Five of Swords Not everything is worth bickering about

Today’s question to draw a card with is part of the April Tarot Challenge by @Lionharts on IG. Yes, you have read it correctly: I am participating in an IG challenge again. I might not complete it but for now, I am enjoying it a lot.

"How can I make the most of this weekend?" And I got the Five of Swords. This card is telling me to avoid conflict about trivial matters. It's a waste of energy and it will only spoil the mood of this wonderful  Spring weekend with lots of sunshine and warm temperatures. Too often conflicts are mostly about ego needing to be right and victorious and they are poison to a loving relationship. So how do I try to let go of this desire?

The Emperor: clearly I need to let go of the need to be in control all of the time. This is a reoccurring theme in my personal readings lately. More and more I feel this urge is getting the better of me and in the end, it’s never worth the cost.

What energy could feed my intention to pay close attention to the advice of the two previous cards?

The Wheel: another old friend who comes along quite frequently regardless of what deck I use. This card only confirms what The Emperor has been telling me all along. Life moves in circles and we have to figure out when it is time to speak up and when it is time to let go. Choose your battles wisely and timely and enjoy life as much as you can. There is some much joy to be found in the little things. Let’s not waste our time by quarreling and squabbling over nothing.

Two of Wands - Trust, have a little bit of faith and relax.

Today's card is the Two of Wands from the Joie the Vivre Tarot.  A sunny and joyful card on a rainy April day. The question I asked myself to draw a card with was: How can I nurture myself today?
This card is about reflection on where you've come from, listening to your intuition so you will know where to go from here and imagining and preparing for your future. Outwardly, it might seem like we're are doing nothing worthwhile but on the inside, a lot is going on.  The challenge of this card is to find a balance between being active and letting our ideas and intentions having a life of their own: about not striving and clinging to the desired outcome too much.
Since I like to be in control almost all of the time, I like to know exactly where my life is heading, what obstacles I might expect on the way and how long it will take me to go from A to Z without any detours. Yes, I know life doesn't work this way but like many of us, I often live by the illusion that is does.
Today this card is telling me to ease up, to let go of my expectations and to trust that God or the Universe will respond to what I have put out there in a loving generous and wonderful way ( so much better than to expect gloom and doom because I don't like to be disappointed  :))
Taking care of myself today might be about learning to have a bit more trust and faith in this Loving Energy.

Seven of Wands - True Colors

Today’s card is the Seven of Wands from the Joie de Vivre Tarot. This card is about courage, persistence and standing up for yourself. Instead of the defensive character of the Rider Waite version of this card, here we see the aftermath of the battle. Beam, beaming with confidence and joy, has stood up for his beliefs and dreams and has shown the townsfolk, who want everyone to be like them, that it is okay and quit rewarding to be who you truly are. To show your creative nature, your own uniqueness; your true colors. He has taken off his greyish coat and is brave enough to show the colorful outfit he is wearing underneath. Even though it was a bit scary at first, he is so happy he has come this far.    

I wonder what he will do next. Will he come down to live among the townsfolk again; Inspiring them to live a more authentic life or will he turn around and search for his own tribe?

"I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow"
(Cyndi Lauper)
 

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.

The Sun – The Joy of Living

For this last grey and cold day of March, I’ve pulled the Sun from the Joie de Vivre Tarot.

Keywords: Enlightenment, energy, growth, vibrancy, bliss.

“Drifting through the sky on a seahorse named Light, Flare carries a message of cosmic love and joy. His heart holds a flaming connection to the sun itself. With a childlike perspective, Flare's intentions are pure and his energy is vibrant.”

This got me thinking about how to find and hold on joy or a general sense of well being when things don’t go as you would like them too. I have to admit often my feelings tend to go all over the place, following the circumstances like a racehorse. Flare is riding his horse Light and wherever he goes and whatever he encounters he has a firm connection to the Sun. I guess that is the main issue. It is so easy to let go of this thin cord when we feel troubled and then we are adrift, lost in our vast ocean of emotions, negative thought patterns and repetitive sad stories. Each time we have to go find that cord again. What a waste of energy. Holding on this cord teaches us the joy of living in every circumstance.

So for day I intent to hold on to my Sun whatever happens. Mediation, prayer, gratitude, making art, writing, walking etc , are my main tools to accomplish this.

 What is your favorite way to keep your Sun close?

The Pitfall of the Eight of Wands

For today I’ve drawn the Eight of Wands  from the Joie de Vivre tarot. The keywords from the LWB are: boldness, direction, activation, passion, acceleration.

