Rooted In Runes

01/23/2026

In this episode of "Without a Candle," Karlie and co-host Carla are joined by special guest Monique to discuss her spiritual journeys, the challenges of self-discovery, and the importance of embracing one's identity. Monique shares her experiences with reiki, tarot, and the cultural challenges she faced as a black woman exploring spirituality. The conversation touches on the significance of community, personal growth, and the power of authenticity.
To connect with Monique visit her page, https://www.facebook.com/RahsheenKidwell You can chat with her every first Tuesday monthly at ARW-RIR and catch her tiktok videos/lives! Find the link on her page.For contact info, websites & more for Karlie & Carla of ARW-RIR visit, https://beacons.ai/rootedinrunes
Looking for more spiritual podcasts? Check out Eye Opener Society! https://www.facebook.com/eyeopenersociety
Keywords
spiritual journey, self-discovery, reiki, tarot, cultural challenges, community, personal growth, authenticity, black woman, spirituality
Takeaways

Monique shares her journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
The importance of embracing one's identity and authenticity.
Challenges faced as a black woman exploring spirituality.
The role of community in personal growth and support.
Monique's experiences with reiki and tarot.
Cultural challenges and overcoming societal expectations.
The power of authenticity in spiritual practices.
Monique's journey from military life to spiritual exploration.
The significance of personal growth and self-reflection.
Embracing one's spiritual path despite external pressures.

Title Options

Embracing Spirituality: Monique's Journey
From Military to Mysticism: A Spiritual Path
The Power of Authenticity in Spiritual Practices
Overcoming Cultural Challenges in Spiritual Exploration
Reiki, Tarot, and the Journey of Self-Discovery
Finding Community and Growth in Spirituality
Monique's Path: Embracing Identity and Growth
Spirituality and Identity: A Black Woman's Journey
The Role of Community in Personal Growth
Exploring Spirituality: Challenges and Triumphs

Sound bites
"Embrace your spiritual path." "Authenticity is powerful." "Overcoming cultural challenges." "Community supports growth." "Reiki and tarot insights." "Embrace your identity." "Spiritual growth journey." "Military to mysticism." "Personal growth matters." "Authenticity in spirituality."
Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:01:53 Meet Monique: A Journey of Self-Discovery
00:03:22 Cultural Challenges and Spiritual Growth
00:05:48 Exploring Spiritual Practices
00:10:02 Military Life and Spiritual Exploration
00:14:31 Motherhood and Identity
00:20:47 Personal Growth and Self-Reflection
00:26:39 Reiki and Spiritual Practices
00:35:19 Community and Personal Growth
00:45:18 Conclusion and Farewell

01/21/2026

A little update!

Over the past few months, I've been quietly working on something that's really close to my heart, and I'm finally ready to share it with you.
We've officially launched our Mental Health Hub and updated both websites - rootedinrunes.com & appalachianrootworks.com.

The Mental Health Hub was created to be a gentle, supportive place where our community can find resources when they need them. Inside you'll find national, regional and coming soon... local mental health and crisis resources, crisis hotlines, mental health providers, alternative and holistic therapy options, spiritual and energetic support, and trusted connections we believe in.
You can find this resource list on my website under the Mental Health Hub tab. We also have a QR code in the shop that can be scanned to easily access the list as well.
As someone who has spent the last 6 years on my own healing and mental health -to now becoming trauma-informed and Mental Health First Aid certified, I truly believe that Mental Health isn't taken seriously enough and that needs to change.

My mission is to bridge the gap between mental health & spirituality and if we don't know what resources are out there for our mental health that could help heal, then we aren't moving forward in healing as effectively as we can.
One therapy may night be right for one person like it did their neighbor. So, my hope for this Hub is to help shine a light on all of the options, form crisis help, therapy, & holistic assistance like we offer at ARW-RiR.

At the same time, both websites were redesigned and reorganized to make everything easier to find; information about the shop, our partnership, practitioners, services, classes, and events.

Once thing I'm personally really excited about is that the two websites are not fully connected. No matter which site you're on, you can easily move between Appalachian Root Works and Rooted in Runes and find the Mental Health Hub, services, and information without having to hunt for it.

We may be two businesses under one roof, but this week is deeply connected, and our goal has always been to make healing, support, and community feel accessible and welcoming.

This project and work mean a lot to me, and I hope it becomes something helpful and comforting for anything who finds their way there.

