TwinStar Podcast

These first few Season 2 episodes have pretty bad sound quality. We'll forgive you if you can't take it. But check that new intro and outro, huh?!  In this episode, we tackle fears, new love, attraction dynamics, and so much more. Wham, Bam, thank you ma'am! To connect with Kat, follow in Instagram @taming_the_tangle or visit her website at www.tamingthetangle.com You can follow Ginger Lazarus and Cult of Gemini on Instagram @cultofgemini or visit the website www.cultofgemini.com  Many thanks to Gabe Marihugh for lending his wizards voice to our podcast. You can find more about him at www.enteringdiscovery.com 

These first few Season 2 episodes have pretty bad sound quality. We'll forgive you if you can't take it. But check that new intro and outro, huh?!  In this episode, we tackle fears, new love, attraction dynamics, and so much more. Wham, Bam, thank you ma'am! To connect with Kat, follow in Instagram @taming_the_tangle or visit her website at www.tamingthetangle.com You can follow Ginger Lazarus and Cult of Gemini on Instagram @cultofgemini or visit the website www.cultofgemini.com  Many thanks to Gabe Marihugh for lending his wizards voice to our podcast. You can find more about him at www.enteringdiscovery.com 

Kat and Ginger talk about creating space for each other, sabbaticals, and the eventual dissolution of their business partnership, and other unexpected obligations, as well as how they ritually ended things.

Geminis often work long and hard, which can result in malaise, tiredness or even burnout. Gems also love shedding skins and reinventing themselves, but they don't always take time to incorporate and fully settle in to a big shift. Ginger has been observing this in Kat since her big move last November in the midst of holiday retail season, and the shifts have piled on with letting go of her jewelry identity and entering into a new romantic relationship. Kat's been on a quest for spaciousness ever since doing The Desire Map earlier this year. Ginger's had to ponder how she's been "holding on" to many aspects of the business they have together or even ideas and expectations. Once she fully let go while on vacation, she started wondering how to support Kat in doing the same. Enter the idea of The Sabbatical. In this episode the Gems challenge ideas about how a small business needs to be run, especially one the crosses friendship lines as well. What's good for you? The business? Your friend? And can these ideas morph into core values that support and inspire everyone involved? This episode culminates in the official decision that Kat will start a sabbatical from Cult of Gemini beginning on her birthday, June 17. She's filled with doubts and questioning but is willing to trust in the mystery to see what arises. This episode is anything but that as Kat is in full Gemini/Vata mode of scattered overstimulation... but she's gotta start somewhere. Only a few links are mentioned in this episode: The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte Magdalena Curtis : : Radical Embodiment Amazing photo of the Gems by Darling Dear Photography

Ginger shares a recap of her 2-week trip to England and Scotland from whence she just returned. She and Kat touch on expectations and unmet desires and how sometimes you just gotta go with the flow of how everything is unfolding. The Gems discuss the idea of being adaptable versus being empathic, especially as it pertains to traveling. Ginger also talks about feeling disconnected from everything: the shop, Kat, her guy, her garden, her dog, her life overall. She came back from travels super relaxed but did hope the distance and time away would wake up that desired connection so she would feel dropped in and grounded in her life again. The convo turns to ideas of generating that connection internally rather than pushing for it or chasing it. Kat had some major shifts while Ginger was gone. After wild Beltane festivities in the shop (and many other subtle factors that had been building subconsciously over time), Kat woke up and decided she needed to cut her hair (a whole foot removed!) and quit Facebook. She wanted to really SEE herself in the mirror and be more in the present rather than always looking outside herself and wondering if she needed to be sharing what was happening. Ginger and Kat discuss the ruse of social media; at first it seems like connection but it really isn't. The Gems wrap by talking about creating a small biz culture based around support; how can they get everyone in the shop to feel supported? What does that look like? They ponder many other questions including the doozy... asking for your 100%. Sometimes that's the hardest place to go because you don't even know what it is until retrospection. Here are links to a few things mentioned in this episode: The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte Jeff Brown, Writing Your Way Home class Darling Dear Photography Magdalena Curtis : : Radical Embodiment and hair transformations Chameli Ardagh, Awakening Women

YouTube piques Ginger's interest by suggesting Abraham Hicks' videos. She jumps right in and gets inspired, especially about the idea that it's our thought patterns that either point our canoe upstream or downstream so to speak. The Gems talk about being in the flow, when they've felt it, and how to cultivate it. What are we feeding? What are we paying attention to? We can leave the stories behind and focus on where we want to go. Putting this vibration out into the world helps us cultivate what we want. Ginger and Kat do a quick Psychic Fair recap since they hadn't even discussed doing 2 full days of individual Tarot readings with a few breaks for 3 Fates Bone Throwing with Amalia Scott and a couple TwinStar Throwdowns. The experience certainly put them each in the flow. Kat's new relationship is giving her the experience of having her energy at the end of the day be reflected back to her — in this case someone else felt the flow, the fun, the lightness and buoyant energy. The Gems set their sites on more of that! Click below to link to resources mentioned in this episode: Abraham Hicks website Video: When You Care Less, They Care More Danielle LaPorte The Mystery School video series by Frater Xavier See Jane Do by Elisa Parker: Everyday Women Doing Extraordinary Things

