Rhiannon - Movement, Moving into Autumn

Today’s card is "Rhiannon – Movement" from the Goddess Tarot. Rhiannon is a British horse goddess who rides on her white horse into the thick of the forest. An apt choice for this deck’s Chariot card. When you look closer, the swirling wind around her emphasizes speed and determination. She knows where she is going and how to get there and she has absolutely no fear to get lost in the woods.

It is almost the end of August and I feel a bit like this goddess, moving confidently into September, into Autumn.  How I have longed to reach this month, this season. I have survived the Summer and now I can start living again. Our pumpkins are almost ready to be picked, lot’s of bread needs to be baked, Chestnuts and acorns need to be gathered, Autumn decks have been missed and I have longed for so many more aspects of Autumn these last few months. 

Yes, let's gallop into fall and celebrate the arrival of this wonderful season!

Three Card Spread – Keep checking in with yourself

For today I have decided to do the Within-Without-Advice spread with the Smith Waite Tarot. The cards I drew fit perfectly with my previous post about my attempt to create a “Free-Flowing routine” in order to establish some fulfilling and more healthy habits.

Within – Eight of Pentacles

It seems I feel quite content with the result of my new routine. Working with it brings structure in my life and a great deal of satisfaction. Gradually I will get better in maintaining my new and still fragile set of habits.

Without - The Chariot

Look at me I am riding on the wind. Just doing great. Oh no, not quite the movement I was expecting. Yes, this chariot has left the city behind the walls but now, in his concrete wagon he is going nowhere. It looks very impressive on the outside world but what is going on the inside of the charioteer?

Advice – The King of Cups

This is for me the archetype of the healer. He is our inner therapist, the part of ourselves that is able to distance himself of the problem at hand. He urges you  to find out what is really going on.

Yes it is obvious I am already trying too hard; becoming too rigid in my efforts although my intent was to stay compassionate with myself  and surrender to the flow of the day. This is so me: wanting to do my very best, even if it is not the best for myself. So I will take this advice at heart and I will proceed more slowly, more gently and more consciously about how I am feeling.

The Chariot - Keep moving

For today I got The Chariot from the Universal Waite Tarot. This card is so different from how I feel today but probable it is just the right energy I need to keep going. I suppose every one can identify with the feeling to want to go back to bed and skip a day or two. Well I felt like that this today but we also know we can’t stop living our life. Things always tend to happen when we are in need of some peace and quiet and solitude.

The Chariot is a card of success and self-reliance. The charioteer manages to balance the influence and strength of both Sphinxes . In my case: wanting to give up and wanting to go on. Neither is a 100% preferable but  a healthy mixture  of the two can be very beneficial for me today.  Oddly enough it seems The Chariot in this card isn’t going anywhere. So I presume he is contemplating where to go from here. It is good to make a stop in life when something is asking for a more in depth exploration. Life is not a race; there is no hurry. So I was wondering what it was, the charioteer was thinking about. And I pulled The Emperor. Immediately I was reminded of one of the pillars of therapy: the need for structure in our life. And I don’t mean structure like a tight schedule (pitfall!!) but a dynamic structure which a experienced leader like The Emperor would benefit from. A structure which can be maintained even when life needs you to be flexible. Again it is about finding the balance between black and white or between a  rigid structure and total chaos.

Today I didn’t feel like blogging but I am glad I did because writing this post has thought me a great deal and has made me feel a lot better.

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” - Albert Einstein

Eight of Wands - Keep going, Keep growing

Today I pulled again the Eight of Wands  from the Joie de Vivre Tarot. Little did I know how it would reveal to me something very important which I wasn’t yet quite fully aware of. At first I felt annoyed; whatever could I write today about this card that I hadn’t wrote already  a few days ago.  Then I thought perhaps I could approach this card from the opposite side; the need to speed up and get things done. Not quite my cup of tea for a day off.  So I pulled another clarifying card and I got the Chariot. Together they felt very determined to get me moving, so I laced my shoes and went for a walk . 

