How Astrology Helped Me Find My True Purpose : The Power of The North Node

Dive deep into the world of astrological self-discovery to uncover your true purpose, overcome challenges, and position yourself for personal growth and fulfillment.

If the question "What is my purpose?" has kept you up at night - you're not alone! I spent many wasted hours in my 20s and 30s asking myself the same thing pretty much every night, while staring at my ceiling as if the answer would magically appear. While I never got the answer there, one of the things that has helped me so much has been diving into my astrological birth chart - specifically my North and South Nodes.

Navigating life often leaves many of us questioning our purpose and seeking deeper insight into our personal journeys. As I encountered my own personal existential crisis, questioning my purpose, my path, and what I was supposed to be doing out here in this dumpster fire, I ended up using astrology to deep dive and understand myself better.

In my era of “self-exploration and self-understanding,” astrology provided a unique perspective, particularly through the study of the North and South Nodes. There was a lot of transformative potential in understanding these astrological points, and finally, I was able to get some actionable steps towards “figuring out a purpose.”

Now if I've already lost you - don't worry...I made a video explaining everything (scroll down for it below). And since I love to be extra, I took it a step further and recently hosted a workshop showing some of my followers and friends how to figure it all out by themselves. But don't worry about that right now - If you're feeling stuck or just curious about how astrology might help you in your personal growth, keep reading and then take a look at the video.

All About The North and South Nodes Explained

In astrology, your birth chart is more than just the placements of the sun, moon, and planets at the time of your birth—it also includes crucial points like the North and South Nodes. The North Node indicates your direction in this life, what you're striving towards (what might not be easy for you but will pay off and be “worth it” in the long run). While the South Node reveals traits and skills from “past lives” (and if you’re not into that cool, forget I said past lives), it also means your early years (a lot of the stuff in your personal foundation - that also comes easy to you). The South Node offers comfort and sometimes the “easy route” but also can be a trap of complacency, pride, ego, rebellion, or fear just to name a few… well, those are mine that I just named, haha.

So How Do You Find Your Node?

You can easily find your personal nodes by looking up your natal chart online using your birth date, time, and location. Understanding where your North Node lies in terms of zodiac sign and house can reveal your desires (maybe the stuff you already know but are afraid to say out loud) and the life areas requiring your focus. While your South Node can illustrate inherent talents and persistent patterns that might be holding you back. These talents can also be important in you stepping into the “destiny” of the North node - you just might need to look at them through a different lens or from a different perspective (that’s what I needed) in order to best utilize them in your current situation and the present.

How I Figured Out How To Use My North Node

Well, research, YouTube, and reading - also I decided to look up celebrities who had similar placements as me. Taking cues from public figures like Beyoncé, who embodies her Leo North Node through her commanding stage presence, attention to details, embodying “being an artist” in all areas, and community-building efforts. She inspired her fans to embrace their own personal greatness even if they are not center stage. She also uses her past personal experiences in her artistic expression and creations. We are both Leo North Nodes so stepping into roles that require leadership and visibility are part of the process instead of hiding out behind the scenes or “in the group”. As well as infusing your journey into your art in order to share it with other people so they can then have their own personal inspiration and takeaway.

My North Node placement is about embracing visibility and sharing my perspective, a big contrast to her South Node where comfort was found in being in the background (I was a BTS photographer for years & all my friends are in the spotlight as comedians). My North Node challenged me to stretch beyond my comfort zones, while the South Node helped me see how to not fallback to overused strengths.

But Let’s Not Forget About The South Node…Okay?

While it's crucial to embrace your North Node challenges in order to grow and evolve, totally ignoring your South Node skills is not a good idea. We aren’t trying to abandon the South Node - we are trying to incorporate it more. Your abilities and skills belong in your life toolbox to help navigate towards your North Node. You need to figure out how they can support your journey rather than restrain it or “contain” you. Balancing these aspects involves integrating past knowledge and looking at how we can take where we are comfortable into new areas of growth.

Implementing Through Introspection

For me, I started asking myself a ton of questions about the Node Placements (don’t worry I’m sharing them in the video to help you out too). I would journal, meditate, and have some self-introspection and reflection about how these things were showing up for me. Where was I resisting my North Node? Where was I leaning into comfort or “what comes easy to me?” What happened when I got uncomfortable? Was there success or did it backfire? I also needed action. Because we can sit and ponder and write our feelings and make tons of vision boards about what we want, but we also need action. Every small step towards embracing this energy contributes to your personal evolution, growth, and overall life satisfaction. I am a testament to that.

Journaling Prompts & More

Understanding your North and South Nodes can be the big assist in your journey toward self-awareness and fulfillment. This exercise can help you uncover your deepest desires and move through with a bit more confidence.

I have included the video deep dive I did on all of this and how I was able to move through and start embracing my North Node potential. If you missed the workshop I did on North Nodes and Your Destiny you can get the replay here .