Kat's been studying Tantra, and it's shaking up her ideas of self care. The ultimate self care focuses on you, your own feelings and caring for your own needs. It's a path of learning about self in a caring, non-manipulative way. If we can get below the stories and actually listen to the messages of our bodies, we're paving the way to intimacy and deep connection. Surprisingly, this is a vulnerable place where we get below the triggering and are in a place of witnessing. Bringing things back to our feelings gets us to stop stirring up the dramas. This type of deep inner knowing also lays the foundation of trust in ourselves; no longer will we concede pieces of ourselves. The story is what allows a person to not be 100% of themselves. Stories get us to jump to conclusions, end points or possible solutions whereas acknowledging feelings and desired feelings opens up possibilities without assumptions. Ginger and Kat dive into some of their stories and self-limiting beliefs, touching on flow, work ethic, allowing joy, and comfort. Here are links to various sources mentioned in this episode: TwinStar Podcast Episode 029: Angela + Cacao The Heart of Tantric Sex: A Unique Guide to Love and Sexual Fulfillment by Diana Richardson   Danielle LaPorte   Caroline Myss   The Work by Byron Katie "I'm not living up to my full potential" video   Photo of the Geminati by the fabulous Darling Dear Photography

Every couple of months the Geminis paper over the windows of their brick and mortar shop in Grass Valley, California and close for 48 hours. In that time they dismantle their current window displays and install new ones based on a new theme. These themes are actually ritual magick that they have either knowingly or unknowingly called in. They feel the effects as the theme gets closer and throughout the months that it's active. This podcast episode is recorded 8 hours before one of these transformations takes place. The theme is changing from Siren's Call to Emerging, and the Gems are realizing that Emerging isn't always a beautiful, comfortable experience. They discuss the awareness that everything is rising up from the dark to the light of day, not just flowers but also weeds like feelings of inadequacy, jealousy and judgement. Kat shares a lot about her discomfort with the shift from "making things" (such as jewelry) to residing more with ephemeral creation like exploring dance, performance and environment building. This is challenging her ingrained notions of creativity and how living a creative life looks and feels. Ginger shares her concerns around diverging paths and the tension that rises within when she doesn't know how those paths will work together. This mirrors the general unease the Gems are holding about the windows and store transformation because several artists are contributing, and they won't know how it all comes together or works until somewhere in the midst of the 48-hour transformation. Kat and Ginger peel back their own stories about how light emerging should be and how this theme will be an easy one. It's all about stepping into the unknown. The Emerging theme and window installation is active in the store through May 13, 2017. Here are the links mentioned in this episode: TwinStar Podcast Episode 029: Angela + Cacao Cult of Gemini newsletter about the discomfort of emerging The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron TwinStar Podcast Episode 025: Choices + Triggers touches on gaslighting

Whatever you are going through, whatever comes up… that is your GOLD. It's there, waiting for you to alchemize it. This is your medicine. This powerful episode features Angela Economakis, a cacao shaman from The Luminaries Academy in Cyprus. Angela, Ginger and Kat are all drinking cacao during this recording, so it's a deeply dropped-in and heart opening conversation between these ladies. Angela shares how she evolved from being a medical doctor to doing her own deeply healing work with cacao that paved the way for her to hold space for others to do their work. Her passion is in working with the unconscious mind to address the social programming we aren't aware of. The conversation delves into beliefs, judgements, labels, archetypes and consciousnesses. By uncovering and working through this programming, she's found fun, freedom, joy, and love. She gently helps others do the same. Ginger shares about some sessions she's had with Angela while she was visiting Grass Valley so we can hear how gentle yet paradigm shifting a session can be (transcending the "mental masturbation" that often happens if we loop through talk therapy rather than dropping into the wisdom of our bodies and emotions. What are we holding onto?). Kat shares about her journey of releasing the victim identity she had from a young age. An intense heart connection brought Angela to Grass Valley, so the conversation turns to talk of love and relationship. The bravery, depth, honesty and willingness to see and be seen in relationship with someone who will call you out on your shit and hold space for you to move through it. It's very different to face your own shadow side in relationship... so many layers get peeled back and you continue to work through and let go of story. Here are links to some sources mentioned in this episode: Keith Wilson, "The Chocolate Shaman" in Guatemala is Angela's cacao teacher Bruce Lipton for his work on emotions and beliefs Magdalena Curtis :: Radical Embodiment womb wisdom embodiment work with women Access to Power book Oscar Pérez for his work with men, grief, processing and initiation; includes his blog posts Byron Katie: do you know how I know you don't really want that? because you don't have it Oscar Pérez public Facebook profile Angela Economakis public Facebook profile

