The Wheel of Fortune – Through change we learn

For today, my last post in August,  we've got the Wheel of Fortune from the Crystal Visions Tarot. In this card we see a blend of the four elements around a wheel with on the inside the astrological signs and the moon and the sun in the middle. The outer rim shows the four elemental symbols. The wheel represents our fortune and changes in luck but also it stands for spiritual growth and changing visions.  As we all know life moves in cycles and we keep coming back at the same checkpoints. They can be as natural as the seasons (Yay, Autumn is here!) but also more personal, like the ebb and flow of our spiritual and emotional life. We learn that after the downfall we always will rise up again even stronger, more mature and resilient

The funny thing is this morning I realized a tarot deck is a kind of wheel in itself. Instead of spinning The Wheel and hoping for the jackpot, we shuffle our deck and pull a card. So often we pull the same cards and try to learn something new; add more meaning and /or discover more layers. Just yesterday I've read a post about the wheel at "By the Sycamoretree" and I wondered what more I could possible write about my wheel. But then I came up with this post and so my little tarot wheel turns again.

Two of Wands - You don’t have do anything yet!

Being ill isn't something I experience often, so I am not such a patient patient J.  I get restless and annoyed because I am not able to do the things I want.  I was so thrilled with my Ace of Wands from a few days back. So this morning,  still recuperating, I asked what can I do to give myself some peace of mind and I pulled from the Crystal vision tarot the Two of Wands. In this depiction we see a man and his dragon sitting on a rock and looking over a peaceful lake surrounded by mountains. It feels like evening; the day is done and  it is time to rest. He is holding two wands in his hands.  The dragon is cradling a globe with his tail. They were successful today with whatever they've done and they will have to make plans for tomorrow, but not now, not yet. They will enjoy the quietness of the evening and tomorrow they will choose a wand to pursue. One wand, not both at the same time. Then they will fly together over the lake and the mountains to new adventures.

This is for me a card of rest and thinking about my options for when I am better. It is a bit silly to get worked up about” to do’s) and “to wants” (two wands) when you are not feeling well. Maybe listing my projects and idea’s is a more healthy way of dealing with my restlessness than trying to do something and be disappointed when  I’m not up to it yet. Anyway I've written a post again so that’s something to be content with.

King of Cups – It's okay to ask

This morning when I woke up I didn't feel too well. Since S. and M. both had similar complaints a few days ago, I guess it’s my turn now. It is nothing serious but just enough to feel  poorly and tired. When I  pulled my daily card I had to laugh because it was the King of Cups. Among other things he is also my tarot doctor. Mostly my therapeutic healer but also my acknowledgement there is physically something wrong. He is the one who tells me to take care of myself and allow myself to be ill; to put my own needs first and take time to get well again. It almost looks like he is offering me something to drink. 
Too often I have been the one who kept going when the rest of the family was ” too ill” to do anything at all. Well luckily that has changed, but old habits die slowly, so this card is a good reminder to ask for a pot of tea instead of making it myself. I think I am going to bed now with that tea, some biscuits and good book. I wonder how many pages I’ll manage to read. J

Ace of Wands - Enthusiasm , Inspiration and Confidence

Yesterday I've written about embracing Trust,  so for my daily draw I've asked the following question: What can I do today, to strengthen my trust?  And I drew the Ace of Wands from the Original Rider Waite tarot. This card is showing the necessity  of a lot of trust, both in life and in ourselves. We see the a celestial hand offering us budding wand.  Life and or God is offering us an opportunity  to start a brand new project or to go for an exciting new creative idea. But do we dare to accept  this gift. As soon as we see new chances to explore often we feel a great reluctance and we are experts in coming up with numerous “what if’s”  before we've even tried it.  Killing every possibility of success in the bud.

