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Compass ritual to find direction in your career path

For centuries, the compass guided travellers and sailors when the coast was out of sight: its needle always swings back to north, however much the ship moves. Work has foggy seasons too: changing jobs, studying something new, starting a business or staying put. This ritual helps you find your own north, what truly matters to you, and look at your options from there instead of deciding out of fear or haste.

By the Cardaluna editorial team · Updated

In short: For centuries, the compass guided travellers and sailors when the coast was out of sight: its needle always swings back to north, however much the ship moves. You need 5 simple items and 5 steps. When: At the new moon, the phase of beginnings, or at the start of a quarter.

When to do it

At the new moon, the phase of beginnings, or at the start of a quarter. Choose a quiet moment at the weekend, away from work email.

What you need

  • A small compass (or the one on your phone)
  • A large sheet of paper
  • Pencils or markers in four colours
  • A sticky note
  • Your planner

Step by step

  1. Draw a simple compass rose in the middle of the sheet. At north, write what matters most to you in your work: learning, stability, creativity, free time…
  2. At east, south and west, write three possible paths, including staying as you are. In another colour, note what each would give you and what it would cost you.
  3. Place the compass on the drawing and turn the sheet until the paper’s north lines up with the needle. Breathe deeply and say: “My north guides me; I calmly choose my next step.”
  4. See which path comes closest to your north and write on the sticky note one small action to explore it this week: a call, a course, a question for someone who already does it.
  5. Stick the note in your planner and keep the folded sheet, with the compass on top, on your desk.

Safety first

These rituals are symbolic. Do not ingest herbs or oils, ventilate the room when burning incense or herbs, and never perform a ritual to harm or control anyone.

To finish

Review your compass rose every month and update the options with what you discover: changing course is also moving forward. If the compass is small or has loose parts, keep it out of reach of young children. Once you have chosen, pair it with the paper crane ritual to boost your project.