—ruler of both Sagittarius (Zeus) and Pisces (Poseidon). Poseidon seemed to glide in with me as I entered. We were mesmerized by the painting, which depicted Jesus praying in the garden.
Haha—the inner world.
In this depiction, Jesus appeared, either on purpose or by artistic mistake, blind. At that moment, my music shuffled to a song and the lyrics whispered, "take me to the place where blind men see." The man inside and I exchanged a few words about the painting. I don’t make it habit to point out coincidences to strangers so as I left (as quickly as I came) I wondered, as he watched me leave, that he would likely find the convergence of these elements both surreal and magical. Believers often do; they embrace the faith yet fear the unexplained.
This experience underscored a profound truth: I went on a walk to commune with myself, and the spirits led me to a hidden gem behind doors I'd normally never open. A message emerged—Go pray in the garden. Speak your dreams into your inner world, and you will find yourself where blind men see. You will be "awakened."
In our inner world, we can perceive what remains unseen in the external. Yet, such vision, while desirable, requires the integrity to stand firm in what you see, acknowledge, and accept.
So, as we prepare to delve into the Dark Arts next month and explore the 5th house—where the Fool transforms into the Magician—proceed with caution. You have a week to decide if this path is for you. I’ll be waiting on the other side for those ready to join.
🌑Pluto Retrograde Survival Guide: Navigating Foundations & Tests ✨
Pluto goes retrograde on May 2nd, urging us to resist reverting to past habits and mindsets that we've recently overcome. Be prepared to have your foundations tested as the year progresses. As I mentioned earlier, it's crucial to know where the weak points are, so welcome these tests instead of bracing for them. I understand test anxiety can be real, but remember, a test isn't a measure of your worth. Think of it as a renovation project—if a door falls off during a test, be thankful it wasn’t during a tornado! It's all about perspective. Take it from me—I get test anxiety, but I’ve always performed well because I let go of the anxiety just before it's time to begin.
Here are some tips for navigating this period:
Acknowledge It’s a Test: Recognize and accept the emotions that come with it.
Detach from the Outcome: Whether you pass or fail isn't the end. Failing just means another attempt; passing moves you on to new challenges.
Cultivate Curiosity: Focus on being curious about the material rather than anxious about your performance.
Engage with the Process: Get to know the practitioner and question the test. I was known for challenging everything, often wrong but always learning from the laughter that followed my mistakes.
Enjoy Some Snacks: Nourish yourself and enjoy the process of nourishment.
Shield Yourself from External Anxiety: Avoid absorbing the anxiety of others and steer clear of people-pleasing.
📚Unlocking Intuition with Vasalisa: Insights from Our Latest Book Club Meeting 🔮
Our latest gathering was a delight. We discussed "Vasalisa and Her Doll," a narrative rich in lessons about cultivating intuition and navigating the triggers, fears, and pitfalls that accompany this journey. This tale not only teaches us how to reclaim our inner world but also touches on the lessons of the 9th and 10th houses, which we'll explore in June. Check out a brief clip from the book club meeting where I retell the story and delve into the treasures it holds.
🎧 Listen to The Podcast Episode: 🔮 Unlocking Intuition: Vasalisa’s Journey and Feminine Wisdom
🌟 Spiritual Guides for Beginners: Who to Follow for Genuine Insights 🧘♂️
I’ll be spotlighting individuals who consistently provide reliable information. Remember, whether a recommendation comes from me or an algorithm, practicing discernment is key.
This week I’m highlighting a TikTok creator who has crafted a guidebook for dealing with burnouts, perfect for beginners and those interested in working with animal spirits.
We all have spirits that inhabit our inner gardens, the animal variety offer wisdoms if we understand how to decode their messages. I often encounter these spirits in dreams as I approach new levels of awakening in my subconscious. This creator’s guidebook, "Power Animals 101," offers a practical approach to connecting with the animal world.
We’re planning a course on Totems/Talisman/Amulets later this year, where you'll learn how to create them both spiritually and materially. In the meantime, this guidebook is a great resource to start building your knowledge in this area.
On that note, class recordings and materials for this April need to be downloaded by May 1st as that portion will be sold on the website starting May 1st.
Until next time, keep looking to the stars and seeking the wisdom they hold.
Warm cosmic wishes,
Francina Simone
Founder of the Midnight Scholar Society
April Courses: Download Before May 1st
Class Schedule and Recordings
When: Tuesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 PM MST
Recording: April 4th The 1st House Of Self 🏠
Recording: April 9th The 2nd House of Value
Recording: April 18th The 3rd House of Communication
Recording: April 23rd The 4th House of Home and Family
Class Materials: April 2024 Zine
April 25th Book Club Discussion: Podcast Episode
May’s Schedule will be announced next week!
📚 Book Club Corner
Title: "Women Who Run with the Wolves" by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Themes: Psyche, Inner strength, wisdom, and the power of the wild woman archetype.
When: Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM MST
As we continue our journey through "Women Who Run with the Wolves," our exploration into "Vasalisa the Wise" has offered profound insights into the importance of nurturing and trusting our intuition. Dr. Estés uses Vasalisa’s story to illustrate how reclaiming our intuitive voices can illuminate our paths, much like the fiery skull lantern guides Vasalisa through darkness. This story serves as a crucial reminder of how essential it is to foster our inner knowing, especially in a world that often values rationality over instinct.
Building on these revelations, I’m excited to announce that our next story will be "The Mate: Union With the Other." This narrative promises to delve into the complexities of relationships and the transformative power of integrating our 'other' half. We'll explore what it means to achieve a harmonious union, not just with others but within ourselves, mirroring the Jungian concepts of anima and animus. This discussion will be particularly insightful as it aligns with our upcoming class on the 5th House of Creativity and Pleasure, where we explore the themes of personal expression and the joy found in truly knowing oneself.
I strongly encourage all members to actively participate in our book club meetings for these deeper explorations. Remember, the group sessions are not recorded, so your presence is vital to fully benefit from the shared wisdom and insights. Join us as we uncover more treasures that extend far beyond the pages of our current readings.
🚀 Open for Business:
Offering a special on 1:1 Personal Growth and a one time discount on my Self Mastery Program, think of it as Alchemy 101 & 401. 🌬️💖 Plus, my usual Editorial magic for storytellers and writers. Make sure to use your 20% off Discount on my services should you need them.
Whether you're here for the magic, the mystery, or a mix of both, this journey is ours to share. Looking forward to what we'll discover together. Until next time, keep the wonder alive! ✨
See you on the other side! 😜✌️