Ginger and Kat open up about some of the challenges they are having in their relationship. As with all relationships, they know they need to be talking openly and spending time together outside of work where they can tend their personal connection. They realize they haven't been doing that much since the holiday intensity of Christmas, which put them in the mode of "get things done" rather than teamwork. The other thing that has changed their dynamic is that Kat is in a new relationship! Ginger also feels like she's in a new relationship since she has rekindled with David. Both Geminis are spending extra time building those new partnerships. It's a good lesson in balance, and one that we get reminded of throughout life. This is a raw episode that has both Geminis crying. There are lots of deep lessons about relationships. The Gems do talk about the magick of cacao, tarot, setting intentions and creating boundaries although there aren't any specific links for this episode. It's the Gems at their realest.

Last night, Kat and Ging had a very special Witchy Night. Witchy Nights usually involve one or two other people and it’s a mixture of asking questions and reading Tarot or working with other Oracle cards and sharing various interpretations and view points. Last night there were two usual suspects, although they’ve never attended together, Amalia (Mali) and Oscar, and the very special addition of Angela Economakis from Cyprus, who graced our evening with ceremonial cacao and witchy interpretations. After many rounds of tarot, out came bone throwing. Ginger, Kat and Mali love throwing bones and reading the symbols together. Their energies and magick combine for a potent experience with aspects of playfulness. The Geminis discuss trusting in that combination of energy rather than forcing it or trying to make something happen when the other magicks aren’t there. They share how having Mali, a woman in her 20s, in the mix of their lives adds a youthful exuberance and lightness. They also respect the volumes of sage wisdom she carries. Let’s bow down to the beauty of cross-generational relationships where we can all learn from each other. In true Gemini fashion, the conversation gets around to vaginas and how listening to the messages of our physical bodies can help us with emotional processing and release. The body can pave the way for us to dig below the physical experience and talk deeply about what challenges are arising. Sharing vulnerably opens pathways for others to do the same. The Gems wrap up by talking about the magick of setting clear intentions and advise people to let go of ideas about timing. Let magick do its work. Life goes at the speed we can handle it. It’s our fears that hold us back and slow things down. A lot of magick is recognizing it when it shows up — you have to have the eyes to see it because it never looks the way we imagined unless we look below the surface to the intention. Then we can see the gift….. sometimes being ready to receive is the biggest challenge. Special Announcement: 3 Fates Bone Throwing is happening at the Reno Spiritual Wellness Expo, March 18 & 19, 2017 and at the Nevada City Psychic Fair, April 8 & 9, 2017. Here are links to some resources Kat and Ginger mention in this episode: Amalia Scott, The Hare in the Moon, tarot and astrology Oscar Pérez, Tending the Fires, spiritual alchemy for men Lucky Mojo Throwing the Bones: How to Foretell the Future with Bones, Shells, and Nuts by Cathryn Yronwode Kim Krans, The Wild Unknown 21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card by Mary K. Greer

The Gems take a few types of quizzes and share the results. Along the way they also talk about how this information helps with self awareness and can improve communication in all types of relationships. It's about showing up and relating to others. Knowledge can be the pathway to deeper connection if used well. Taking a quiz does not mean something is wrong. It's an inroad to self knowledge, especially for two very curious Geminis. Here are links to the quizzes we took and other resources mentioned in this episode: Myers Briggs: free personality test 5 Love Languages Erotic Blueprint by Miss Jaiya Ayurvedic Dosha quiz (disclaimer: we randomly found one on the internet; we each had evaluations with practitioners) The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte Re-Wild Yourself podcast by Daniel Vitalis: 2 specific episodes with Miss Jaiya: #37 Your Core Erotic Blueprint #116 Erotic Blueprint, What's Your Type?