<3 Donna 4/19/24 <3 Donna 4/19/24

Parisian Beauty Secrets: A Guide to the Best Paris Pharmacies and Skincare Products in France

I keep getting asked this in DM and email - here are some of the Products I bought when I went to the Paris Pharmacies & Beauty Boutiques.

More Paris Pharmacy Products I tried…

Skincare Links

Body care & Hair Care Links

→ Here are some of the Biologique Recherche products I learned about and bought while I was there as well .I really love this brand and being able to treat myself to a two-hour experience and skin assessment at their institute was something I had been wanting to do for myself for a while. You can watch the haul and vlog on that here. ↓

Here are some of the most famous pharmacies in Paris for skincare products, along with their website links and addresses:

Citypharma - 26 Rue du Four, 75006 Paris, France Website: https://www.citypharma.fr/
Pharmacie Monge - 74 Rue Monge, 75005 Paris, France Website: https://www.pharmacie-monge.fr/
Pharmacie Lafayette des Ternes - 77 Avenue des Ternes, 75017 Paris, France Website: https://www.pharmacielafayettedesternes.fr/
Pharmacie de la Place Monge - 74 Rue Monge, 75005 Paris, France Website: https://www.pharmacieplacedmonge.fr/
Pharmacie de l'Opéra - 1 Avenue de l'Opéra, 75001 Paris, France Website: https://www.pharmaciedelopera.com/
Pharmacie Saint Germain - 82 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris, France Website: https://www.pharmacie-saintgermain.fr/
Pharmacie de Paris - 4 Rue du Four, 75006 Paris, France Website: https://www.pharmaciedeparis.fr/
Pharmacie Victor Hugo - 14 Avenue Victor Hugo, 75116 Paris, France Website: https://www.pharmacievictorhugo.com/

Some of the popular products broken down by category that tourists buy when in Paris

Skincare:

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ Acne Treatment Cream
Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray
Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Moisturizer
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
Caudalie Beauty Elixir Face Mist
Filorga NCTF-Reverse Cream
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Avène Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream
Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm

Body care:

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
Topicrem Ultra Moisturizing Body Milk
Lierac Body-Slim Anti-Cellulite Concentrate
Caudalie Divine Oil
Vichy Ideal Soleil Anti-Sand SPF 50 Sunscreen
Bioderma Atoderm Shower Gel
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+ Body Balm
Roger & Gallet Bois d'Orange Perfumed Soap
Uriage Eau Thermale Thermal Water Spray

Hair care:

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
Phyto Phytopolleine Scalp Treatment
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt
Rene Furterer Karité Nutri Intense Nourishing Mask
Leonor Greyl Huile de Palme Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray
Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Heat-Protective Leave-In Cream
L'Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert Vitamino Color A-OX Shampoo
Wella Professionals Fusion Intense Repair Mask
Garnier Fructis Hair Food Papaya Repairing Mask
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50+
Bioderma Photoderm Max Aquafluide SPF 50+
Avene Very High Protection Emulsion SPF 50+
Vichy Ideal Soleil Anti-Sand SPF 50+
Uriage Bariésun Fragrance-Free Cream SPF 50+
SVR Sun Secure Blur SPF 50+
Nuxe Sun Delicious Cream High Protection SPF 30
Filorga UV-Bronze Anti-Ageing Sun Fluid SPF 50+
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
Klorane Sun Radiance Protective Oil SPF 30

Here are some of the top Paris Skin Estheticians & Institutes :

Vinida Savant: considering skin as a fabric on which our emotions, our thoughts, but also our transgenerational memories, as well as our karmic structures. Her hands contain the energy she has managed to channel, and her gift is to return the inner light of every person so that the face can radiate it as a result of activating the cells. You can book https://www.vinidasavant.com/ and listen to my interview with Vinida here
Isabelle Bellis - A highly-regarded esthetician known for her customized facial treatments and holistic approach to skincare. https://www.isabellebellis.com/
Joelle Ciocco - A pioneer in the field of personalized skincare, Joelle Ciocco has been working as a facialist for over 30 years. She is known for her expertise in skin analysis and creating bespoke skincare regimens. https://www.joelle-ciocco.com/
Christine Clais - Christine Clais is a certified organic esthetician who uses only natural and organic products in her treatments. She specializes in anti-aging treatments . https://www.christineclais.com/
Anne Sémonin - Anne Sémonin is a skincare brand that also offers a range of personalized facial treatments at their flagship spa. Their treatments are designed to target specific skin concerns and use the brand's signature essential oils and marine extracts. https://www.annesemonin.com/fr/
Laure Quinty - Laure Quinty is an esthetician who offers a range of facial and body treatments using high-quality skincare products. She is known for her anti-aging facials and her studio is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. http://www.laurequinty.com/
Catherine Pez - Catherine Pez is a holistic esthetician who specializes in facial reflexology and energy work. Her treatments are designed to address both physical and emotional imbalances and are located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. http://www.catherinepez.com/
Spa Nuxe Montorgueil - This spa is part of the popular Nuxe skincare brand and offers a range of facials, massages, and body treatments and is known for its luxurious and relaxing atmosphere. https://www.nuxe.com/en/spa
Biologique Recherche - Biologique Recherche is a French skincare brand that also offers a range of facial treatments at their flagship spa in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. Their facials are known for their high-quality products and customized approach to skincare - this is where I went to have their signature facial with their Remodeling Face Machine . https://www.biologique-recherche.com/
Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa - Located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, this spa offers a range of facial and body treatments that incorporate the brand's signature grape-based products. The spa is known for its unique, vineyard-inspired atmosphere and its use of natural ingredients. https://www.caudalie.com/en-us/les-spa
Dermalogica Skin Treatment Center - This skincare brand offers a range of facials and other skincare treatments at their Paris location in the 1st arrondissement. Their treatments are designed to address specific skin concerns and are personalized to each individual client. https://www.dermalogica.fr/fr-fr/dermalogica-skin-treatment-center
L'Institut Darphin - Located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, this spa offers a range of facial and body treatments using the Darphin skincare line. Their treatments are known for their high-quality products and relaxing atmosphere. https://www.darphin.com/
La Mer Spa - This luxury spa is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris and offers a range of facials, massages, and body treatments using La Mer's signature products. The spa is known for its elegant decor and indulgent treatments. https://www.lamer.eu/spa-boutiques/paris-spa.html
Oh My Cream Le Studio - The (clean) beauty concept store & skincare studio that gives you access to what is best for your skin. https://en.ohmycream.com/