Well that was yesterday because today I will try be open to new Wandsy gifts and I will even trust in the possibility of synchronicity and little miracles; of all the beautiful things that can happen if I let go of my anxious need to be in control and approach life with enthusiasm , inspiration and confidence. (notice the word “try”, because it won’t be easy. J)

New Moon in August: The Wanderer - Trust

For this New Moon I've decided not to draw a card but to choose one I felt strongly connected to. The quality I want to embrace on a conscious level for the coming two weeks;  the waxing moon, is Trust. Recently I've becoming painfully aware of the fact I find it so difficult to trust. And when I say trust, I mean trust in life in general, trust in my fellow man and last but not least trust in the Divine. So this is an area of my life that is in  great need of some serious embracing. The card that stood out the most for me to symbolize this quality was The Fool and in particularly The Wanderer from the Wildwood Tarot.  Personally for me, most Fool cards radiate too much carelessness and naivete, but the Wanderer wants to put  consciously and carefully his foot on the rainbow in order to cross over to the lush forest on the other side. What wonders will await us when we trust in more than ourselves. If we only dare to take the first step. Often it is lack of control which makes us anxious and uncertain and we are too cautious and keep on living on the edge of the cliff, longing for the forest: a better life. It is trust which enables us to take that first step with our arms and heart open wide. Trusting we’ll grow wings or we will be caught in loving arms when we move forward. Such a leap of faith will make the rainbow appear so we can cross the gap and live in the forest . 

Ten of wands – Prioritize

For today I've drawn the Ten of Wands from the Original Rider Waite Tarot.  This is the culmination of the suit of wands which can be an over load of tasks and responsibilities but also an overload of plans and idea’s and creative projects: the fun stuff. Look at the wands he is carrying; all of them have budding leaves. Every idea and project is viable, so how in G’s name can we leave one behind.

This man, although his back hurts, is determined to go on. He is almost home where he can store some of his wands in his shed.

Sometimes life’s choices can overwhelm us. So many options to go for, so many great opportunities to try. One seems even more attractive than the other.  Just recently  I had  pulled for myself the Ace of Wands which I’ve read as a boost to get more things on the go and now in my enthusiasm I have  taken on to many projects. This is not the balanced life I was searching for J

So for today I will make a list of everything I want to do or create during the coming weeks and sort out what I really want to do now and what can wait a little while longer. Also it is a good thing to realize I cannot be in control of everything around me. Sometimes I have to let go of some things and trust they will be able to survive on their own for a while in my shed.

Give your head permission to follow your heart

Today I've found my way back again to my tarot cards and I've drawn The Ten of Swords from the Original Rider Waite tarot. This card is all about the defeat of the tyranny of our mind. This man has been stabbed in the back with ten swords which are representing his thoughts. Thoughts, he wasn't able to let go off: old rigid beliefs can cause unwillingness and fear to change.  Sometimes you cannot solve a problem with your mental abilities. When you come to this realization and you are willing to be more flexible you will see the sun rise in the East shining its light over you: And then there is Silence. But after that you may wonder, what do I have to change; how do I  approach life differently? 

And then I pulled the Knight of Cups, who’s dreams are his treasures. 

He is coming along for the second time this month to share his wisdom, which is plain and simple: follow your heart.

Don’t lose sight of your heart’s desire; keep your cup in front of you and follow it. As simple as it may sound we all know this is quite a challenge and it is asking a lot of our creativity and imagination

We do have to be careful not to lose ourselves in the emotional and dreamy state of mind of the Knight of Cups. Again some need for balance is advisable. Maybe he has a sheathed sword on his left hand side??? We’ll never know. But I do hope he is brave enough to cross the river so we can move forward.

“Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts.” Buddha

Three card Lenormand spread - Confusion

Yesterday’s decision to pick up a lenormand instead of a tarot deck suited me just fine. The reading was to the point but not to in depth. It was not so easy to find some peace and quiet for myself though. Putting a chair in the garden is simple but silencing my inner babbler wasn't. And also life has a way of putting tons of distractions on your path when the only thing  you want is to be left alone and rest. 

One thing which was rather tiring and distracting yesterday is that I've received my hearing aid. OMG, I didn't remember how noisy the world was. It is fun though to put it out for a while, when you want to have some calm moments J 
Finally I did manage to create a simple abstract collage which was very relaxing to do.