“Aiming high, the courageous astromouse, Nucleus, ventures across the galaxy with a take-charge energy that will break down all obstacles. One-eyed aliens, Zoom and Boom, help guide him in the right direction as he forges ahead with powerful determination."

It is  not a matter of to having no determination enough, but more a matter of feeling overwhelmed by all the things I should do, according to my own high and not always realistic standards. After two very pleasant and enjoyable Easter days, I was more than willing to stumble or perhaps rather jump in my own pitfall of long daily to-do lists with a lot of boxes to tick off.

No matter if I enjoy  them or not, a strict part of me me tells me they have to be done. Now that’s where this Eight of Wands comes in to play. Look how curious and exited Nucleus is about his life. He is enjoying his journey and all the beautiful experiences he has encountered so far and so many beautiful things are still to be discovered before he will reach, (will he ever reach??) his destination.

I have to remind myself about something I tend to forget very often: it is me who makes these lists, joins the challenges, sets the goals, plans my chores and activities. I put them there because I want them there.  It is also  up to me to take them off this list if I want to. So whatever I am going to do today, it is because it is my desire to do so and that way it will also ask a lot less energy of me than when I view them as “have to’s" and “should’s”.

Also a lovely alternative for a to-do list is a: “What have I done today list” or as Nucleus would describe it: filling in the ship's log!

Happy Easter

With the Four of Wands and the Seven of Wands from the Joie de Vivre Tarot, I want to wish you all a Happy Easter Sunday!

These two cards encourage us to enjoy the celebrations with our family and friends but also they remind us to  take care of our own needs and make time for ourselves. As always balance is is everything!

Hugs Ellen

Joie de Vivre Tarot - A Recipe against Crankiness

Since a few days I am very quick tempered and snappish. Because M and I are now living with the two of us, she is often the victim of my irascibility. After having discussed this together and we realized  what was happening, she gave me the advice to “go find my Zen again”.

Yesterday I drew the first card on this subject, asking what I needed to get “my Zen” back  and I drew the four of Swords from the Joie de Vivre tarot. I thought I couldn’t go wrong with a gentle spring like deck like this. The four of Swords told me to calm down and relax, to put my to-do’s on the shelf and make some time to meditate. This was such an amazing experience that once more is has become a priority for me.

This morning after my meditation (two times in a little row) I asked what would help me to maintain my emotional balance and I drew... the Ten of Coins……. Lovely, couldn’t be better…. But I wanted more…. The Sun….. Oh my… should I try again or would I tempt the fates …..the Ten of Cups!!!!

I don’t think it is necessary  to talk about the meaning of these three cards. It is obvious they radiate love and joy, abundance and gratitude. For me they represent heaven on earth.

With these cards in mind I am sure I will keep my Zen today.

P.S. I just noticed, while editing my pictures, the only suit that is missing today it the suit of Wands. Perhaps I am fiery enough as it is. 

The Lovers – Love me tender, love me sweet

Today’s card is The Lovers from the Joie de Vivre Tarot. As I have stated before, often in a personal reading this card symbolizes my relationship with myself.

We see two trusting lovers going on a journey together. They are holding hands, gazing in each other’s eyes and a little bird is flying back en forth, carrying love letters.

I like how their cloaks have such large ears so they can truly be attentive to each other’s thoughts and needs.

It is a timely card for me. A reminder to give my Self love practice some much needed attention. As many of my generation, I was raised to be humble and not to draw attention to skills I was proud of, or knowledge I had gained. It was also considered ill mannered to tend to your own needs first. Instead you should take care of others and hope and pray they would do the same for you.

Much later in my life I learned to trust, nurture and love myself and be proud of what I have accomplished so far in my life. Yes and even to celebrate this. Still it feels strange to compliment myself and accept who I am. And to go even further, not only accept who I am but to love and embrace myself fully. I thought I was fairly kind to myself. But then I realized kindness is not Love.

So I am going to start a “courtship” with myself by writing me a beautiful love letter. I hope this will be the start of an encouraging an uplifting self talk in my journal.

The Fool - Let’s go for it!

This morning I asked: “What do I need to do to feel joy today?” and I pulled The Fool from the Joie de Vivre Tarot, which, now I write this down almost sounds like a two and the same things.