<3 Donna 4/9/24 <3 Donna 4/9/24

The SHIFT : Aries Season + New Moon : Journey to Your Authentic Self

Aries brings forth the energy of the warrior, urging us to take action, embrace change, and embark on new beginnings. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac after all, and we can learn a thing or two from them.

The new moon in Aries may stir up feelings of restlessness, anxiety, and heightened emotions. With the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the state of our world and the feeling of helplessness many in the collective feel. It's understandable if you're feeling overwhelmed and defeated. However, instead of succumbing, we can choose to channel what we can “do” into positive and creative outlets - the collective needs you and YOUR gifts more than ever.

This new moon encourages us to reflect on who we are, who we want to become, and how we can align with our true purpose. It’s time to think about your aspirations, listen to your fears, and accept that maybe the way you have been doing things all along is not working…but WHY?

Do you even want to be doing this anymore?

Or have you gotten so caught up in proving & manifesting - you can’t acknowledge you’re unfufilled?

How has chasing the “dream” left you mentally and physically?

Aries rules the head, making us prone to headaches, sinus pressure, overthinking, and eye strain. To counteract these effects, prioritize self-care practices such as meditation, stress reduction, and limiting screen time. Acknoweldge if you are spending as much time fueling yourself and well-being as you are in chasing monetary goals and pursuits?

As we navigate the energy of Aries season, we're reminded to stay focused on our goals while letting go of past limitations. For many of us this is our fear around money, security, destiny, or abandonment. Aries energy can prompt a need for immediate gratification, causing us to settle for the money now, while sacrificing ourselves and true dreams in the long run.

This energy is the ideal time to examine the “nodes of destiny” in your birth chart - where is fear limiting you?

How are you sabotaging yourself from behind the scenes?

This is going to be a huge theme and focus for us in this month’s SHIFT session . The new moon in Aries symbolizes a time of rebirth and renewal, marking the beginning of the astrological year. While it brings forth opportunities for growth and transformation, it also challenges us to confront our fears and insecurities. Embrace this time and sit with yourself, find your courage and know that it's through facing our vulnerabilities that we truly evolve.

As we harness the energy of the Aries new moon, let us embrace the spirit of the warrior within us. But also let us stop fighting ourselves in the process, just long enough so we can really acknowledge where that fear lies and why. What is is trying to protect us from?

The new moon in Aries and the season invites us to embrace change, harness our inner strength, and remeber we are all unique beings. By making friends with the energy of the warrior in us, we can navigate the collective transformative time with courage and grace. I encourage you to embrace the power of the Aries, step into your true essence and create the life of your dreams.

I hope you can join us at this month’s SHIFT Session - our online Self Care Gathering - this month we are diving into our birth charts (don’t worry I’m here to help) and if you cannot make it you can always catch the replay to continue the work on your own.

I’ve also included some of the journaling questions we will be asking ourselves in this month’s session to get you started.

**Journal Entry 1: Exploring Self-Identity**

Who am I? What do I truly desire? Where do you need to be more courageous to live the life you desire? How do you find this courage within you?

**Journal Entry 2: Embracing Change and Letting Go**

What must I be willing to let go of from my past? What fears have become patterns that no longer serve me?

In what ways have I actively embraced change and stepped out of my comfort zone, aligning with the transformative energy of this lunar phase?

- In what ways have I demonstrated resilience in the face of obstacles, to navigate adversity with strength and determination?

Recent
Entries

How Astrology Helped Me Find My True Purpose : The Power of The North Node