After a short time I reached the park and entered it. Following the path I enjoyed the peace and solitude of my surroundings. Not the silence though, because so many birds where performing their most beautiful songs. I was amazed by the  wonder of nature’s awakening on this spring morning. And then it I hit me. I was walking in a park on my own. Nobody else was there and I wasn’t afraid. I’ve walked  there  a few times more these last two weeks, but I didn’t fully realize this up until now. It was amazing. It is freeing not to need someone to protect me from everything that might happen in this park. After so many years this fearful story has faded away so much that is isn’t able to affect me any longer. This walk has given me back a part of my strength and independence for which I am so grateful. I felt victorious, just like the figure in the Chariot!

One of the pictures I took there today tells the same story: Even from very old wounds can grow new life.

Where do we go from here?

It freezing cold outside and this frosty weather is a perfect representation of how I feel lately. As you all know S is moving out and is very busy in her new house. The actual move is scheduled in about two weeks and that leaves me in a kind of stasis: a “before and after the move” way of thinking. 

The two cards I’ve drawn for today from the Original Rider Waite Tarot, depict the upcoming changes in our lives very well: The Page of Wands is eager to try out new things. He isn’t quite clear about the how and the why but he does know he wants something new and exciting. The Chariot tells us to find our way into the world, follow our dreams and pursuit our goals. It speaks about living authentically and finding our purpose in life. Fortunately this cards holds the promise of success.

The three of us are on the threshold of a new phase in our lives. S is moving out and M and I are about to find  a new way of living together. Also we have to learn  to live without each other. Not to see and talk to one and other on daily basis. It will probably take some time to get used to all of these changes.  

But for now it is still freezing  outside and everything stays the same for a little while longer

Taking a pause and be grateful for where you are right now.

Today’s card is “The perfection of your life” from the Sacred Rebels Oracle. 

Initially I thought what a “Woo Woo” card. My life is everything but perfect. I’ve got lots of mundane problems and worrying on my mind.  And on top of that I feel spiritually lost in the woods……Maybe it is the woods in this depiction where I am wandering. Trying so hard to find my way out. Being such a problem solver, this must be a piece of cake Then I notice the mandala in the earth: a flower of life, a source of life-giving  energy which is working its way up to nourish the forest and every living creature therein. See how the trees draw this energy in and all the way up until they are brimming with life.

And then I ask what do I have to do to experience this caring loving energy. And I pull The Chariot of The Wild Unknown Tarot and I feel I have to read this card as a challenge. Today this card is asking me to stop right here and now and to take care of my sweating dead-tired horse. We both need some downtime and nourishment from that mandala . What better way to show my gratitude for this gift than to appreciate the course of my life. For it has brought me here and now and there is no place I would rather be.

And now I am going to treat myself with coffee and chocolate in my garden. The sun is shining, the airs is crisp, birds are singing and that is perfect enough for me today.

The Chariot and Othala – I am going Home

For today I’ve drawn the Rune Othala (home, destination) as an indication of the energy and focus of this day and The Chariot from the Wild Unknown Tarot  to elaborate on how to manifest  this Othala feeling.

Coincidentally this morning I've read a great reading by Zanna fromt Tarot Notes about where and what home is.

Often Home is not a place but  more a feeling of contentment either being with yourself or with the people you love. We are social beings and how much some of us (including me) like to be alone we do need the interaction with other people.  Othala is the last Rune from the Futhark. Just like The World is from the Major Arcana. Having a secure home, a family, a place to live together , to grow old was the ultimate goal of the old tribes. It secured the people of food, safety and a place to raise their children. While  Fehu (first Rune) is more  about the possession of a house;the physical building, Othala  is more about what is going inside: the emotional and spiritual well-being of the inhabitants

Nowadays we still think of our Home as more than a place to live in; we have to feel safe and comfortable there, This is the place where we can be our truest self. Here we can take of our masks we wear in the outside world.

So how do we get to this place, this  feeling and this state of mind we call Home? There comes The Chariot. We have to mount our horse and go on our quest with a strong will and determination to reach our goal. Or perhaps we have to be this horse. This powerful independent creature who knows intuitively where it is heading where the stable is. In this card we see only one horse which speaks to me of certainty and of knowing my way Home

Personally I think Othala is not a place to be found but only to be experienced as a sense of safety in community, a sense of belonging and being at peace. And when this feeling  fleets we mount our horse again; always on our way, always learning , changing and growing

A Spiritual Journey Reading with The Chrysalis Tarot (II)

Today I wanted to share the Tarot reading which I did last night. It was very special to lay out the cards in a self created spread. Interpreting the reading took a bit longer than usual because thoughts and feelings were changing over time. Finally this is what I came up with:

1 Right now I am here; this is my current situation: The Pilgrim – Page of Scrolls

I am a seeker of  truth. Always reading and learning, but kind of lost along the way. I carry a lot of baggage, not sure what to bring along and what to discard. Always searching for a more beautiful butterfly

2 Where do I come from? Herne the Hunter – The Chariot

Willpower and strength has brought me here. Determination to succeed has made me hopeful.

