Healing In the Balm Yard with Samantha Jo

Neptune's Notes - Ten of Cups

The Ten of Cups is the card of emotional fulfillment, divine harmony, and spiritual wholeness. For Pisces placements, this card signifies a return to true joy, aligned relationships, and the deep inner peace that comes from trusting the divine flow. Under Neptune’s influence, this is a moment of clarity—your dreams and soul’s desires are finally taking form in a way that feels real, not just imagined.
After the destruction of The Tower, the Ten of Cups arrives as a reminder that the breakdown was never about loss—it was about making space for something better. The illusions, unstable relationships, and old emotional burdens have crumbled, but now, you stand before a new vision—one that is built on truth, love, and alignment. The chaos is behind you, and your heart is opening to what is meant for you.
Advice: Allow joy to find you again. Trust that what is unfolding is for your highest good. This is a season of healing, love, and soul connections—whether through community, family, or personal fulfillment. You have walked through the fire and now stand in the light. Receive it with gratitude, knowing that the storm was never meant to break you, only to lead you home.
Affirmation:
"I embrace the love, peace, and fulfillment that is meant for me. What is real, aligned, and divine will always find me."

Neptune's Notes - The Tower

Pisces! I'm noticing a theme here- learn the lesson and let it go now before eclipse season. Today's card is The Tower.
The Tower represents sudden upheaval, destruction of illusions, and divine intervention—a force that clears away anything unstable or misaligned. For Pisces placements, this card signals a spiritual awakening that may feel chaotic but is ultimately necessary. Under Neptune’s dreamy influence, you may have held onto fantasies, ideals, or relationships that were never truly solid. The Tower shakes these foundations, forcing you to see the truth and rebuild with clarity.
During Pisces season, The Tower aligns with a theme of release, surrender, and transformation—echoing the messages of the Ten of Swords, Seven of Pentacles, and Five of Wands. You have been navigating internal and external conflict (5 of Wands), questioning your efforts and worth (7 of Pentacles), and shedding old versions of yourself (10 of Swords). Now, The Tower delivers the final push: letting go isn’t a choice anymore—it’s happening. Whether this is a shift in your beliefs, relationships, or path, trust that this breakdown is leading to your breakthrough.
Advice: Do not fear the collapse. What is falling apart was never meant to last. Neptune’s influence can make it tempting to escape or cling to the past, but this moment is about stepping into radical honesty and rebirth. Let the crumbling walls of illusion fall, and know that what remains will be the foundation of something stronger, truer, and more aligned with your soul.
Affirmation:
"I trust the divine unfolding of my life—every breakdown is a breakthrough leading me to my highest self."

Neptune's Notes - Ten of Swords

The Ten of Swords represents endings, surrender, and the release of painful cycles. For Pisces placements, this card signifies a moment of deep emotional closure—where illusions, betrayals, or self-sacrificing tendencies must be left behind. Under Neptune’s influence, this may feel like a loss or a harsh reality check, but it is also an initiation into renewal and healing.
During Pisces season, this card urges you to acknowledge what has run its course. You may have held on too long to an idealized version of something or someone, only to face disillusionment. While this moment may feel heavy, it is also a spiritual turning point. Neptune’s energy reminds you that release is not failure—it is the beginning of something new.
Advice: Let go with grace. Mourning the past is natural, but don’t let it anchor you in suffering. Honor your emotions, but remember that endings clear the way for rebirth. Trust that your intuition will guide you toward healing, and allow yourself to step into a new chapter with wisdom and self-compassion.
Affirmation:
"I release what no longer serves me, trusting that every ending is a doorway to my highest transformation."

Neptune's Notes - Seven of Pentacles

The Seven of Pentacles represents patience, reflection, and the slow but steady growth of your efforts. It asks you to pause and evaluate what you’ve been cultivating—whether in your spiritual journey, relationships, or creative pursuits.
For Pisces placements under Neptune’s dreamy influence, this card highlights the tension between faith and impatience. You may feel like you're waiting for something to manifest, unsure if your efforts are truly paying off. Neptune’s energy can make this period feel endless, tempting you to drift into doubt or fantasy rather than staying grounded in the process.
 
Affirmation:
"I trust in the unseen growth of my efforts, knowing that every step forward is leading me to divine fulfillment."

Neptune's Notes : Five of Wands

For Pisces placements, the 5 of Wands reflects internal and external turbulence that challenges your dreamy, fluid nature. Under Neptune’s influence, this card can manifest as creative blocks, emotional overwhelm, or feeling lost in the chaos of competing energies. You may struggle with asserting yourself, avoiding conflict by drifting into escapism, or feeling misunderstood in group dynamics.
The Message:Rather than withdrawing or absorbing the discord around you, use this moment to clarify your vision. Not all tension is meant to disrupt you—some friction can inspire growth. Anchor yourself in your intuition, set gentle but firm boundaries, and trust that even in confusion, your higher guidance is leading you to clarity.
 