Ginger explains gaslighting and shares times in her life when she's experienced it. The sad realization comes that she's given into it, laid down her power and even killed off parts of herself in these situations. This moving discussion isn't about victimization but rather about creating awareness so this doesn't happen again. Or, more importantly, developing a deep sense of trust in oneself. The type of trust that you listen to. How can we have deep, beautiful relationships with ourselves so we trust those subtle squirmy gut feelings and call them out when we don't even know what they mean? The Gems talk about patterns of "intellectualization" of traumatic situations versus actual processing and doing the work. Kat and Ginger watched the movie LaLa Land, which brought up more conversation around making choices. It raises a lot of questioning, which can be uncomfortable, but ultimately we're all making the best choices we can in any situation. But can we surround ourselves with people who help to challenge us and explore various options while also deeply tuning in to our feelings (and trusting them)? And are we telling ourselves the truth? The Gems dig into triggers and how to keep relationships in healthy communication even when each person is being triggered. As this conversation unfolds, the Geminis touch on various resources that can help on the path of conscious awakening and how their work is leading them to new resources, which means more uncomfortable new territory at times but it digs into the question of healing versus holding patterns that can happen along the way — do we really believe what AA teaches? Once you're an alcoholic [insert any label], you're always an alcoholic and can't be trusted to stay sober without the program. The Gems believe it's possible to level up by peeling back the layers of the issue and doing the work. We're on a path to wholeness here. Through self awareness we can use tools as needed but aren't setting up a system of crutches. Here are links to various resources mentioned in this episode: The Kin of Ata Are Waiting for You, by Dorothy Bryant 10 Things I’ve Learned About Gaslighting As An Abuse Tactic, article by by Shea Emma Fett LaLa Land movie TwinStar Podcast Episode 009: Trust Oscar Pérez on little suicides and letting go of heroes and victims as roles Kim Anami on juicy creative flow The Faeries' Oracle deck by Brian Froud Toastmasters International Myers Briggs free test on 16 Personalities take the test! We'll be talking about our results on the next episode.

The current political climate in the US is raising lots of "what do I do?" anxiety. The Geminis remind us all that it's early yet. We will all have our ways to show up. It's a matter of awareness and being propelled into action when your heart is called. Everyone has a different role to play. Some are watch dogs, eating up every bit of news as it happens. Others raise their voices and come together to march. Kat and Ginger talk about being in a more subtle role, providing spiritual support, guidance and rejuvenation for those "first responders" and generally looking more big picture. We must trust in ourselves and in our contributions. Stop comparing ourselves to what others are doing and recognize the space we are holding. This type of consciousness opens dialogs and keeps us from judging others. Cult of Gemini runs under the tenet "all are welcome here," and the Geminis mean it and live it. This can be challenging, but we can't be selective about "acceptance." This feels vulnerable and raises fears even though it's the path of love and the very foundation of community. No one is thrown away. Click here to listen to Episode 24: Showing Up + Acceptance Ginger and Kat mention a couple of things in this episode that are linked below: Cult of Gemini newsletter: Going Against Our Inclinations NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio's Promise to ALL New Yorkers #AlwaysNYC

If you've never been to the Cult of Gemini brick and mortar store in Grass Valley, California, it's quite the experience. Ginger and Kat forget that they don't approach retail the way other stores do. They build a store experience, and then they rebuild and recreate it every 2 months! They do this around themes. These themes inspire the windows and spark creative in-store installations, and they are more than that. They pave the way for what magick will be created and released out into the world at this time. This episode is recorded the day a theme change is taking place. The Geminis will be leaving Hearth and heading into Siren's Call, so they discuss the various aspects of Sirens and what this theme means to the two of them. Ginger shares the dark lore of sailors dashing themselves against rocks to their deaths and compares it to work we may need to do in letting parts of ourselves die in order for us to truly follow our heart's desires. These two air signs discuss the challenges of releasing overthinking and questioning while opening to curiosity and the willingness to try. Listen. Trust. See what comes up. Where might the heart lead you? Possibly on a path that we can't see or understand. It's going to be quite a journey. Both Gems share times in their lives — from military to cheerleading and track — where unexpected paths opened them up to new challenges and revealed undiscovered skills that built depth of character. As always, Kat and Ginger fold in a variety of resources to their conversation: Gothic Rose Antiques Rori Raye, Have the Relationship You Want Deepak & Oprah Meditations Danielle LaPorte Oscar Perez, Helping Men Find Their Purpose Witch Skewl with Birch

Ginger's daughter is officially launching into the world, leaving her feeling sad and teary. These emotions lead to a bunch of other emotions (anger, embarrassment) that then triggered some release. The complexity of the situation — all the different expectations and relationship dynamics — adds to the load that leads to collapsing under the pressure of perfectionism. Ginger also talks about cultivating personal relationships and how to be more present and connected by doing less. Being is often enough. Since this episode was a bit awkward and abrupt, the Geminati recorded an update 1 week after the first segment. Ginger shares how her perspective has shifted, and then the Gems talk about initiations in our society and how the process benefits the entire community. It's actually a crucial part of societal evolution. Here are a few links to resources Ginger and Kathy mention: Martin Prechtel on grief and praise Access to Power book

