Eight of Cups - Leaving is not always the best option

Today’s card is the Eight of Cups from The Wild Unknown Tarot. Eight shattered cups are laying on the ground in the shadow of a high and steep mountain. 

Our cups are empty and apparently beyond repair. Al the things which once fulfilled us and made us happy are gone and it seems the only way forward is to leave the remnants behind, climb the mountain and take a chance with what’s on the other side…

So what can we expect on the other side? And I pulled the Five of Swords, which depicts a worm, cut in two pieces. This is one of the most gruesome cards of the deck. I think this card is telling me life sucks one either side of the mountain and it is up to us to bloom where we are planted. So maybe it’s better to pick up what can be salvaged and for the remaining shards, I will have to find a broom and dustpan to clean up the mess. I do hope have learned enough from my mistakes and successes to build something new and fresh right here, where I belong.

For today I will try to look at my life from a fresh point a view and if I discover a broken cup, then first I will try to glue it together but is it is broken beyond repair, I’ll throw in the bin and find a new one.

Three Card Spread with The Goddess Tarot

Theme: Eight of Cups

With a waning moon and ebb tide, this card urges us to leave behind feelings and relationships which are no longer beneficial for us or perhaps they just have passed their expiration dates. It asks us to be true to ourselves and live an authentic life which is often not the easiest way to live.

Mentor: Tara – Beginnings

This card features the goddess Tara who has the power to grant all wishes and heal all sorrows. She is the perfect goddess to free us from mental blocks and help us to move forward in life. Notice how both the figures in the first two cards are looking over their shoulder and how Tara has no more reason to stay where she is now. The Cups are gone; no more regrets

Healer: King of Pentacles

Because most of the time life isn’t that easy, The king of Pentacles encourages us to enjoy the good things life has to offer us: coffee, sunshine, trees, chocolate, crystals…. So many things to cherish and to savor. And never forget time…there is always enough time to relax and take delight in what life has to offer us.

Eight of Cups - Breaking through resistance

Today’s card is the Eight of Cups from the Wild Unknown Tarot. Our eight cups are shattered, broken beyond compare and a dark almost impossible to climb mountain is blocking our way. When we find ourselves on the dark side of this mountain, it is very hard to imagine there could be light on the other side and trees and flowers growing there.  So what to do now in such a precarious situation and I pulled a Soulcard. At first glance I would say: Stay put, don’t change and pretend to be happy where ever you are right now. But I have been playing this game too long to fall for this initial thought. The message today is to open your eyes, acknowledge your broken cups, feel you fear and start climbing. Fear is a devourer of energy. So face it, name it and disempower it and feel a jolt of energy being released from its shackles. And you're lucky, for there is no need to pack because inside, you already have everything you need for the journey. Bon voyage! 

And then... and then.. and then…..

Storytelling with tarot is something I really love to do. Mostly when my card of the day is not quite what I expected or hoped for, I start asking questions and drawing more cards until the story unfolds and the message becomes clear to me.

Today I started out with the Eight of Cups from the Legacy of the Divine Tarot. Usually I love pulling this card. It gives me permission to leave everything behind and to spend some quality alone time but today it felt a bit challenging so soon after all the shadow work I have been doing last month. My initial reactions was: "Oh no, not again!"  So I pulled the Four of Cups, where a man is longing for the cup in the sky and doesn’t see the beautiful ones in the grass. This card tells me how I felt in the beginning of October. I had all those grand ideas of how I would spiritually grow and  although I did grow/change,  it was so entirely different than I expected it to be. And the Three of Coins is showing me how different it all was. I found my creative fire again and the courage to do something with it. Up until now the cards haven’t told me anything new. It all feels like a big intro to the main plot: the Six of Swords. This card is all about a journey again. I think it is about taking all the ideas of how finding creativity has been my “salvation” under consideration and asking myself questions like: “Why do want to create? How do I feel when I create? What part of me do I share with others when I create? Etc. Making a painting is not the destination of the journey it is the beginning of a new journey. And then I pulled the last card: Judgment which is to me the call to an authentic life; when we step out of the box of who we thought we were and  to sing the song of our soul of who we really are. 

New moon in June

Yesterday I drew two cards for the New Moon of this month from the Shadowscapes Tarot and both hold some very sound and also summery advice for me:

        

Release – The eight of Cups

For me this card is all about soul searching, shadow work and seeking truth and answers in places you’ve never been before. A lonely and sometimes scary journey into the unknown, leaving behind who you once was and not knowing how you will emerge from this adventure. But now is not the time to dive deep, so I should let go of that tempting distant glimmer in the depths which is just out of reach. I’d better swim back to the surface and bask myself in the summer sun.