Like with many other Fool cards we see the main character heading for the cliff while a little companion tries to warn him/her  for the danger ahead. But here we are actually seeing these dangers in the monster-infested water below. A little spider dangles from her staff as a  symbol of weaving your own destiny

“Trust your inner-voice to guide you to travel the road which is best for you. Operate from the essence of your true self, and use your energy wisely. Look beyond the horizon for opportunities. See the world with new eyes to appreciate the beauty within and around you. Be inspired, and follow the magic that life has to offer while on the path of self-development.”

I think you all know me well enough to understand I am not a Fool type of person. Being often guided by fear I want to plan everything in advance and rule out (although I know this to be impossible) every possible risk and/or danger. So how do I go about this day. I guess as always with baby steps. This way I increase my change of success. I might chose something different to eat or to wear, to be more open minded to new ways of thinking. Or perhaps drawing with a different medium. We do so many things always the same way, it might be fun to stir things up a bit. So I won’t be  jumping of  the cliff yet but maybe I could try to do something out of the ordinary today.

Queen of Pentacles – Taking care of Everybody

Today’s card is the Queen of Pentacles from the Joie de Vivre Tarot by Paulina Cassidy. The perfect card for Easter Monday.  The queen is sitting quietly near a clear brook. She is holding a Pentacle in her arms which to me resembles a cushion with a heart and the moon phases embroidered on it. With one of her other hands she is petting the hare sitting beside her.

Yesterday , Easter Sunday, was  in general a good day but also as usual an exhausting day. My husband was happy and content and that is something to be thankful for. Also the rest of the family had a pleasant day, everybody enjoyed M’s Easter wreath , cookies and some buns. Dinner was good. When my husband went home again it was time for me to send my hare goodbye until next year’s Easter. I embraced my heart and cuddled it softly. Some special me-time was called for; not only for that evening but also for today. 
Because of my Hermity nature I always need some time to regroup myself after such a social event. And I wondered what would be the best way for me to do this:

Then I pulled the Seven of Wands and I had to laugh out loud. What  a lovely reminder of yesterday’s post. Look at me standing there, defending the worthwhile; my own space, my own needs. Not always easy but definitely necessary  J

So for today I am going to keep to myself and do the things  I love to do: blogging, meditation, reading,..... 

I hope you all have a lovely Easter Monday too.

The Emperor - Compassionate Control

For today I have drawn the Emperor from the Joie de Vivre tarot. This card is all about authority, leadership, structure and masculine, active energy.

Pauline’s story is as charming as ever:

“The confident and structured emperor, Eminence, has earned his wisdom through experience. His ram's antlers and warrior headgear are a reminder of his great leadership and authority. His dragon companions, Order and Conviction, stand by him in the coordination of systematic plans. In a position of strength, Eminence is clothed in sunlight gold, symbolic of growth and comfort. He's an ideal source of advice due to his scrutinizing ability to see through the most clever of disguises. He is defender of the vulnerable, and rejector of the lazy.”

This is a very apt card  for me because yesterday we had to go to the vet with our dog Tara for an X ray of her longs. The results were not conclusive. The vet wasn't sure if it was a pneumonia or metastases from an unknown tumor. She took some blood to investigate it further and today we will know more. I have the strong feeling I have to be the one in charge and be strong for all of us because in worst case scenario decisions  to be made. Although I have to say M behaved very imperial too while she was calming down our dog in the X ray room. Only after we came home she showed how she really felt. Also I see the vet in this card who was professional, thorough and wise enough to seek council with one of her colleagues.

I will keep you updated  in the comments.

The Ace of Cups - Love has to flow freely

Today’s card it the Ace of Cups from the Joie the Vivre Tarot. One of my “sigh” cards; my “all is well” cards. After picking up the pieces yesterday and trying to look at the more positive side of live, this card is an affirmation I am going to be just fine. Because there is always Love which never runs out. Whatever happens, however we feel, there is plenty of Love flowing form Source. We just have to tap into it and be receptive.

The story: Living and breathing the spirit of love, Euphoria knows no end to the flow of beauty she draws forth and exudes. Her cup overflows with the waters of emotional fulfillment. A sprite hovering above the cup holds the key to the heart, and three pink doves offer her loveberries.

When we open our heart this can become our cup. First fill it with Love then share it and Love will flow effortlessly. We are not supposed to hoard Love and be greedy. When we give freely we’ll notice a soft rippling flow and we are able to develop and ongoing river of Loving kindness.