The Geminis record this episode on the first official day of Winter after their Winter Solstice celebration and fiery release from the night before. After a recap of their retail holiday shenanigans, they each do a deep share on their personal journey sessions done with spiritual alchemist (and fellow Gemini tribesmate) Oscar Pérez. The Gems talk about the different facets of darkness and shadow and how those things can show up. Ginger opens up about some of the darker, soul-eating parts of her past with a former relationship. We not only witness the hurt but also hear about how some deep, deep healing is happening and radiating out to help heal other wounded relationships in her life. She shares how she's feeling in the weeks after the deep purge of her session, and how she's feeling lighter and stronger. Kat's session is less about grieving and more about breaking ties to old ways of being. Her session with Oscar was triggered by dating scenarios that were driving the desire to find a new sense of herself. She's having to to let go, cut cords to what's holding her back, and step into the unknown mystery of who she is becoming. She shares the visions she had in her session, and we hear the seeds of her word for 2017 — Initiation. Ginger and Kat remind us that this is the season of rest, darkness, going inward and breaking down. It's time to power down and just be. Let go of analyzing and give in to this season for a couple more months. Magic can be uncovered and revealed with the Spring Equinox come March. Till then, rest in the peaceful mystery.

The Gems love Christmas and love working retail at Christmas.... so much so that they go to the mall together for fun! Their budgets are tight, though, so if you want to sponsor a witchy wardrobe budget, do reach out!! This episode is recorded 1 month in to Kat's new living situation of trailer life and communal living. Ginger, Kat and David have a polyedible dinner that careens out of control, so the Gems do some analyzing about masculine and feminine energetics. The juicy stuff comes up when they talk about those self-applied labels that people often apply to downplay themselves. How can we let go of those to be in the now and just be seen for who we are in the moment? Despite their jam-packed schedules, the Gems made space for a full moon ritual. It's important to make space outside of work for other priorities — use what time you have. Ginger and Kat share some details about their ritual and some of their magickal approaches for spiritual housecleaning. Here are some links to things the Geminati discuss in this episode: Kat Von D makeup Olympus digital recorders The Way of the Superior Man book by David Deida Caroline Myss The 5 Love Languages book Many Moons Workbook (contact us: we have some in stock!) Honey Mama's paleo chocolate bars

The Gems are being their multitasking selves — they are doing their hair and sitting by the fire for this recording, so there are some interesting background noises. Ginger just listened to Oscar Perez's The Making of Men interview on KVMR (see link below), so the Gems discuss masculinity, the caricature of machismo, and that the idea of "men" and "women" is more about emotional maturity rather than the adolescent ideas of what men and women are. Our society has a lot of "advanced-age boys" and "advanced-age girls" as it is obsessed with staying in the light, although development and maturity are achieved by doing the deeper work and getting broken down in the darkness. Ginger is in a dark abyss right now, and she shares a bit about moving through it, embracing it, and enjoying the work. (Sneak peek: in upcoming episode 21 she shares more specifics). As it is the holidays, Kat and Ginger do talk about mistletoe, but the conversation quickly turns to masturbation. The ladies discuss stoking the fire in yourself and doing that with a lover. What are things we can do to be in a juicy space? How do you romance yourself? Only we can keep ourselves in a juicy, creative space.   In typical Gemini fashion, there are many references in this episode. Here are links to help connect the dots: The Making of Men, conversation between Oscar Perez and Elisa Parker of See Jane Do (scroll down to the link on Oscar's website front page) Witch Skewl with Birch Tarot and the Journey of the Hero book I Am Not Your Guru, Tony Robbins documentary ReWild Yourself podcast with Daniel Vitalis Episode #116 Erotic Blueprint, What's Your Type? with Miss Jaiya Kim Anami    

The Geminati jump in and talk about magick. Ginger and Kat share their different paths and approaches. Ginger is in Witch Skewl this year and is interested in a path of initiation to deepen her knowledge. Kat's resistance to a deep dive in magick is due to spiritual studies and dabbling in divination. She's wary of "religion," but seeing where her curiosity leads. Ginger has been on a conscious magickal path for much longer than Kat, and she confesses (ha!) her love for Catholic ritual and ceremony. The Gems talk about the downside of religion turning people into sheep, where they turn off and regurgitate rather than continually question and grow. Ultimately the Gems discuss doing good things in community to bolster rather than segregate it. What does this look like? How do you do good? There are so many ways including volunteerism and one on one connections. It often comes down to drilling into you and doing deeper work. In magick they suggest getting your ritual to tap into deeper currents to discover what's really important to you. Do the work to open yourself to new channels of information to come through and undo programming, then step outside yourself and help someone at least once a week! However it shows up or any way you can. You'll be surprised how this feeds you and deepens your sense of community and connection in the world at large. We touch on a lot of different things in this episode. Here are some links in case you want a deeper dive: The Serpent Mythos of the Gemini written by Erin Adamski, Griffin Queen Doctor Strange movie The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn Witch Skewl with Birch Tree of The Sacred Grove, Freak Phil on YouTube Zeitgeist movie Empty Bowls program; we actually meant Gratitude Bowls Wild Kuan Yin oracle deck by Alana Fairchild The Matrix movie