So back to the cards. For today I've drawn again a line of three from the Gilded Reverie Lenormand:

Stork + Anchor + cross

1. Spiritual changes are disrupting my sense of stability
2. When I want to seek out new spiritual beliefs I have to stay grounded
3. I have to lift my anchor if I really want to move to the next winding of my path

Well these are very different interpretations, some even contradicting. So which one do I choose or maybe which one did  I overlook? I am a bit confused right now.

The inserts count 27, which is the letter card:

Maybe I will receive a letter, a mail or a comment; maybe I will read an article but something in writing will help me to see things more clearly

Perhaps you can shed some light for me over these cards????

Three card Lenormand spread: What’s next….

This morning I was sitting next to my bookcase with a shelf full of decks and I couldn't decide which deck to use. I held some of them in my hand, drew some cards but nothing really happened. No “Aha” experience or a “Yes that’s it” thought. I drew the proverbial "blank" this morning. Although I didn't like it, It didn't strike me as odd. After an intense couple of days for me the last week, tarot wise, the well was a bit dried up. So I decided to draw some Lenormand cards to answer the question; what to do next. I used the Gilded Reverie Lenormand and I drew three cards with the center card as the main subject:

Birds + House + Ship

1.      After a lot of  and talking/blogging about a spiritual journey it is a good idea to stay home and rest for a while.

2.      Being at home talking about a journey; physical or spiritual. What do I long for? Where do I want to go?

3.      Searching for a place to retreat away from the chatter of daily life.

The first and the last interpretation speak to me the most. I guess I really need some peace and quiet today. I do feel a bit hermit-like lately and I love spending time alone. Autumn is starting early this year and I love the introspective quality of this season.

When I count the inserts for a conclusive message , I get lily: When I listen to the message of these cards I may find harmony, tranquility and maybe even wisdom.

So today I am going to consciously seek for a quiet place, in or outside myself, to explore silence and rest for a while…..

Six of Staves –Moving on to the next chapter

Sometimes Tarot reads like a magical illustrated storybook. Since I’ve been reading with the Goddess tarot, the cards seem to follow each other up like the chapters in a book or in any case they seem to follow the windings of my journey perfectly. Today I've decided it would be the last day with the Goddess tarot. I knew I liked the look of this deck but I am surprised how wonderful we are getting along. The card I’ve drawn for today couldn't be more fitting: the Six of Staves. After the journey through the woods of two day ago, where it was so difficult to find our way and to choose the right path here we see a smiling woman returning into the world with a laurel wreath on her stave. She has victoriously overcome her challenges is and is now ready to enter the next winding of her spiraling journey. Notice how she is celebrating this on her own. There is no need for a cheering crowd. People may see the change in her posture or in her smile but only she knows about the secrets she has unraveled in the woods. She is her own hero….moving on to the next chapter of her life

“You don't just have a story - you're a story in the making, and you never know what the next chapter's going to be. That's what makes it exciting.” Dan Millman

Prince of Pentacles – Get my feet back on the ground

For today I've drawn again a courtcard . This time it is the Prince (Knight) of Pentacles. He is a prince from India. The suit of Pentacles from this deck is associated with the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance and prosperity. This is the suit of the element earth, where we plant our seeds in the soil, where things are getting done. This prince has come along to remind us not only to seek spiritual growth with a Swords or Cups mentality but also in being present in the moment with everything you do. Staying grounded is such an important thing to do when you are on a spiritual journey.

He is reliable, trustworthy and practical. What can be more healing than the stability of our daily activities to feel connected to life itself and everyone/everything around us. Cooking, cleaning, taking care of our children and also making art, walking the dog and so forth. This prince is teaching us when everything seems uncertain and questionable, keeping our hands busy is most of the time a perfect remedy. It is also a good habit to appreciate what you've achieved after the day is done. 

Affirmation: Today I am going to do my chores and activities mindfully and I will be grateful for what I have accomplished. 