This is of course an ideal situation. So for today I am just going to do some maintenance on my stream bed; clearing some emotional blockages, deepen and broaden my trust in, and awareness of the Love which surrounds me and to really dig deep and try to let go of, or at least acknowledge some very old sediment. This with yesterdays card in mind:  It is not about the end result but so much more about finding honor and gratitude  in the process how to get there

Seven of Pentacles – Honor and Gratitude

For today I've drawn the Seven of Pentacles from the Joie de Vivre Tarot by Paulina Cassidy When you  could use a lighthearted and cheerful message, this a deck which will always be one you can count on without being too cheesy.

For each card the artist has written a little story about the characters in the picture. For the Seven of Coins it goes like this:

“A pair of fairydeer, Gratitude and Honor, planted a tiny seed. Through thick and thin, they were dedicated to nurturing this tree through its stages of growth. Ultimately, their seed had grown into a monument of beauty and grace. They pause for a moment of contemplation, reaping the rewards of their hard work.”

The two fairydeer are aspects of ourselves which are vital when working on a long term project.  Honor and Gratitude are what keeps us going when we commit to an idea or an intent: a tiny seed of love we sow and care for.  It will grow and develop and during this process we can be proud of ourselves for our commitment and achievements. Sometimes it is good to pause to see how far you’ve come. Although you are not there yet the change is evident. So pause, reflect and think back where you came from to see how your seedling has developed and grown stronger. You don’t have to wait for your goal to have been reached. Just tend to you seedling with honor and take pride in its development. Enjoy the process moment by moment and count your blessings every step along the way.

Affirmation: Today I am going to take a step back and look at my  “garden” with honor and gratitude

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

Six of Cups - Trust in yourself; You've already come this far!

For today I've drawn the Six of Cups from the Joie de Vivre Tarot by Paulina Cassidy. The keywords are: Trust, harmony, nostalgia, community, innocence. 

“Swimming side by side, Bliss and her mer-bunny friends, Charity and Innocence, appreciate the simple joys of life. Six cup-flowers gently sway with the waters of emotional contentment. Their peaceful, turquoise ocean ripples with harmony and balance”. 

What a peaceful card for a sunny summer day. Wouldn't it be lovely to just float around in a sea of contentment and be happy? When we revisit the past in our memory it is often colored by our own perception. Memories are not objective pictures and reports about what actually has happened. More likely they resemble the past in colorful paintings and fiction. How we perceive the past is up to us. We can highlight the wistful victim stories or we can swim between our blissful memories which can strengthen our trust in ourselves. So much has happened but now we are exactly where we are supposed to be. Every event and decision has brought us here today and I for one am grateful for that. From here on I will be moving forward making new memories for tomorrow. 

Today I am going to make some blissful memories!

May Queen Tarot Spread for Beltane

This lovely tarot spread is created by Christine Jette for Beltane and is found in her book “Tarot for all Seasons”, which I’m using this year for every turning of the wheel: “May is a time of fertility and high spirits. By Beltane, the dark time of the year is a distant memory and the possibilities of life seem sweet. Use the May Queen spread to regain or confirm a sense of abundance and safety”

For this spread I will be using The Joie the Vivre Tarot by Paulina Cassidy 

  

1: Safety. Emotional security.  Page of Swords

What do you need to feel safe. Where are you secure in yourself?

This is one of my favorite  court cards. He cuts to the chase. He is direct and refreshing. His hair is blowing in de the wind and clouds are clearing. His mind is full of new and exciting idea’s and he is eager to follow his desire to learn. It makes me feel safe, I can always rely on the insights and clarity of my mind.

2: Abundance. Feelings of plenty. Eight of Cups

Abundance may encompass monetary prosperity, but it also describes the emotional breath of your life that is full and sweet.  

Abundance can also come from the feeling of emotional fulfillment and the longing to broaden your  horizons. The possibilities are numerous. There is always room for emotional growth. The beauty of this card is that he's taking his cups with him instead of leaving them behind. Spiritual journeys are not always taken because of dissatisfaction with your current situation. Sometimes you just want to explore and feel free.

3: Regeneration. Exploring the possibilities. The Fool

The bold action needed to grow and flourish.

It couldn't be more bold than this. The Fool encourages us to take the leap and go for it. The little spider on her staff is reminding her she is the weaver of her own life. She wants to discover and experience. The fool is also about trusting your inner voice. Deep down you know you are on the right track. See the world with childlike eyes and look for new opportunities but don’t ignore your little bat

4: Emotions and relationships. All forms of love, The World

Apparently my relationships are doing well. The last couple of weeks I've been painfully  aware of the fact how much I love both my daughters. My other relationships are quite easy going. But when I look at the winged Merlion and how careful he is holding his world between his paws, I realize love is never to be taken for granted but to be cherished and respected. Love and relationships are dynamic forces which are asking for our constant attention

5: The Future. The present conceivable outcome. The Six of Cupsok how confident thes three are on ther way.

