July Muse-letter
Birthday vibes, Saturn Return, and a summer in Europe.
I cannot believe I’m writing this from the beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany in the summertime. It’s the eve of my 30th birthday, and I’m in the midst of a four-month travel spell through Europe. Time and space feel surreal right now—and if you had asked me six months ago where I’d be on my 30th birthday, I would’ve said working a 14-hour shift in the hospital. But this humbling reflection reminds me just how quickly our lives can change when we’re open and ready for it.
If you’re new to A Black Woman’s Apothecary, you may not know that I’m in the midst of a major career transition and entering a brand-new phase of my life. The early part of this year brought me to my knees with a significant health crisis, a career pivot, and the ending of a partnership. But in every ending and sacred shedding—both unexpected and divinely orchestrated—I found deeper, truer parts of myself. In some wild twist of fate, these earth-shaking transitions brought me closer to my essence in the most nurturing and real way yet. They opened up dreams I had long set aside, along with an unwavering self-love that feels equally rooted and untethered.
My birthday is July 12th, coming just days after the Full Moon in Capricorn, and weeks after Jupiter’s transit into Cancer and the Summer Solstice’s marking of the Sun in Cancer. As a Cancer sun, all of this energy feels so aligned—pure Birthday vibes. Since my Jupiter lives in the 11th house in Sagittarius, it makes total sense that I’m spending my summer in Europe, visiting the countries that have been calling me home—especially as the political climate in the U.S. has felt disheartening. I’m beyond grateful for how this year has realigned me with myself in ways I never imagined.
The Summer Solstice offered me the space to release patterns of self-sabotage and self-sacrifice that have kept me small. This year, as I step into my Saturn Return and celebrate my 30th birthday, I’m calling in all the dreams I once placed on hold. I’m not just traveling the world—I’m journeying into my own soul. And the path forward is illuminated by the inner knowing that I deserve every single thing I desire. And guess what? So do you.
Full Moon in Capricorn on July 10th
This is the Buck Moon and it feels absolutely aligned for this month’s full moon to rise in Capricorn—the sign that holds my natal Moon, conjunct Neptune and Uranus, nestled in my 12th house. Capricorn is the sign of career, success, structure, and systems—but also of ancient wisdom, soul-earned authority, and quiet resilience.
This moon invites you to shed the final layers of what’s holding you back. To say, once and for all: “This no longer belongs to me.” It’s a moment to release the burdens and outdated identities and to honor the work that’s gotten you here. Then—gently but firmly—set your sights on what’s next.
Capricorn, as an earth sign, offers grounded determination and a sacred stability. Let this full moon help you create a clear path forward rooted in clarity, ambition, and deep alignment.
Find the herb of the month and ritual below to support you in honoring the rhythms and revelations of this Capricorn Full Moon.