3 Where do I want to go? Nine of Scrolls

I want to conquer my fears; to unnerve them with my mind. I want to let go of my worries and anxieties! 

4 Where does God(dess) want me to go? Moon – The Moon

To  my inner core where fears are born, To connect with my intuition and to dare to embrace  my shadowy parts in the light of the Moon. This way I will gradually become whole. This is such a different process than deciding not to be afraid anymore. (3) And it is God(dess) (The Moon) who will embrace me when I am stranded on an island and don’t know which way to go.

5 What is blocking me, holding me back? The Watcher – Queen of Mirrors

This card was a bit confusing. How could my most favorite card block me. Maybe it could be a warning not to become to dependent and/or fixated on the archetype of The Watcher; Trying too much to be like her and when I cannot succeed this could result in feelings of in disappointment, failure and insecurity

6 What is helping me on the way? Six of Stones

Of course: Practicing Loving Kindness! Giving love to others and to myself. Not just feeling love and meditate about it but showing it in so many various ways. And besides that, also trying to accept the gift of love from others too. Taking care for and loving one and other is the most nourishing and strengthening practice one can think of.  The Tree of Life show us everything is connected

7 An encouraging nudge from God(dess) Five of Spirals

By a fierce Dragon I am chased from my hiding place; out of the darkness into the light of the Crescent  Moon. Stop my inner struggling and do something! This feels a bit more pressing than a nudge though! J

Movement - Rhiannon

Today’s card is Movement (The Chariot). We see the British goddess Rhiannon riding her white mare in the woods. In earlier periods she was known as Epona, who was mostly depicted with her horses but also with bundles of grain as a symbol of the harvest; the end of the quest.

Keep moving is the most important aspect of seeking spiritual growth: If you don’t move you’re standing still. Even taking a step back or retreating is movement. This means you can change your direction; investigate new options. Thinking you are lost is also encouraging movement, since you will try to find your way out. Every movement is fine. As long as you are not going to sit beneath a tree and expect to be rescued. Everyone who will come along will tell you to get up and keep going.

Our spiritual journey is our own. Sometimes we’ll meet fellow travelers but only to say goodbye to them at some point. We learn from each other and encourage one and other but in the end we are responsible for the way we walk our path.

This is a very apt card for me. Still seeking and trying to figure things out. Sometimes I’m almost coming to a standstill but soon after I’m feeling like I am running through the woods with numerous paths all leading to the same clearing and I wonder which path to choose. Why do I make it so difficult for myself???  

“You are always a student, never a master. You have to keep moving forward.” Conrad Hall

The Queen of Swords wants to ride into the sunset

For today I've drawn the Queen of Swords from the Tarot of the Hidden Realm. Look at how young she is and already she has such a wise and serious facial expression. It makes you think what she has been trough.

I love her “Mona Lisa” smile. She hides her feelings behind her great discerning skills. Everyone looks at her for an answer or a solution to their problems. She is surely capable: everything in this depiction is pointing at her sword she is about pull from its sheath: the pearl just above her third eye, the owl mask above her heart and the lace points from her robe. 

I wonder what is on her mind and I pull a second card…: the Faery Stallion or The Chariot. In my opinion our queen doesn't want to be here at all. She is tired of all her responsibilities and of the people who are depending on her. Her mind wanders off to a time when she was just a young faery girl; free and careless as the wind with all her options wide open and choices yet to be made. 

Riding on her stallion in the sunshine, feeling one with her horse and the world around her.

Then she pulls her sword….

Sometimes life can be so overwhelming: too many people asking too many questions. Sometimes you just want to run away from it all. I can identify with this queen a lot and I do admire her fortitude, honesty and smarts but I pity her well hidden loneliness because it is so difficult to share your own feelings when everybody it counting on you.