Embrace – The Hanged Man

Well  he sure is getting a tan. This card is always a real challenge for me: letting go of control, surrender to what is and while doing change my perspective and be open to new ways of thinking. A shift in consciousness is sometimes all we need to continue our journey peacefully. Often it is hard for me to do nothing because when my mind is unoccupied, unwelcome thoughts will creep in. So I read and  I write, I draw and I knit  to keep the worrying at bay. But when I look at this card even the little Fae  are quietly  waiting so perhaps when I try to let go of suppressing my darker thoughts they will stop wriggling and writhing too. Isn't it a fact that what we fight is always getting stronger?

And just now I noticed the Hanged Man has a beautiful  shining  ball of light in his hands, so we don’t always have to dive deep to find our treasure. When we hold still and surrender it might just magically appear…

Eight of Cups - My Christmas talisman

It is the day after Christmas and I feel good. Christmas is for me, as it is probable for many of you a Holiday which can bring out a lot of mixed feelings and expectations. Because of that, I thought it would be wise to have some sort of an anchor or talisman to hold on too.  A kind of lifesaver so to speak. And  as a representation of this I choose the Eight of cups from the Druidcraft Tarot. In this card I see myself wearing a protective indigo cloak, holding a rod of perseverance and climbing up towards a breathing space. I am leaving my loved ones for a moment behind with their filled cups and enough to eat and I am off to my refuge. Most likely my little room upstairs, or even an unnecessary visit to the toilet. When a physical  retreat isn't an option there is always that safe place in my mind. A  little nook  with my comfy chair near a softly burning hearth where I can knit or just sit and be quiet, watching the flames and listening to the crackle of the fire. Breathing in, breathing out and I am there…. Just for a minute or two.....

Christmas went well, my husband was happy and we were happy for him. Later on in the evening we have watched  a  movie together and that was day one. This morning I went to visit my husband on my own which was new because he always visits us twice with Christmas. But this year we wanted to try to make a change which I thought would benefit us all. (And it did!)

And now I am blogging in a quiet peaceful room where everyone is doing their own thing and it is good and I love it J

Eight of Cups – The strength of an open heart

Although it wasn't my intention to really start working  with this deck, it did arouse my curiosity and perhaps it is a good deck for the beginning of this month.  It might also be a good companion on my journey to explore my inner  landscapes: “The landscapes of the abyss.”

So for today another eight; the Eight of Cups. Instead of a person leaving eight cups, we see a young child with the skin of a lion, draped over his shoulders. The combination of opposites reminds me of the Strength card. Real strength comes from an open and truthful heart rather than from anger and vengeance

So if you are to face obstacles and stressful situations, it is wise to approach it with and open heart instead of being totally shut down and on guard

That way you stay true to who you really are and from this comes inner strength, confidence and self-reliance which  will be shining in your eyes, and permeate your  demeanor  like the sun on the child’s  wrist

Easier said than done, since I am inclined to close all the shutters in times of trouble. It seems to me this card is showing me the right attitude to open the door from the Eight of Swords and meet the one in the tower. Perhaps it is this child I will meet there….

The full Harvest Moon of September – Tarot Spell

Yesterday, it was the night of the full Harvest moon and encouraged by Bev from By the Sycamore Tree I've decided to create a tarot spell/visual prayer in order to help me cope with and accept the coming changes in my family. (S will be moving out when her boyfriend finds a job) Also to help me see these changes in a positive light; perhaps even as a kind of personal harvest after years of mothering.

I've  learned this type of spell from Kerry from Neopagan Priestess. The tarot is a wonderful tool to visualize and focus on your desires, need for change and maybe even your gratitude before you have actually experienced the fulfilling of your desire or noticed a positive change.

Because I've been working with the Anna K Tarot lately, this deck was a natural choice to use for my spell.

First I've laid down yesterday’s card as the main theme. Then I flipped through the deck to find cards which resonated with me and/or were connected one way or another to this theme. This went very quickly and without a lot of thought. Finally I narrowed the little pile down to three cards to put around the theme card.
I've picked the following cards:

Ace of Pentacles for Me and M nourishing our roots, planting seeds, redefining our living together and for new exciting opportunities for both of us

The Sun as the symbol  for joy, a positive outcome, and self-confidence for all of us

The Three of Rods for S making plans and starting out on a new exciting journey 

I loved how these three cards were radiating their yellow sunlight over the darker Eight of Cups. Yellow and blue, a match made in heaven!

I've put it all on tray (thank you Kerry!) to put it wherever I want it to be. To focus on my intent I've come up with this little prayer. I tried to translate it as well as I could.

“May the sun shine its light over you and your journey and your choices yet to make and over us while we are keeping our home safe and enjoying the new opportunities this change will  bring us.”