Feel free to explore, suggest resources that should be added to the Mental Health Hub, and as always, thank you for being part of this community.

Much Love
K

01/21/2026

Checkout the improved Appalachian Root Works - Rooted In Runes website!!

Alright yall!
Its been a long time coming. The ARW website is revamped!!

In 2025, we started adding our products onto the website for you all to shop when we arent open or you cant make it in.

Well over the last 2 weeks, we have been working hard as a team to edit all products (we still have some to do, so bear with us) that will be on the website, ensuring for easy shopping and check out!
We have also added everything imaginable you need to know about the shop! Making it easier for you to get to know us, the practitioners, what we all do, our events, the podcast and so much more.

So hop on over to appalachianrootworks.com and check it out!! Then come back to this post and comment your thoughts! We would love to hear what you think. ✨️

Ps. The Rooted in Runes website is getting an update too which includes a passion project Karlie has been working on.
Stay tuned for that announcement 🧡

01/18/2026

Yesterday was magical ✨️
I really enjoyed introducing new and seasoned practitioners to candle magick and answering all their questions! Each person decorated such beautiful candles with intention and 2026 in mind. Im looking forward to the next one!

Then we switched gears and painted with intention and manifested 2026 in my second class of the day. Each person got a mini 3 rune pull reading, was taught how to create their own bondrune using the runes they pulled and Each person made a beautiful work of art that will care them through the year.

A special treat to end the day, was Carla offering and leading a group guided meditation for the last class. Her Conversations in Spirit meditation is my absolute favorite and I am so grateful she offered the opportunity to the class.

We had so many new faces that attended my classes. I am so proud of each person for showing up for themselves, trying new thibgs and learning. Im looking forward to connecting with each person again and helping to guide them their their journeys.

To my students, I hope you find rest today for reflection and self-care. Thank you for spending time with me and allowing me to further your practice, to help set intentions and hold space for you.

Many, many blessings to you.
🧡K

01/17/2026

Good Rising, yall..
I am excited about today!

It's been a while since I hosted a class & today I get to host 2!

There is 1 most spot for The Art & Magick of Candles. An intro class into candle magick, then you get time to paint a piller candle with colored wax to take home & use for your new found practice.

And

We have 2 spots left if my Sacred Intentions: Bindrune Art class. In this class, we are setting intentions & manifesting our 2026. By initially choosing runes from The Elder Futherak, I am walking each student through creating their own powerful bindrune using the runes they pulled.
The fun part is, painting! We are creating beautiful pieces with those bindrunes that we keep in a sacred space of our home to use as reminders and reflections through the year.

Join us! I would love for you to be there!
Just shoot me a text 502-591-8415

Each class is $40/each.
If youd like to attend both, im offering a discount.

01/16/2026

To connect with Teresa Brandenburg visit: linktreeTo connect with Karlie or Carla of ARW-RIR visit: beacons.ai/rootedinrunes
Want to listen to more spiritual podcasts? Check out The Eye Opener Society
Summary
In this episode, Teresa Brandenburg shares her journey of self-discovery, spirituality, and personal growth. She discusses the embodiment of energy, the phases of life, and the wisdom acquired through yoga and meditation. Teresa also explores the misconceptions about yoga and the importance of realizing one's self-worth and value.
Keywords
self-discovery, spirituality, yoga, personal growth, energy, wisdom, meditation, self-worth, value, phases of life
Takeaways

Who am I versus what do I do?
The embodiment of energy and phases of life.
Misconceptions about yoga as a practice.
Firm foundation, soft openness, expansion.
Tattooed suture: 'By contentment, supreme joy is gained.'
Running from oneself and self-realization.
Realizing self-worth and the value of one's work.
The importance of energy exchange in giving.
Misconceptions about meditation and yoga.
The journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Sound bites

Who am I versus what do I do?
The embodiment of energy.
Misconceptions about yoga.
Firm foundation, soft openness.
By contentment, supreme joy is gained.
Running from oneself.
Realizing self-worth and value.
Energy exchange in giving.
Misconceptions about meditation.
Journey of self-discovery.

Chapters

00:01:12 Introduction to Teresa's Journey
00:02:59 Embodiment of Energy and Life Phases
00:07:02 Misconceptions About Yoga
00:18:37 Foundations and Expansion
00:21:40 Tattooing and Contentment
00:23:49 Self-Realization and Worth
00:38:12 Conclusion and Reflections

01/14/2026

Man.. its a cold, rainy day here in Cynthiana, KY.