Almost at the end of this post it struck me that she is the queen. She can say no if she wants to, in such a kind and pleasing way, nobody shall deny her the right to do so.

Affirmation: Today I am going to say no with ease and without guilt to every demand which can wait to until tomorrow.

The Chariot - Confident I’m on my way!

Today’s card is the Chariot form the Crystal Visions Tarot. As most chariot cards this one too radiates willpower, self confidence, perseverance and victory. The woman riding this chariot, is a young warrior leaving the safety of the town and castle behind her. She is holding her reins with only one hand which tells us she’s in total control over the horses, who would rather choose their own direction. One is black, the other is white as a symbol of opposing and/or conflicting emotions and ideas. But the charioteer doesn't seem to be bothered. She know where she has to go in order to be victorious. She is  also accompanied by two sharp eyed eagles who help her to make the right decisions along the way.

She does remind me of Freya riding her chariot in the sky with her two cats. She is to me also a representative of fiery strength and self confidence.

Yesterday I've gathered my strength and  I went upstairs to look at some old paintings and drawings I've made. After that I've picked up a piece of paper and only two pencils and an eraser. Nothing more. I started doodling and I felt good. It was difficult to let go of having to make a “beautiful “and finished” drawing. Finally just before dinner I've drawn a duckling. So no time to make it perfect either. I have enjoyed myself so much (humming !!!) and I was so relieved to be able to eliminate the blockage and stifle my inner critic. It was an empowering experience. I definitely feel something has shifted. J

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think”.  Winnie The Pooh 

Imbolc Tarot Spread: Brid’s Wheel

This spread for Imbolc, I have found in Christine Jette’s book “Tarot for all Seasons”. I've bought this book to accompany me on my journey around the wheel of the year with the Wildwood Tarot, I've started out last Yule

For this spread I've used my brand new Morgan Greer tarot.

Brid's Wheel from "Tarot of All Seasons" by Christine Jette with The Morgan Greer Tarot

1.    Strength.  This card shows where you are strong. 

*    The Queen of Rods: she is a strong, outgoing and creatively inspired. She is always warmed by her inner fire. She is confident and resilient. It pleases me to see her as my strength card

2.    Heart’s Desire.  You deepest desire.  What do you really want? 

*    King of Cups: How lovely it would be if I could master my emotional ups and downs and become more balanced. I want to be able to reach out to others and help them without getting emotionally drained

3.    Healer. What needs to be healed if you are to be strong?  Note whether or not there is a relationship between position one (strength) and this card. 

*    The Chariot: I have to acknowledge I am my own person, live my own life and I can set out my own direction and try to keep my insecurity and anxiety under control.

4.   Creative Inspiration.  When healing energy is released, creative inspiration is the result.  What are you inspired to do?  What creative activity fires you up?

*    Six of swords: That was a difficult card for me. But then I drew the sun as clarifier. I think I can interpret this as a creative spark in my communication abilities. The six of swords is about sorting out idea’s, looking for new ways of thinking and communicating; leaving behind idea’s which, although comfortable,  aren’t helpful anymore; or sometimes it could mean a spiritual journey or a quest.  In this sun card two people are coming together in the light of the sun which brightens and reveals everything. So I will use my creativity to communicate my thoughts clearly (writing?). Perhaps it is also a hint to put some effort in my Dutch blog.

5.   Making Plans.  Based on the creative information of position four, what plans can you now make? 

*    Nine of Pentacles. I always love this card.It is so easy to identify with this woman. It strikes me this nine of pentacles is very purple unlike many other cards in this deck. I can interpret this to use my inner wisdom in my spoken and written words. I’ve pulled the eight of swords as clarifier and it tells me to be aware of my limiting beliefs. So I see the Nine of Pentacles also as an advice to look after myself and be aware of maintaining my self-worth; Try to relax and be confident and believe in myself. This woman likes to be alone and that is okay too. In her so loved solitude she can find the peace and quiet to listen to her own thoughts and put them in writing

6.   New Growth.  What is the promise of spring that lies just beneath the snow? 

*    Nine of rods. Another nine. This card is all about vigilance. I am going to watch out for distracting influences (like procrastination!!!) which might make me forget my creative goal. (it happened before J) I will go on even when I get insecure. This card will be my defense against my inner critic.