Introducing The Moonbeam | March 2024

We’re so excited to share our inaugural newsletter with you all, coming to you hot off the press on this, the last new moon of winter. Soon the barren trees will give way to flowering greens, and birdsong will return as the earth comes back to life from the whispering stillness of these colder months. 

Spring also brings with it something deeply personal and exciting for us–the first issue of our literary magazine, the Elixir Verse Equinox, which rises March 19th to usher in the new season. (Scroll to 'On the Horizon' for pre-order links!)

The theme for this first issue was Terra Verses, so chosen because we wanted our first foray into sharing other people’s words to be about putting down roots. The stories, poems, and art within focus on loss and love, on hopes and horrors, on the things we hold onto and the things we must let go of.

The digital edition of the collection is currently available for pre-order on our website, so head on over to elixirversepress.com to ensure you receive your copy at the stroke of midnight on the equinox. These are tales we encourage you to explore into the deep reaches of the witching hour, you know, for the vibes.

We’ve decided to do a reading for the Elixir Verse Press community using the Spring’s Rosy Embrace spread created by our wonderful guest editor, Christina Rosso. Click here to learn more about the spread.

1. What do I want to plant this season?

Queen of Cups. To effortlessly create—the kind of creation that flows as if second nature—and to share your creations without fear, hesitation, or expectation. “Without expectation” is especially meaningful, I think. Too often we set ourselves up for emotional turmoil when sharing our work with others. May this be the year that you grow out of this harmful cycle and reach a healthier mindset.

2. What habits do I need to cultivate in order for these to bloom?

The Empress. Abundant self love and care. To tend to your home, your comfort, your workspace, your health. To set yourself up for success by providing for your emotional and physical needs AND by making sure you are surrounded by that which inspires you. You cannot perform your best if your support systems are not in place. Seek them, grow them, create them yourself if need be.

3. What do I need to prune in order for these to bloom?

Seven of Cups. Decision paralysis. There are too many ideas, too many projects, too many obligations. Pare down. Choose one focus and one focus only. Even if only for a day or an hour at a time. Root your mind to the task at hand and let all other thoughts fall to the wayside.

4. What tools can I use to assist me?

King of Pentacles. Invest in yourself. Whether through time, money, nutrition, or effort, make sure you are providing what is needed in full. No skimping! I’m also seeing a long term mindset with a steady, structured approach. Look into goal-setting tactics that provide a framework for you to create within.

5. How can I nurture myself during this season?

Three of Cups. Make sure to include moments of fun and frivolity as part of your plan. Your brain needs a break from time to time, and will benefit from some low-stress stimuli. Get out of the house, meet up with a friend, take in some nature, grab a drink (whether it be tea or bourbon or something in-between!), and let yourself be silly. Play is important for people of all ages, so don’t deprive yourself of its wonderful benefits.

Overall takeaway: There’s a focus on creativity, community, and wisdom in this spread. It encourages you to honor your strengths and pursue your goals using both a methodical approach and by embracing the support of like minded friends and partners. This reading signals a time of mature commitment to and sharing of your passions.

The most imminent release is of course our inaugural issue of our literary magazine! Elixir Verse Equinox: Terra Verses, arrives on the first day of spring (March 19th, 2024) and is currently available for pre-order! Paperback editions can be pre-ordered wherever books are sold (Barnes & Noble, Amazon, or contact your local bookstore or library to place a pre-order through them) and eBooks can be pre-ordered through our online shop here. 

In addition to the rising of this first Equinox, we also are excited to share that this summer, we will have our first full book coming your way–a new poetry collection from Elayna Mae Darcy. We look forward to telling you more (maybe even revealing a cover?) next month, with a planned release date set for June. Keep your eyes peeled for more in upcoming Moonbeams!

El

I just finished an incredible collection of essays called The Accidental Universe: The World You Thought You Knew by scientist and novelist Alan Lightman. It's a really stunning collection that explores the world and the cosmos beyond that we're apart of through a different lens with each essays. In the titular essay, he explores how much of reality as we've come to know it seems to have sprung up because humans managed to get lucky in the game of cosmic natural selection. In The Spiritual Universe, he delves into how folks of every faith (and even those with none) have come to understand their place in this world. In The Disembodied Universe, he talks about the myriad ways we seem to be distancing ourselves and losing connection as we get every more virtual in our existence. This is a nonfiction piece I imagine I'll find myself coming back to again and again.

C.

I know I’m super late to party with this one, but I recently binged The Queen’s Gambit (show) in one day and absolutely adored it. I’m also going to be that guy and shamelessly plug a couple of things that perhaps were created by some people you might know… The first being the Elixirs & Verses playlist (available on Gumroad), which I’ve been listening to nearly every day for a couple of months now. It’s ethereal, it’s invigorating, it’s the perfect playlist to put on when you want to get some creative work done. And last but not least, I’ve finally gotten a copy of our very own Elayna Mae Darcy’s novel in verse, Still the Stars, and I’m having a wonderful time diving into the world(s) they created.

"I met a god in Gallistel Woods.
The longer I walked, the more she spoke to me
through the wind and the dirt and the animal bones
buried beneath the ground, she said:
               go further go further go further…”

—Ashling Meehan-Fanning (our Spring 2024 featured poet)

We thought what better way to close out each newsletter than with a beam from our inbox to yours of our favorite little office assistant, Bean! Here she is this week, interrupting Elayna's work with her cuteness. (But let's be honest, we don't mind the interruption.)