Ging and Kat sit down to record this podcast episode a mere 16 hours into Kat's move. They jump in and talk about emotional processing. How do you drop in to process rather than skim the surface? In a perfect world, we would take time off time to do it. Are we functioning in emergency respond mode all the time by not allowing space? The Gems talk about dropping in through Womb Breaths (one of the tools they have from Magdalena Curtis :: Radical Embodiment). Kat mentions that her move is a proactive step rather than a reactionary one, so this may put her in a different emotional state. She also didn't allow time for a dramatic, climatic goodbye as she was leaving her space, so there was a lot of "what's next" energy. This is a rare energetic for Kat... she often lingers and wants more time as she's saying goodbye. Ginger is a quick ender and truly moving on. Kat is learning that quick goodbyes can be refreshing — there's less attachment to them. This episode proves that in reality, both Gems need help in the quick goodbye arena because they really struggle with ending the episode via the longest most awkward goodbye. Ha! Gotta love life's ironies!

Kathy surprises Ginger right off the bat! Once the giggles subside, the convo delves into the different ways people declare their independence. How do you cut ties to past lives so you can be fully free to move on to new ways of being? What's the underlying motivation to why we do something? Ginger asks Kathy about her jewelry biz history and the great crash of 2008, and the two of them discuss how to step out of the box of labels beyond being "bellydancer" and "wire jewelry artist." They also discuss literal name changes, whether through marriage or other acquisition. Are names empowering? Do they create solidarity? This juicy topic turns towards the area of having an opinion. Ginger reveals her judgy nature and shares how having a strong opinion actually garners respect. If everyone's soft and lovey, they aren't growing. Growth happens through discomfort and vulnerability.  There are lots of amazing resources in this episode! Here are the links below: Oscar Perez, Spiritual Alchemy for Men SOFA Chicago Standing at the Edge, blog post by Kathy Frey KonMari Method Herb & Dorothy movie Darkside Zodiac book (new title: Blame Your Planet) Fat Chance Bellydance World of Dance Hip Hop Competition Danielle Vincent: Outlaw Soaps; Coffee and a Class The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

The Gems are each going through lifestyle shifts that are fairly drastic for women in their 40s. Today they have cherished guest Carrie Smith, a woman who feels like the queen of interesting living situations. In her 20s she traveled around the country working seasonal jobs and then landed in the Grass Valley area of California. After settling and living in a small studio apartment, she realized while she was mostly happy, there was also a piece of her that felt a little dead inside. She listened to that piece and started a new adventure of living in tents, which taught her a lot about herself. The Gems have been working with Carrie and are talking to her before she takes her next leap -- returning to a traveling gypsy lifestyle. This time with her male counterpart. Ginger and Carrie talk about being in relationships with men older than them (12 and 18 year differences) and how to hold a secure space when you are each on very different inner journeys. This episode touches on fear, fighting programming and how to let your guard down after being a warrior for so long. Update: This podcast was recorded in November 2016. Carrie is on the road and doing well! The above photo is from her current travels in December 2016. A few resources are mentioned in this episode, here are the links below: Witch Skewl with Birch of Sacred Grove California College of Ayurveda Leigh Lazarus Rori Raye, Have the Relationship You Want Kim Anami   What do you think about crazy living situations? Have you tried them? How did you feel? Did it open something up inside you? We'd love to hear from you about this conversation.

In this episode, the Gems get outraged about gender neutrality. Polarity and tension make the world go round! They add juice to our lives. Why is there a push to make things and people neutral? Why not push for acceptance instead? Allow people to be who they are rather than sculpting them into some sort of program, whether based on gender or the lack thereof. Not only does neutral not move forward but it also strips away sexuality and sensuality. Ginger experienced The Great Sterilization of Bellydance, and she certainly doesn't want to see that happen to society as a whole. Here are links to some of the resources we mention: Factual Feminist YouTube channel ReWild Yourself podcast Kim Anami