Eight of Cups – rearranging life

For today I've drawn the Eight of Cups from the Anna K Tarot.  Similar as in the seven of Rods from yesterday I have the feeling the main character isn't symbolizing just me. This card feels more like the illustration of what is about to happen to our family in due course. You all know I don’t use my cards for fortunetelling: This Eight of Cups reminds me of an inevitable event. In my opinion this is about my eldest leaving home and M and I are staying behind. And there is sadness in this depiction although I am aware she is so ready for moving out. Her boyfriend has finished his studies recently and is now going to apply for jobs. I do hope they will find something nearby but nowadays you can’t be too picky. Anyway a familiar situation is left behind and a new life is about to be found

Besides this card made me think about S her moving out, this card is also about me and M being left behind and rearranging our eight cups. The stable situation of three women together in one house is going to change for sure. Family dynamics will be shifting. To be honest, although I trust we all will be alright in the end and for S it will be a big adventure, I think it rather scary too. 

Eight of Mirrors – The Noble Eightfold Path

In this Depiction of the Eight of Mirrors from the Chrysalis Tarot we see an old sage walking downhill along a path with eight mirrors. Over his head butterflies are flying as a symbol of transformation and enlightenment On the mountain words are written. Words of encouragement, Love and self-awareness. These words can be found in every philosophical or religious book because Truth it universal. And maybe universal Truth can be written in stone? The mirrors on this path are reflecting the wisdom of every great teacher the world has ever had: Selflessness, Truthfulness, Harmlessness, Mindfulness, Respectfulness, Goodness, Peacefulness, Righteousness.

This card reminds us to walk the path of these teachers, gain their insights through learning and practice without losing our own identify. Only then our own butterfly can spread its wings.

It feels like this card is the follow up of the Eight of cups. You may have to walk away from your cups in order to realize the beauty they hold so you can return more wiser and content with the same cups. Finding Happiness if often is only a matter of changing ones perception.

"And this, monks, is the noble truth of the way of practice leading to the cessation of Dukkha (suffering): precisely this Noble Eightfold Path” (Buddha)

1.       Right vision, or understanding: understanding that life always involves change and suffering; realizing that following the Noble Eightfold Path is the way to overcome suffering and be really happy.

2.       Right emotion: committing oneself to wholeheartedly following the path.

3.       Right speech: speaking in a positive and helpful way; speaking the truth.

4.       Right action: living an ethical life according to the precepts.

5.       Right livelihood: doing work that doesn't harm others and is helpful to them.

6.       Right effort: thinking in a kindly and positive way.

7.       Right mindfulness: being fully aware of oneself, other people, and the world around you.

8.       Right meditation, or concentration: training the mind to be calm and positive in order to develop Wisdom.  

Eight of Vessels - Rebirth

My card for Today is the Eight of Vessels from the Wildwood Tarot. The caption for this card is Rebirth. There is a large cauldron hanging in a tree. It gets filled with water (probable rainwater) from three bowls hanging in the branches above and it overflows and fills four cups which stand on the rocks  and in turn, overflow into the stream.
In short this is the cycle of water. Like with energy there is no drop lost nor added since the beginning of time. The first living creatures on Earth drank the same water as we do.
Each drop evaporates (dies) and condensates again (is reborn) This is a beautiful metaphor for our own life: We live and do the best we can. We make mistakes, we love, we experience, we release and let go and we start over, to try again and to do better or to seek out a different path. We do not need to physically die to be reborn again. Making a shift in perception or in attitude can be such a major change in life, it could be perceived as a rebirth. And for every rebirth something has to be released; has to die first.
The river needs to keep flowing because when water is stagnant it will become smelly and overgrown with algae. So letting things go and moving on is a natural, sometimes difficult, part of life.
When I look back at my own life the most challenging times have brought me the most precious gifts. In order to receive these gifts I've had to embrace the release (death) of some important aspects of my life. Living without regrets and to go with the flow, is an art I have not fully mastered yet, but I am still learning.
“Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix.” Christina Baldwin

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

Sometimes you just have to be told over and over again!

Sometimes you draw a card and you feel like you've been hit in the stomach: Not again the nine of Swords. A little bit more than a week ago I drew the Nine of Air from the Angeltarot. 

This depiction was a lot more gentle than the rendition of the Druidcraft Tarot which follows neatly the Rider Waite imagery: a woman in despair holding her head in her hands in hands, unable to sleep.

She is obviously at a loss, sad and depressed. Often when I get a card more often then usual it is clear to me I haven’t got the message  yet. So I asked the cards what should a I do to solve the problems represented by this card and I drew the Eight of Cups. This is also a card I get a lot in personal readings. It is like the tarot is screaming: “wake up woman”, which would sound less cynical if  the woman in the nine of swords wasn't having sleepless nights. J

It looks like she was able to get out of her bed and has dressed herself in her red sheet and blue blanket. She is leaving all her empty dried up cups behind and she is following the path uphill beside the stream of fresh cool water. She is searching for the its source, which holds the promise of healing,  intuition and Love

It just struck me this figure is climbing yesterdays mountain!