"Why Salem? | Part I: Black 'Mystics + North Node Activations

O, let thee count the ways. 

When we first announced our Day Trip to Salem, MA, I was asked this question a lot. 

Why Salem?! 

And every single time, I would respond with WHY NOT?! 

Do you not know the history behind such a magical city?!

I quickly began to realize that those asking that very valid question, didn't know the history. They didn't know the full story of the Salem Witch Trials, let alone how far Salem is from Boston. I knew I needed to create some pathways to understanding why we chose Salem, MA as our very, very first Magical trip.

A BRIEF SALEM HISTORY

As I dove deeper into the history of the Salem and the Salem Witch Trials, I came to the insight that an Indigenous Central American Woman (and slave) named Tituba, was the first woman accused of witchcraft.

Very briefly, in 1629, a couple of young white girls from wealthy families began to show signs of illness and distress. Science was not as advanced as it is today, so when the town’s physician came to assess their symptoms, he diagnosed them as “Bewitched” or “under an evil hand”. It was not uncommon for behaviors that were deemed unexplainable or socially unacceptable to be considered witchcraft, evil or against God. Remember, during the 15th, 16th and 17th Century, also known as the Medieval Times or the Middle Ages, there was a powerful importance of Religion and Politics. The two interacted often which led to wrongful, fateful and honestly inadequate accusations, especially in small towns like Salem.

Tituba was the woman the two girls accused of tormenting them and so began the Salem Witch Trials.

The accusations began to spiral out of control, ultimately leading to the death and imprisonment of at least 200 people, both men and women of all race, creed and religion. I encourage you to research the Salem Witch Trials a bit deeper, there is a plethora of information online and though it may be a bit unreliable, using your intuition, discernment and soul connection to piece information together is always recommended. 

After my extensive and intuitive research, what held on to my spirit was Tituba’s confession. At first she denied having any parts in witchcraft, but later she confessed, naming two other women as practitioners of witchcraft along with her, and was jailed for her confession. Her decision to firstly say No, then quickly say Yes, could have been the life-changing decision that sparked the witch trials. This moved me into the space of Astrology and I found a connection between her decision and the North Node/South Node energy of the cosmos.

THE NORTH NODE ACTIVATION

During our trip to Salem, MA, we will be channeling some powerful cosmic energy. This is why we also created PRTCT, the Samhain #SacredMoonRitual (10/22) to help us cultivate an aura of protection around ourselves as we venture into new territory. This protection is a part of our magical Day Trip intention, along with the North and South Nodes of astrology. 

Let’s dive a bit deeper.

According to Astrostyle.com, “In astrology, your life purpose is encoded in the North Node and South Node of the Moon. The Lunar Nodes are directly opposite each other in the chart. They aren’t planets, but rather mathematical points on the chart that fall in two opposite zodiac signs''.

If you pull your birth chart, you will find your personal North and South Node placements. My North Node is in Capricorn, which makes my South Node fall in Cancer. These points in our stars represent the characteristics we currently and aspire to embody, they either encourage our ascension or keep us stagnant, in our life journey. Here’s a quick reference post I created to give you a clear idea of their individual energies.

MYSTICAL WOMEN IN HISTORY

The North Node activation is an aspect of the spiritual journey I created to highlight how we can use our cosmic blueprint to ascend into our higher selves. 

Let’s use my placements as an example to understand deeper.

As mentioned above, my South Node is in Cancer. Within this energy, I find comfort in my home and family. I can take care of others selflessly and find solace in my own shell. Cancer’s can also be defensive and resistant to change. If I continue to live within this energy, I will not ascend. I won’t challenge myself and I’ll be okay in this familiar comfort. Now, although I can retreat back into my South Node energy at any time, if I put an effort towards channeling my North Node in Capricorn, I will challenge my current temperament. I will push myself to step out of my box, detach from my comfortable emotions and make bigger and better moves towards my future like a true Capricorn would. See how that works? 

With the activation of the North Node, these three inner qualities are conjured and shine bright: your Independence, Fearlessness and divine Talent. You are stronger and much more confident, which leads to great creation and manifestation. 

With this information, three powerful women in mystical American history came to mind. They all expressed one, two or three inner qualities that show how they could have activated their North Node, how they created new pathways with this power, and how appreciating their pivotal actions can help use our North Node to our benefit. 

TITUBA

Tituba’s life-altering decision was purely fearlesss, one of wild bravery. Whether she was a practitioner of witchcraft or not, admitting to such a crime almost cost her her life. Yet it was so brave because despite that frightening truth, her decision was a catalyst in the Salem Witch Trials. It shined a bright light on the unfair way non-traditional, spiritual communities were treated, exposed religious and political bias and began to pave the way for modern spiritual beings to be free in their practice. Tituba activated her North Node energy with that one brave decision to speak up even if it seemed damning to do so.

HARRIET TUBMAN

I know, I know, Harriet isn’t a known mystic or practitioner of the Divination arts (though some would beg to differ), it is her Fearlessness and Independence that counts her as the second pioneering woman we can look to. Her decision to free herself from the binds of slavery and to bring others along with her on this dangerous journey is so powerful. Words just don't suffice. Being a woman, a slave, a black person, in America during this fragile time in history alone would make anyone quiver and hide in their reality. But Harriet decided differently. She activated her North Node by cultivating her bravery to push herself out of her current reality and help those who wanted to do the same. A million applause to our Black American Queen. 

And last but definitely not least,

MARIE LAVEAU

Oh, I love saying her name. Marie Laveau, New Orlean’s most revered and powerful Witch. Marie was the most talented Voodoo practitioner in the 19th century south. She assumed the leadership role in non-traditional religious communities, worked alongside great politicians and owned businesses. She created her own path of Independence and used her innate divine Talents to cultivate her own reality. She is a great example of what happens when you channel your North Node and ascend into your greatest self. 

This is the powerful energy we are channeling during our Day Trip to Salem, MA. #ASprightlyDayInSalem, is what I love to call it and it is just that. A day of refreshing exploration, soul healing, searching and revitalizing. I hope this blogpost gives you a deeper look into why we chose Salem to adventure to and I hope to see you there!

And tune in for the rest of our Why Salem? Series by signing up to our email here!

Bless

Kayla Ciara 88

(Photos do not belong to kaylaciara88.com, only used for reference)