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

Queen of Swords - Finding clarity through language

After  a short break from my daily draws we jump right in with yet another court card: the Queen of Swords from the Goddess Tarot. Since I have recognized my father in the King of Swords it is no surprise this is the courtcard I identify the strongest with. I love it how she is able to combine her love for truth and intellect with the nurturing aspect of all the queens. She has been through a lot and has distilled wisdom from all her experiences and she has developed empathy for her all her subjects. Some may say she is cold, but this is often more a protection for her fragile heart. Her people depend on her to make the right decisions and to clarify the situation with her favorite tool: language. She can put feelings into words and with her intellect she can word truth and decisions without room for multiple interpretations. It is what it is.  

I think today I will put this skill into use to determine my feelings about Divinity. While writing about my feelings and questions; encircling them with words and sentences, sometimes I can find more clarity than by just thinking about them. I love journaling,  making lists and mind maps. I think writing is a wonderful tool to explore my inner thoughts.

“Whether you're keeping a journal or writing as a meditation, it's the same thing. What's important is you're having a relationship with your mind.”

Natalie Goldberg

Princess of Cups - a playful approach

This morning I wasn't surprised when the Princess of Cups came up. Here we see a lovely fair-haired young girl; almost a woman, strolling along the shore of the sea or a very large lake. The light of a crescent moon is shining upon her while she is sipping from her cup: Very carefully. Maybe she has secretly picked a goblet of wine from her father's banquet and is now tasting this rich deep red liquid for the first time savoring the taste and the feel of the wine warming her body.

Isn't that exactly what I should do regarding  trying to connect to the Divine in a more intuitive and heartfelt way; to let me be guided by an intuitive yearning. I feel like this card is telling me to go to this inner place of sacredness as a child: experience it as it was the first time with a fresh open mind. Just start over and feel everything while being mindful and alert. Go slowly, step by step and approach this “quest” playfully and creative; wiggle with your toes in the sand, and enjoy every step along the way. 

This morning, I've decluttered and altered my altar. Like the Princess of Cups it is "dressed in white" which is very peaceful and calming for me right now.. The card is from the Enchanted Map Oracle: Slow and steady (very appropriate J)

“If we experienced life through the eyes of a child everything would be magical and extraordinary. Let our curiosity, adventure and wonder of life...never end.”

Akiane Kramarik

PS I will be back on Monday: We have a busy family weekend coming up because M will be celebrating her birthday.

The World, Gaia – Where are You?

Today’s card is Gaia, The World, from the Goddess Tarot. Gaia is the Greek primordial Mother Goddess who existed before everything and created all of life. She is the personification of Earth. Just like for example: Erda ( Norse) and Mut (Egypt). I think every religion has his own version of the Creative Instigator of Life: God, Spirit. Mother, Father or whatever name you have chosen for this Creative Force

Lately is has been somewhat more difficult to open up and feel connected to my God(dess). It feels like I am going through the motions but the feeling isn't quite there  anymore. Then I am reading on different blogs about trusting and feeling connected with God(dess),  angels and/or guides. About knowing they are always there for you and we are not alone. Being a swords person, I know this all too well. But feeling  and trusting these beliefs is something quite different. This is when your intuition and gut feeling come into play and those are not my strongest qualities. I wonder why this is a constant returning issue for me….Perhaps it all comes down on my fear of letting go and losing control. For now I will keep meditating and practice gratitude and “trust” this too shall pass….

King of Swords - Think before you speak

Today’s card is the King of Swords from the Goddess Tarot. We see an Egyptian pharaoh sitting upon a concrete bench. His posture is showing his self confidence, his integrity and authority. He is the personification of God on Earth. So he better be right when he decides or speaks. He uses his intellect as a sword to cut away needless discussions to get to the bottom of things and to provide clarity for his subjects. He will not be ignored and is a force to be reckoned with.