Ginger and Kathy have a new relationship resource in their psyche: Kim Anami. They share some of her basic tenets, which circulate around libido being a magnetic life force that affects creative and financial flow. How do we cultivate this juicy space in the midst of busy lives, whether solo or in a relationship? The Geminis discuss making this a normal part of life and a priority. This space keeps us from shutting down -- which also triggers conversation about openness. How physical opening causes emotional opening and spiritual growth. Conversation turns to Kathy's downsizing move and how the energetic is about "letting go" rather than the energy of her divorce which was "what am I holding on to." Ginger is a new fan of "let it die" so that things can be reborn. These theories sound easy, but they trigger desire for soothing so patterns are being identified (like eating scones or wishing for relationship). Kathy confesses that she's filling out online dating profiles because she does want some deeper connection and isn't finding it in her flirtations. As things loop back around to sex, Ginger outs Kathy on her sleep number! The Gems quote Guru Dave and end with his wisdom to "follow the more." They are plotting having him on the podcast -- give us your vote! The Gems do a full rundown of their recent relationship studies and reference other resources -- here are those links: Kim Anami, The Well F*cked Woman ReWild Yourself podcast with Daniel Vitalis Toastmasters Yoni Eggs (Keggels) Rori Raye, Have the Relationship You Want The Queen's Code by Alison Armstrong David Deida (and Tantra) The Tao of Love and Sex by Jolan Chang The KonMari Method, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up 5 Love Languages Grass Valley Thursday Night Market  

The Geminis had their big holiday unveiling at their store, Cult of Gemini, last night, so they have a bit of an emotional hangover from working 14-hour powerhouse days while the election happened. They touch base to do some processing about how to heal through love while also casting light into those shadowy areas of racism, sexism, classism and other isms. The Gems talk about healing and holding space but don't throw around a million references like they usually do, so there aren't many links to share for this episode. Ginger does mention this article: On "Woke" White People Advertising their Shock that Racism just won a Presidency As always, we'd love to hear your comments below to keep the conversation going.

Ginger and Kathy continue discussing downsizing and the emotions that come up when letting go of stuff in regards to purging versus processing. Ginger's downsize is triggering a major change in her relationship dynamic, while Kathy's is getting her closer to some larger lifestyle dreams if she can let go of being so fiercely independent. These topics connect to community living and prove that the kindergarten idea of sharing may be a good life skill afterall. The Gems discuss letting go of old identities and taking steps towards their new 100% (if that's even possible for a Gemini). Can they fully cut ties to old ways of being to allow for more fully stepping into who they are now? For you gossip mongers out there, Ginger does a full rundown of the soap-opera laden triangulation that will be happening in the Gemini private lives. As they are witches, the Gems tie everything together with the seasons. Autumn really is a great time for purging and letting go. Make those decisions about who you no longer want to be, then hibernate over winter and re-emerge sometime next spring. The Gems mention a few resources; the links are below: Downton Abbey Local Milk retreats The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up Makers spaces Amanda Ashley, artist The Curious Forge   Are you in this type of transition? Please share with us and keep the conversation going.

As they simplify their personal lives by letting go of physical things (often called "belongings"), the Geminis take turns stepping into the unknown. Ginger and Kathy talk about how things are a tether to a certain life or former aspect of yourself and how it feels to release those things — less stuff is freeing, but emotions do rise up. They discuss being alone vs. loneliness as Ginger experiments with being by herself more and Kathy prepares herself for more communal living. Why are the Geminis doing this, and why now? Listen in to find out. The Geminis mention several references, so the handy links are below: Join the Cult of Gemini mailing list for a weekly newsletter that includes other aspects of our journey, a tarot pull for guidance, and information about upcoming events. The Wild Kuan Yin Oracle Deck by Alana Fairchild The Kin of Ata Are Waiting for You by Dorothy Bryant (Ginger is reading this book right now) Astrological Squares — the Geminis learned about them from this Leo King video from September Ginger mentions Caroline Myss and her concept that people want to control the rate at which their lives change, which is another aspect of fear

The Geminis, Ginger and Kathy, talk about all the different facets of trust. Kathy is exploring trust in her life through partner dance, but the real challenges come in with trusting herself while not being so fiercely independent. The Gems talk about trusting the Universe and explore ideas around co-habitation and co-created community. Through this dialog, compassion comes up for men being in the traditional role of "the asker" while the Gems bemoan the lost art of dating and being asked out.... which leads to an existential tangent about love and cultivation of emotions. Pole dancing becomes a trust exercise, the Geminis admit that they both enjoy running away and sometimes shutting down, and Ginger's going to hook Kathy up with a shank. Somehow all of these things fit into the conversation this week: CoMotion Magic fusion dance with Nancy Shanteau and Derek Briones S Factor pole dancing TwinStar Podcast Episode 008 discussion with Oscar Perez around loyalty, fealty and trust Denay Joy Woodman Blues Fusion Recess dance retreats