Look how happy and confident these three are on their way. They are strengthened by their happy memories and emotional contentment. From this stability they can move forward to seek out new possibilities. Al the cards in this spread are talking about moving forward and trying new things. It is obvious I am emotionally in a safe place. Perhaps it is good to acknowledge I am strong enough to expand my horizons and not to be afraid because I can always rely on my wits J

The gift box exercise

Today I want to share another exercise with you. I've came up with this one yesterday to pass the time in a positive way, while waiting to go with M to the hospital for her second ultrasound and  a biopsy.  I am happy to tell you things look positive but we still have to wait another week for the test results.

For now back to the exercise. When you think about it, a deck of tarot cards is like a gift box with 78 presents.

So what did I do: I picked up my Joie de Vivre Tarot and pulled a card which I interpreted like opening a present:

I am fully present in this moment to receive the gift of  (name of the card)……….. which is (gift)……………………

I've pulled  a lot of cards one after another and it felt like being showered with goodies and gifts from a group of very close friends. Sometimes when you do exercises like this you get to know your cards on a slightly different level. Which in turn can add another layer to you regular readings

A few examples:

* I am fully present in this moment to receive the gift of  Nine of Swords which is the strength to look upwards to see the hearts in the tree

* I am fully present in this moment to receive the gift of  Four of swords which is to go within and put my worries aside

* I am fully present in this moment to receive the gift of  Nine of Cups which is to wish for my heart’s desire

* I am fully present in this moment to receive the gift of  The Devil which is The awareness of having scissors to cut my cords

As you've noticed it doesn't matter if the cards are “good or bad”. Every card can be interpreted as a gift. Of course you can alter the sentence at your own discretion. It is the idea of receiving gifts that counts. For me it was an encouraging experience J

I've finished knitting my tarot bag

Yesterday I've finished my tarot bag for the Joie de Vivre tarot. It is more like a wrap with a little sleeve for the deck so the cards won’t fall out. I've found this pattern a long time ago online and I don’t know anymore who has designed it. A lot of my decks (tarot and Lenormand) are the proud owners of such a wrap. Most of the time I try to match the yarn with the backs of the deck I am knitting for. Sometimes I even wrap them first in a little scarf or a silk hanky. In that way I always have a little spread cloth at hand.

Since I cannot knit large projects anymore, I love to be able to cloth my “baby’s” in warm and soft outfits J 

Knitting work and Joie de Vivre Tarot

Open bag with tarot deck in the little sleeve

Tarot bag and Joie the Vivre tarot on a  small silk cloth

Tarot bag – Tarot wrap

Eight of wands - A boost of optimism and confidence

For today I've drawn the Eight of Wands (twice) from the Joie de Vivre Tarot. To be honest I don’t like this card (in any deck) although this depiction is rather cute. Look at his rod, illuminating the way and the two little friends who travel along with him. But eight wands  are often flying too high and too fast into the unknown. When you've read my post about Poe brave flight you’ll know why I feel troubled about this card

The keywords from the LWB are Boldness, direction, activation, passion, acceleration.

“Aiming high, the courageous astromouse, Nucleus, ventures across the galaxy with a take-charge energy that will break down all obstacles. One-eyed aliens, Zoom and Boom, help guide him in the right direction as he forges ahead with powerful determination."

To be honest when I drew this card I didn't feel like blogging about it and I put it back and shuffled the deck again. I never do this unless I draw the same card from one or two days before. After  I had shuffled the deck I drew  another card…. and I pulled the Eight of Wands. What are the odds!

For me this card is about hurry and haste. Moving quickly and putting you best foot forward. I am a box checking person. First everything of my todo list has to be done before I can allow myself to relax This can be very annoying for my girls and tiring for myself. So the hurry and haste thing I can relate to and perhaps I should try to be somewhat more relaxed with the Easter weekend coming up and a lot of  boxes still to be checked.

The Aiming high is a bit more difficult. You have to be bold and daring to aim high. “To boldly go where no man has gone before” says Nucleus (or captain Kirk) I don’t consider myself as bold;  on the contrary. Perhaps if I translate this to optimism; expecting everything will work out all right. This attitude could be one step in the right direction. Again with Easter on its way I could use a dose of confidence and optimism to create a wonderful holiday for my family. Perhaps this post is a bit rambling but while writing, this card makes more sense to me now.