This king isn’t painted with blues and grey’s as usual to emphasize his airy aspects.  but instead with the warm colors of Egypt. His face is gentle and kind, instead of strict and severe. This king will also teach me one or two things on how to  settle an argument.He reminds me of my father who was a King of Swords at heart but also such a loving dad. He has taught me the importance of seeking knowledge, of reading and checking facts before you make a decision. And he would always come to my aid if I needed advice.

Today I will try to be more like my dad; to listen carefully and with patience before I speak my mind. 

“There are two things over which you have complete dominion, authority and control: your mind and your mouth” African Proverb

Waning moon in August: Five of Swords – fear for conflicts.

For today I've drawn the Five of Swords from the Goddess tarot. Since we are now in the waning phase of the moon cycle, I've asked what I needed to release during this period. So let’s look at what I've got; The woman in the card is holding three of the five swords; one ready to use in action. The other two have been laid down crossed on a large rock as a symbol of truce. However she is still suspicious and is looking in the distance for possible approaching enemies 

This is a card of distrust and feeling uncomfortable and insecure. Often we anticipate quarrels and arguments and in doing so are fulfilling our own expectations. We send out hostile vibes of suspicion and when our expectations are fulfilled, we victoriously shout: I told you so!

This card is also about setting boundaries and protecting yourself by being vigilant and alert.

Somehow I get the feeling it is telling me to let go of my suspicion and fear of possible arguments and conflicts.  This might just be what is needed for a more peaceful environment. If I dare to let my guard down and expect good intentions from others; if I dare to be more trustful, this will be beneficial for our well being. We surely will feel more peaceful and loving towards one and other. I know I have to set boundaries but they are not supposed to shut everybody out. I have to find a balance between self-protection and reaching out.

So my affirmation for the coming time will be: Today I will protect my boundaries but I will keep the gate open and let people in.

Celtic Owl - Rebirth

Today’s card, Celtic Owl from the Chrysalis Tarot, is the equivalent of the Hanged Man. There is nothing hanging in this picture but we do see a beautiful owl against a starry night sky. Under his wings he is keeping an interwoven Celtic knot. So what is this card all about? The keyword is Rebirth. The message from this card is trying to connect to everybody and everything in the Universe and to experience the oneness of the entre creation. Even though we cannot see it doesn’t mean it isn’t true.  The owl is a creature who can find his way in the dark of night with ease. When we have the courage to follow Owl  into the unknown unconscious realms and to surrender to his wisdom, we can be transformed and be more receptive to see  all of creation in a more holistic way. This is a long-term process which demands patience, the art of letting go, imagination and regularly contemplation.

When we are determined to follow Owl he will teach us what every great teacher has taught over the centuries: “ Everything is connected ; We are one” and how to sacrifice our ego and old ways of thinking to this idea  and to find the bliss of enlightenment.

“But I'll tell you what hermits realize. If you go off into a far, far forest and get very quiet, you'll come to understand that you're connected with everything.”

Alan Watts

Seven of Scrolls – Indecision

As so many cards fromThe Chrysalis Tarot, this card doesn't resemble its counterpart from the Rider Waite tarot, the Seven of Swords, at all. It reminds me more of the Two of Swords.  After the rest and consolation of the six of swords, the young satyr is about to start on a new journey or cycle of learning. He has gathered all the knowledge and information he can find to make a reasonable choice. He is inclined to choose the left door. The right one appears more risky and yet alluring. Why? He doesn't know. The two doors look the exactly the same but somehow there is a difference and he cannot grasp what it is…

Sometimes life is asking us to take a risk; to listen to our gut feeling and to take a leap of faith. To choose for living with all its ups and downs but with such an intense feeling of knowing you are on the right path and you are exactly going to where you need to be.

We all have had to make those kind of choices . This card is helping me to remember when I've chosen for what I knew to be the very best and when I didn't settle for safety but sadly sometimes I “had to" choose just the other way around….

