Grief Magic: Rituals, Stories & Gentle Conversations about Loss

In this first “Read With Me” episode, I’m sharing reflections on I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman, a haunting, deeply philosophical dystopian novel that unexpectedly became one of the most meaningful books I’ve read recently.I read this during the winter solstice season on the Isle of Lewis, and despite rarely reading dystopian fiction, I found myself profoundly moved by the novel’s exploration of uncertainty, loneliness, curiosity, resilience, and human connection.In this episode, I explore:reading as a nervous system experiencesuspense and anxiety in fictionexistential literature in approachable wayshow imagining “the worst case scenario” can sometimes reduce fearthe resilience of ritual, companionship, and curiosityHere is the link to the free Creative Grief Club, which includes monthly Zoom sessions and the book group on Fable: ⁠https://griefmagic.com/free/⁠Thanks for listening!Love,Yarrow

In this episode, I’m speaking with Lasara Firefox Allen, writer, educator, menopause coach, and author of the beautiful book Genderqueer Menopause.This conversation meant so much to me personally. Lasara’s work has genuinely helped me feel more hopeful, affirmed, and curious about aging, changing hormones, and living in a body that does not always fit dominant cultural narratives around gender or menopause.Together we talk about:gender expansive experiences of perimenopause and menopauseself advocacy in medical systemsgrief and identity shifts in midlifehormones beyond binary thinkingmasking, neurodivergence, and authenticityThis episode contains discussion of:chronic illnesssuicidal ideation statistics during perimenopausemedical neglectgrief and lossLasara Firefox Allen, MSW (they/them/Mx.) is a certified Menopause Doula, gender-affirming Menopause Coach, and educator specializing in inclusive midlife care. As CEO and Founder of Genderqueer Futures and Founding Coach of The Genderqueer Menopause Coach, they train healthcare providers, therapists, doulas, coaches, and other menopause professionals through the Gender-Affirming Menopause Care Certification Course, and facilitate community programs for trans and gender-expansive individuals. Their trauma-informed, evidence-based approach bridges research, somatics, and lived experience to transform menopause care. Socials: Substack: @lasarafirefoxallen Instagram: @lasara_firefox_allen @genderqueer.menopause Facebook: /lasara.wakerobin.firefox.allen (personal) and /lasara.firefox.allen (professional) as well as /genderqueermenopause TikTok: @lasarafirefoxallen and @genderqueer.menopauseHere is the link to the free Creative Grief Club, which includes monthly Zoom sessions and the book group on Fable: ⁠⁠https://griefmagic.com/free/⁠⁠Thanks for listening!Love,Yarrow

In this episode I'm sharing one of my favourite quiet practices: using tarot as a companion for journaling, especially through grief and times of transition.This is not about reading the cards correctly or having the right tools. It's about giving yourself a gentle structure for self-reflection, a way to move past the blank page, and permission to make your inner life feel beautiful and worth documenting.What I cover:Why journaling with tarot doesn't have to be daily, elaborate, or precious and how simplicity is actually the whole pointHow to create a dedicated writing space that makes showing up feel easySimple habits that make journaling richer: dating your pages, adding stickers and images, romanticizing the ordinary details of your lifeHow I use a single drawn card as a writing prompt, including a short body-based meditation for going deeper with the card's energyHere is the link to the free Creative Grief Club, which includes monthly Zoom sessions and the book group on Fable: https://griefmagic.com/free/Thanks for listening!Love,Yarrow

In this episode, I talk about how to approach the summer season with intention, especially if you're living with grief or chronic illness. Winter often gives us permission to slow down and rest. Summer asks something different of us. So how do we create a summer that feels nourishing rather than demanding? I explore practical rituals for seasonal transition, from organizing your home and wardrobe to curating your summer reading list. We also talk about calendar planning, protecting your energy, and checking in with the people you love about what you all need this season. This episode is an invitation to design a summer that honours your body and your capacity.What we cover:The practice of intentional seasonal transitionsHome rituals: organizing wardrobes, rotating seasonal items, stocking essentialsCurating your summer reading list and letting go of books that aren't serving youCalendar planning as a form of self-careChecking in with your community about summer hopes and needsPermission to do summer differentlyHere is the link to the free Creative Grief Club, which includes monthly Zoom sessions and the book group on Fable: https://griefmagic.com/free/Thanks for listening!Love,Yarrow

In this episode I'm reflecting on my relationship with screens, rest, and the quiet ritual of reading. I open with an honest look at my own winter screen habits and what it felt like to step back from Netflix and return to books. From there I explore why reading matters so much right now, and why fiction, romance, and healing stories in particular are having such a significant cultural moment.What I cover:Why audiovisual media can be dysregulating for sensitive and neurodivergent people, and what reading offers as a gentler alternativeThe beauty of reading spaces, pink bookshelves, and healing fiction as nourishment for the grieving bodyFour reasons fiction is so powerful right now: narrative repair, imaginative justice, emotional rehearsal, and representation as regulationPractical ideas for building a gentle, sustainable reading practice including the Fable app, Libby, and why one page always countsWhy romance is one of the fastest growing publishing genres globally and what that tells us about what we collectively need right nowHere is the link to the free Creative Grief Club, which includes monthly Zoom sessions and the book group on Fable: https://griefmagic.com/free/Thanks for listening!Love,Yarrow