Local Mystics and Psychic Readers Look at What’s Next
Photos by Ashlee Glen
It’s the time of year for resolutions—a moment to evaluate the year that has passed and look forward at what’s to come. But what, really, is to come? There are some absolute truths that we know based on experience. We know our country will be inaugurating a new administration. We know there will be twelve full moons. We know the seasons will come and go. But what about everything in between? We sat down with Irene Dean and Ari from Grounded Earth, a local metaphysical and spiritual lifestyle shop, for their insight into the coming months.
Dean has been doing readings for 10 years, though her background is deeply rooted in the spiritual world.
“Virginia’s last convicted witch who was trialed by water—Grace Sherwood—is in my ancestry,” she said.
For Ari, spirituality has been a part of their life since they were born, though they have just recently started offering readings for the broader public.
“I don’t like the word ‘psychic’ for myself,” they said. “There is a subtlety to the universe and you can attune to that subtlety.”
Both readers utilize tarot cards to guide their insight, with both Ari and Dean noting that tarot is mostly a reference or jumping off point to guide their intuition.
Lynchburg Living: What positive changes do you foresee in our community in 2025?
Ari: “Pluto has moved into Aquarius, so this is a time of change in general—there is no way around that. But in numerology, 2025—which I consider to add up to nine—is associated with completion.”
Dean: “I see spirituality on the rise in Lynchburg, but really across the world,” she added. “I also see regional plans between Lynchburg City and surrounding counties moving forward—perhaps projects previously stalled in bureaucracy will move forward. I also see people suffering with mental health issues benefiting from more resources.”
LL: How do you envision the arts and culture scene evolving in our area?
Ari: “At one point, the music you used to experience was your neighbor playing banjo on the porch.
I’m seeing a return to entertainment in that way.”
Dean: “I see drive in theaters. People with resources who are looking to contribute will do something along those lines for the affordable entertainment of everyone. Mankind tends to rise to the occasion once they see the need.”
LL: What kind of new businesses or local entrepreneurs might emerge, and how will they contribute to our community?
Ari: “I see leadership arising in some form. I see a lot of structure and communication and, when it comes to finances, I’m seeing stability.”
LL: What trends in health and wellness might we see taking off in our city?
Ari: “I think there is a call for people to take personal responsibility over their consumption and their activity and to view the body as the living organism that it is. And also how we interplay with one another—we are all breathing the same air.
I see more mutual aid happening and the birth of a more communal identity.”
Dean: “I see families coming together more to take care of one another. As I mentioned earlier, I also see more support and resources for mental health arising.”
Ari: “I also see mental health and queer rights blossoming, but after a period of transition.”
LL: What level of fun, play, and interaction can our community anticipate in the coming year (music, festivals, etc.)?
Dean: “I see family activity increasing—I see families taking their children to parks more. I see more opportunities for free access to art education for children.”
Ari: “There will be a return to things like hiking or neighborhood parties. It will be a way for people to connect to themselves or the environment.”
Throughout the reading, there was a central, common thread that both Ari and Dean noted: Community. Both readers see a return to the granular community—of neighbors taking care of neighbors, of a community rallying together to offer mutual aid, of common bonds being forged between two groups of people. Both Ari and Dean agree that the future is one where we as a community are stronger together.
Grounded Earth is a shop that provides spiritual provisions to the community, ranging from incense and crystals to herbs and tarot cards. Intuitive and psychic readings are available by appointment in the shop. More information can be found at groundedearthlyh.com.