What do you get when three Geminis record a podcast together? Longest episode ever. We thought about breaking this one up, but the conversation flows so beautifully that we left it whole. Ginger and Kathy welcome Oscar Pérez, PhD and incredible coach, healer and trainer (and also a Gemini, which means he's even more multi-faceted). Oscar helps people develop the skill of grieving and also helps them foster deep connection with the natural world. The Geminis talk with him about his skills and then they all delve into discussing relationships since those tend to be our biggest teachers. Oscar dives into the notion of ancestral healing and its importance on a larger scale even for those not having children. And three air signs come to accept that we can't solve problems in the body, soul and psyche by using the brain alone — we must reconnect with our bodies. There are many juicy references in this episode, including: Oscar Pérez : : Inlak'ech Coaching New website coming soon. Facebook. Tantra and circular breathing Caroline Myss Deepak Chopra EFT Tapping Martîn Prechtel Alice Walker is the poet referred to who wrote "Tears left unshed turn to poison in the ducts" Danielle Laporte : : Truthbombs Center of Movement, Grass Valley, CA : : where Oscar will be teaching martial arts beginning October 3, 2016 Inspiring quotes from Rumi We've Had a Hundred Years of Psychotherapy--And the World's Getting Worse by James Hillman “The mind is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master.” -Robin Sharma Eckhart Tolle Magdalena Curtis : : Radical Embodiment

The cool thing about having a metaphysical shop is the people who wander in. Three paranormal investigators — Ann, Laura, and Joanne — crossed our paths, so we invited them to be on our podcast. We discuss their specialties and also touch on following the curiosity of what interests you rather than being concerned with broad mass appeal. And, of course, we touch on being comfortable with the unknown and the unexpected. To find out more, here are some links to references mentioned: GhostWorld.org : : evidence of the paranormal Holbrooke Hotel, Grass Valley, CA The Washoe Club, Virginia City, NV 2016 Grey Ghost Paracon   These ladies are from the San Francisco Bay Area and mention these groups from MeetUp: Bay Area Paranormal Society Bay Area Ghost Hunters NorCal Paranormal Project San Francisco Bay Area Paranormal

The Geminis exclaim their newfound love of Tony Robbins. When they speak about honesty and openness, Kathy gives Ginger the smackdown before she can complete her point, then somehow they segue to open relationships, which they only know about through hearsay.  As usually the Gems reference a bunch of stuff you may want to know about. Tony Robbins https://www.tonyrobbins.com Film I am Not Your Guru https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUHMZf3qwsQ  

The Geminis talk about how they became ‘sisters’, meander through a few of the Zodiac signs, touch on family life, and deftly display what it means to be a Gemini (aka jump all over the place). Links: Haalo Herb Shoppe, Nevada City, CA http://haalo.org/ Alan Schaub, True Will Astrology, Nevada City, CA http://truewillastrology.com/ The Lady Fred https://www.facebook.com/TheLadyFred/?fref=ts Derek J Smith, Atlas Joint https://www.facebook.com/derekjames.smith.7?fref=ts Blame Your Planet: https://squareup.com/store/cultofgeminis.

In this episode of the TwinStar Podcast, the Geminis discuss holding themselves back because other people can't handle it. This relates to the complexities of partnership. They talk about keeping things light in relationship and how to run the sexy energy and keep it running. Kathy professes her love for Ginger, and they discuss becoming heterosexual life partners. You heard it here first, Ginger and Kathy might get married! Kathy also reveals that she wants to perform and be on video, so the conversation has a kinky detour. The Geminis reference many things in this conversation, so here are some links if you want to learn more about anything: Rori Raye: Have the Relationship You Want Danielle LaPorte: The Desire Map Blues Fusion Dance Denay Joy Woodman (girl crush of the Geminis)

Let's all laugh together — Kathy tells a big lie by saying she's really good at expressing her boundaries (we hope she's being sarcastic even though she sounds serious). Ginger realizes she has a boyfriend rather than a partner, so the Geminis talk about partnership and the term "partner." Kathy has a dance pole, which sparks a discussion about doing things to get in a juicy space. The Geminis confess that they are teases and they are in the game of receiving rather than putting out. They do come around to saying focusing on feelings makes for a great life compass. The links from part 1 of this episode are touched on in this second half of the conversation, in addition to these references: David Deida books, especially The Enlightened Sex Manual Ecstatic Dance S Factor

The Geminis talk around emotions, and eventually call themselves out on it. Ginger gets personal about her relationship. We also talk about being feminine and receiving—or actually demonstrate the counter point by diving right into our masculine. Links Oscar Perez, PhD, http://www.inlakechcoaching.com/about-oscar/ Meetup Inner Paths to Higher Consciousness: https://www.meetup.com/Inner-Paths-to-Higher-Consciousness/  

The Geminis get fired up about untapped potential, and how to stop making excuses. We dive into limiting ourselves by saying our circumstances are holding us back, getting inspired to be our biggest and best selves, and let out the thing that is still inside us, and how we can get paid for that thing. Links Jonathan Mead Paid to Exist: http://paidtoexist.com/ Deepak and Oprah 21 day meditations: http://chopracentermeditation.com/ Rori Raye, http://www.havetherelationshipyouwant.com/ Danielle Laport, The Desire Map  https://squareup.com/store/cultofgemini