Six of Scrolls - Almost done

For today I've drawn one card as usual. It has been a hectic week with lots of appointments and obligations. It all went well but still was very tiring. So I pulled a card asking: what can I do to lighten my load a bit? And I pulled the Six of Scrolls from the Chrysalis Tarot. It’s keyword is Consolation. How about that. A big grey wise elephant is supporting and consoling a tired faery. He is holding for her the last scroll she has to read before she is done. The other scrolls symbolize a next cycle of learning which can wait a little longer. Sometimes you need a break before you can continue with the next project. The elephant is a connected to the elephant headed Hindu deity Ganesha, who removes obstacles and is also a god of wisdom and learning. He is the deity to go to when you’re mind is overburdened and you need help to straighten things out. When you’ve rested you can start anew with the next cycle of learning, knowing Ganesha is just behind you if you need him. This new cycle is represented by the neat stack of scrolls.

Coincidentally I wanted to start using my day planner (binder) again , instead of a digital planner on my tablet. I am going to decorate it a bit with new inserts and sticky notes etc. I hope this will help motivate me to organize my thoughts and activities more. And if not, it has been a nice creative project J

Bella Rosa is recollecting memories

Today’s card is Bella Rosa (the Devil)  from the Chrysalis Tarot. This female devil comes to us from the Carnival of Venice; beautifully dressed and with her face behind her white mask. Nobody is to know who she really is. Her true self is hidden deep down inside. She probable has lost her sense of self along the way too. She is wearing gloves so she doesn’t feel the thorns nor does she see the beauty of her rose. She is detached from real life and is soothing herself with artificial material obsessions and habits. Her mirror symbolizes her self-indulgence and narcissistic ego.

No matter how difficult it might be, it is time to get real. To remove the mask and look in the mirror; to see who you really are and to feel what you really need.

And what could that be?

The Mime (Page of Spirals) is hopping carefree and merrily towards us accompanied by her ram. She will help us to recollect lost, fractured and repressed memories. She will be like a comforting balm for your soul after you've taken of your mask. She will return who you truly are to mindfulness. The good and the bad stuff. It all deserves to be known. It all is worthy of our compassionate love and of deep listening. You might be surprised by the wonder of who you are without your masks and costumes.

Affirmation: Today I will open up to find and recollect parts of my true self and I will cradle them like a long lost child

Golden Flower, always turning round and round

Today’s card is Golden Flower. It is the Temperance card of the Chrysalis Tarot and we see a mandala made of natural elements with a radiant Sunflower in the center. Due to the rhythmic rotating shape of the mandala, this depiction is all about balance. The fish symbolize how easy life can be if you  accept what is and go with the flow. The butterflies; a reoccurring symbol in this deck, are representative for the conscious mind: You can choose harmony and balance in every situation.

What is the benefit of a balanced and conscious mind….

Then I drew The Wheel (The wheel of Fortune). How beautiful these two cards are complementing each other. In both of them we see a wheel as a symbol for cycles and nature's rhythm 

This card is about coping with the ups and downs in life but also about the consequence of the choices we make. Often we think we are the victim of luck and chance but mostly our life’s events are the result of our own choices (conscious or not). We pray to God(dess) for insight, we burn purifying incense and sometimes we grasp a glimpse of the path we’re walking.

For me the ultimate challenge of The Wheel is to sit in the middle of the spokes and to experience the cycles of life with a balanced and conscious mind (Golden flower) without being powerlessly pulled along with every turning of this wheel

“Know this – your life, like a mandala, is your sacred conversation with the divine. Be ever mindful of this when making your decisions.” L. Vey

Don’t overburden yourself when you leave the Ten of Scrolls behind

Look at this poor kitty behind his paper bars. He is so pathetic. This is the Ten of Scrolls (swords) from the Chrysalis Tarot. It looks like the tiger has been sitting there for a long time and has forgotten all about his own inner strength. He is defeated and held captive by his ongoing crippling thoughts. In the upper corner a butterfly it symbolizing his option for change much like the sunrise in the Rider Waite version of this card. The tiger is finally about to access his fiery passionate nature and to break free at last. But then what?

I pulled the Ten of Spirals (Wands). Here we see the overburdened centaur carrying his heavy load. He is standing at the crossroads, not sure which way  to go. When you break free from a difficult situation, you are still much the same person inclined to repeat the same cycle again. 