As I work the shop today, I get to be cozy with our little heater, easy delicious handmade shop made by Carla’s mom, Patsy, and work on back office things while also getting ready for my upcoming classes this Saturday.

Im beyond thankful for the life I live and its little moments like this, in the quiet and mundane, that I can see how much I am cared for and loved.

Thank you to my community, thank you to my soul-sister, thank you for everyone who is apart of what I have cultivating the last 6 years.

I see you, I love you, I appreciate you.

💚
Blessings,
K

Ps. I still have a few seats left for this Saturday if anyone needs a little magick in their life right now 🫶

01/11/2026

Come hang out with me!

There is only a few spots left fot the workshops with Karlie this week!

Inquire at 502-591-8415 to learn how we are setting intentions this year!

The Art & Magick of Candles 1/17/26
Sacred Intentions: A New Year Bindrune & Art Workshop 1/17/26

Get your tickets in the event links!

01/11/2026

I managed to carve out some time for myself today.
Those moments tend to be few and far in between these days.

In my practice, I truely enjoy doing my devotions & rituals at my altar but sometimes, I just don't have the motivation for a whole thing, so I make it simple..

I grab my travel altar box, my lap desk and sit on the floor when the house is quiet.

I give my offerings & gratitude, pray with my mala beads, then either slip into my Akashic Records or do a pull for myself.
Today, I did my year ahead pull.
Thankfully, I was finishing up as my toddler woke up for a nap, so I was good at the stopping point.

But man.. do I appreciate those quiet moments I get for myself. Being more mindful in 2026 for my practice and self-care is so important to me and I really am making an effort to stick with it.

I'd love to here what your self-care and practice looks like. Do yiu have to intentionally find time for your sacred moments or does the time come naturally to you?
Share your tips and tricks in the comments! Lets chat about it ✨️

01/10/2026

Id love for you to join me next weekend!

Im super excited about the 17th yall!

Ive spent some time and revamped my Candle Magic classes! We are going to dive just a little deeper into how to work with candles to set intention, ect. Then using colored wax, "paint" our white pillar candles!
Find more info here and your ticket link - The Art & Magick of Candles 1/17/26

Yall know how I am too... so we are doing back to back classes! After my candles, we are switch gears and doing to make bindrunes together, setting into for 2026! After we create then, we are going to paint them into beautiful art ✨️
Find more info about the class and snag your ticket here: Sacred Intentions: A New Year Bindrune & Art Workshop 1/17/26

Join me yall! I am so excited to kick off 2026 with these two fun & interactive classes 🧡

Text 502-591-8415 if you have any questions!

01/08/2026

I was blessed to sit with 7 beautiful souls this evening and I am beyond grateful to spirit for allowing me to be their messenger.

Confirmation, validations, guidance and connection, all showed up in different ways... It never ceases to amaze me what comes through.

Thank you Sarah fir hosting me at your shop, Earth Alchemy. So much gratitude for the opportunity.
🧡

01/07/2026

"People fear clear communication because they are on sure whether or not the people in their life aligned with their needs and values. This lack of clear and conscious communication leads to resentment, which leads to the emotionally corrosive destructive behaviors you learned about earlier in the book. Do not fear being alone, fear being in bad company. ..it is better to be alone than in bad company. It takes courage to honor yourself and and choose yourself in this way. But in doing so, it's the only true way to find those who honor you and themselves as well. "
A quote from The Flowering War by Dr. Oscar C. Perez

I found this book by accident.. well I think it found me. A new generation of healers is emerging, "greif tenders".... before we can come a "greif tender", we have to acknowledge and work through being the "greif bearer". The "black sheeps". The ones who are "too emotional". The ones who carry the truama passed from your bloodlines and through ancestors. The ones that are having an awakening and working through their own truama and the truama that isn't theirs.
Because once you work on your healing and turn into a "greif tender" is when you can start helping others heal.. my your example.

This will be a book I read... well listen to, over and over again.
The way it felt like Dr. Perez was talking about me specifically in this book, pulled on every heart string I have. It made me really sit down and think about who I am. What I have been through, where I have been and where I am going.
There were several moments I replayed what was said.

After finishing this book yesterday, I knew I had to share to my fellow "greif bearers".
You are deserving of healing. 🧡