AFFIRMATION: I stand firm in my truth, embracing challenges as opportunities to refine my vision and strengthen my spirit.

Neptune's Notes : Tarot for Pisces Placements

So for the past TWO days of Pisces season, I’ve been up at 4 AM getting all the downloads 😩💭—and this segment was one of them! Listen, this ain’t something I ever do, baby. But when folks gather me by the collar and say do the thing… I shall deliver.
As a tender Pisces moon with some heavy 12H placements, I know how deep this season hits. And I know I’m not the only one. Being a Pisces moon ain’t for the weak—sometimes, we just need that little reminder to breathe. I know I do.
So here’s what’s happening: Mini-sodes of Healing In The Balm Yard exclusively for Pisces season ONLY! A little love, a little affirmation, and a lot of flow.

Brazil PT 3 : Walking with Eleguá with Charisma - Ep. 11

I had the honor of inviting Charisma, all the way from Louisiana, to join me for this powerful and unforgettable finale conversation. Two children of Eleguá, coming together to share our unique perspectives on life, spirituality, and the path we walk.
Charisma opens up about her journey as a therapist, diving into her deeply personal spiritual path and her powerful reflections on our transformative experience in Brazil. From navigating life with Eleguá’s dynamic energy to the meaningful connections we’ve built, this episode is filled with insights, wisdom, and vibes you won’t want to miss.
💡 What to Expect:  ✨ Two Eleguá children sharing their stories and experiences  ✨ A beautiful intersection of mental health and spirituality  ✨ A deep dive into Brazil’s spiritual richness and what it taught us  
Enjoy!

Brazil PT 2: Yes, I Practice ATR - Ep. 10

This episode is not just about my transformative trip to Brazil; it’s also a coming-out story. Before this journey, I kept my practice of African Traditional Religions (ATRs) so secretive that even I wondered why I wasn’t fully standing in my truth. Brazil changed all of that. Stepping into spaces where ATRs are lived openly, celebrated, and deeply integrated into the culture gave me the confidence to finally own my path unapologetically.
I’m reflecting on what it meant to say "yes" to Brazil, stepping out of my comfort zone to learn about ATR practices outside of my spiritual house. The sacred was everywhere, from my first Bembé to walking through sacred spaces with familiars like cats and turtles. Meeting the Sisters of the Good Death and witnessing ATRs woven into church spaces opened my eyes to how these practices thrive in the community. Bahia, in particular, embraced ATRs culturally in a way that felt like a homecoming for my spirit.
This trip helped me reconnect with my spirit lineage and embrace my gifts like never before. My dreams have shifted, and so has my perspective. I’m leaving behind secrecy, self-doubt, and parts of myself that no longer serve me as we close out 2024. In 2025, I’m stepping into my fullness—with clarity, purpose, and a deep commitment to the work ahead.
Let’s talk about the power of saying yes, standing in your truth, and creating space for the sacred in your life.
 
 

So, I Went To Brazil? - Ep. 09

Hey Family,
Yes, you read that correctly. I dipped out of the country to Brazil; Rio and Bahia, to be exact. I got out quickly on election day to travel abroad to meet 40 strangers from my ATR book club, Beaucoup Hoodoo. 
A time was had! We started as strangers and became a soul family. It's a trip that will take some time to unpack. And I'm looking forward to unpacking it all here on the Healing in the Balm Yard Podcast. 
Part 1 of this series is simply a check-in, a mini intro to the trip, and why I decided to say yes to Brazil. This was off the top with no script, so be patient and kind. And I hope you enjoy my random droppings. 

Plant Power + Unfiltered Truths with Tweak G

Join us for a powerful Mental Health Awareness Month interview on Healing In the Balm Yard with Samantha Jo. This episode features the incredible Tweak G, where we dive into the importance of consistency and discipline in art, the healing magic of mushrooms and cannabis, and the unfiltered truths about ourselves. Tweak G shares her journey from being known as Tweak G to transitioning into Tweak the Healer. Discover why she is so passionate about the healing power of plants and psychedelics, especially for the Black community.
Two Chicagoans, one room, and a conversation about everything that matters. 🌿🎤
 
 
: TRIGGER WARNING : We discuss sexual assault, violence, and psychedelics.
Tap in with Tweak G on every platform @tweak_g.