The Centaur in the Ten of Spirals is advising us to leave some of our past regrets and quilt etc. behind at the crossroads and to choose the highroad. “Don’t play the blame game. Put the past behind you and don’t look back”

This reminds me of my theme of this lunation: release. How freeing it can be to leave excess weight behind. I wonder why this is so difficult. Are we so defined by our sad stories. Are we afraid of writing new ones, being unsure about the ending or perhaps afraid for our own greatness…

“Every morning is a new beginning. A new chance for you to rewrite the story of your life.” Tina Su

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 Knight of Cups can’t make up his mind

For today I've drawn the Knight of cups from the Original Rider Waite Tarot. This  Knight is the romantic, the dreamer, the artist, He is the one who wants to pursue a holy quest. He is holding his cup with his ideal in front of him. His horse is ready to go and yet there is a hesitation to move forward. What could it be ? To answer this question I pulled a second card: the Seven of Cups. O, my poor knight; so much confusion is going on in his head: Life is a banquet of possibilities; why should I choose just one path? Perhaps I can have it all. Perhaps I am meant to have it all. Sometimes I feel that if I don’t choose one path and apply myself to it, I will never really accomplish anything with my life, and yet what path could possible keep me forever entertained when there are so many exciting things to try?” (leila Vey)

So he doesn't have one goal, quest or passion. He has too many options to choose from and now he isn't sure if he has picked the right one and it paralyses him with fear. So what can he do?

I can relate to this fear quite easily. Eager to improve my life, to expand my knowledge, to practice my creative skills and so forth, I can get stuck, procrastinate and do nothing of the things I would love to do. The answer is so easy and at  the same time so very difficult: get up, pick one cup and go for it! Then pick  the next on and so one. If you are like this knight you are blessed to have so many passions in life. What if your seven cups were all empty but one….

The Three of Cups needs Strength

Today’s card is the Three of Cups from the Morgan Greer Tarot. Three women standing together; enjoying each other company. Its seems like they are wearing the garlands from Yesterday’s card. This card is for me the “Me me and my girls” card. We love each other dearly and we like to spend time together. Just hanging out; laughing and talking, or watching a movie together. Just regular stuff but sometimes enjoying those little things together is making a relationship so special

I wondered what more I could write about this card so I pulled another one to find a more specific meaning. (an idea I found on Tiferet tarot) 

I pulled the lion. Wow! That made a lot of sense. After the (now resolved) difficulties between M and S, it is a good advice to keep a lid on our primal reactions toward each other. Not every thought has to be shared. Not every feeling has to be put into words.

“I teach you that the greatest strength is strength of spirit, and that all challenges are conquered if they are met with tolerance, forgiveness, forbearance and compassion”.

Before we speak we can try to figure out, if what we want to say is beneficial, necessary and kind. Look how tender and gentle this woman is treating her lion. Somehow it makes me wonder if we are kind to others we are also kind to ourselves at the same time. This kindness must somehow reflect back on our own well being.

Affirmation: Today I will treat others with kindness and I will weigh my words before I speak.

Two of Cups - Keeping the balance together

For today I've drawn the Two of Cups from the Joie de Vivre Tarot. I like this depiction of the two owls a lot because their gender isn't obvious. This way I can read this card quite simply as two becoming one. For me today they symbolize my daughters. They can get, like every other two siblings, really on each other’s nerves. Sometimes irritation is building up and emotions are running high.

These two lovely owls are holding a garland made of love and harmony. Their two cups are running over with affection for each other. Further you can see all kinds of little symbols for love and union in this depiction. This is telling me about the strong foundation of love between my girls. Over the years they have learned to meet each other halfway, to straighten things out and make amends.

This card is about opening up to one and other and communicate how you feel inside;  to really listen and respond to each other. In my opinion communication is crucial in every relationship. Only then you can keep the balance in such a tiny spot, holding a garland and look in each other eyes without tumbling down.

"To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others."

Tony Robbins