Six of Swords- breathing out

My card for today is the Six of Swords from the Original Rider Waite Tarot. After having taken a break from Tarot for a few days, because I have been visiting my mother, it feels only natural to jump back in again with my all time favourite deck. It feels like a baby blanket after some very busy days. I wasn’t surprised by this card at all. I see myself coming home, travelling from turbulent waters to a complete rippleless part of the lake. A perfect place to still my mind and put myself at ease. In the little child, I see my little me who needs some extra time and care right now. I am so grateful to be able to accept that expecting things only will lead to disappointment, so I’d better step up myself and mother her for while; listen to her, seeing her for who she really is and what she needs right now from me. I am positive that when we return from this safe haven we both will sit up straight again with a big smile on our face.

Six of Swords - Mind Traveling

Today’s card is the Six of Swords from the Druidcraft Tarot. Two persons are sitting in a little boat: a young woman, a man. The boatman is guiding his boat of the river. I wonder where it is they are going to. They do have still some issues to resolve because they have brought their Swords with them. Where ever you go, you cannot outrun your problems but you can put them aside for a while so you can find some peace of mind and crossing the river in a boat will prevent you from drowning in your worries or get too tangled up in them.

Nowadays for me, there is no place like home, so I don’t see myself traveling in the real world anytime soon. But I do like travel in my mind: reading books, watching movies, fantasize or just wandering my mind and see where this will lead me. There is so much to discover in the boundless world of our imagination. The only thing we need is a cozy spot and the willingness to be taken on a journey by your inner ferryman.

Six of Swords – Running away doesn’t solve anything

Today's word to draw a card with is “Scarecrow” and it made me think about  how some birds keep coming back to feed on the crops even though there is a scarecrow defending the fields. So what is an obnoxious ever returning thought (bird) which undermines my physical and emotional well being (fields) and I drew the Six of Swords from the Original Rider Waite Tarot. 

This card often tempts me to mentally pick up my stuff and run: to ignore what has to be done, procrastinate and try to look the other way. Is this working for me? Of course not but flight is of my main reactions to stress. Yet, after I’ve sailed away from my problems, my worries or anxiety, I notice that I took my swords with me in the form of guilt, shame and regret. So there is no real escape from our own mind.

I wondered what stuffing my scarecrow would need to become a bigger threat  to this persistent bird and I drew the Two of Pentacles. Instead of running away this card advises me to accept the stormy waters; the emotional upheaval. In order not to drown in it the Two of Pentacles asks us to focus on our tasks at hand. Tasks that require a certain balance and attention, so our mind is free from worrying for a while. When you are busy in the here and now it is more than likely you will receive a fresh look on whatever is bothering you.

Bye bye birdy !

Six of Swords – Never give up hope

Today’s card is the Six of Swords from the Wild Unknown Tarot.  A card of breathing out and accepting the situation we are in. Only after we have accepted our (mental) struggle, we can begin to change our ways of thinking into more positive and healthy thought patterns.  In this depiction we see six swords laying at the bottom of the card, apparently in the pouring rain or as I first thought, at the bottom of a well. It doesn’t make so much difference because the arching colorful rainbow at the top of the card is the most significant aspect of this version of the Six of Swords. The card is urging us to move our gaze upward: to look beyond the darkness and see the rainbow, the symbol of hope. 

I once came across a very fitting acronym of hope: Hold On, Pain Ends. Only after we stop fighting the darkness, the light can enter our mind during the moments of peaceful acceptance that this too will pass.

“Hope is the only thing stronger than fear”

Six of Swords – leaving my cawing crows behind

The last fourteen days have been a Swordy situation. Anyone who is a bit familiar with  tarot, knows this can vary from having enlightening revelations to being haunted by repetitive self defeating thoughts.  I had so many great plans for this period but not much has come to fruition. They are still floating around in my mind trying to make me feel guilty for not carrying them out.

Luckily I’ve managed to ignore them for now and I am glad to say that, although I am not very active yet, I do feel a lot better.

Swords cards are coming up regularly for me, especially the Six of Swords in combination with the Nine or the Ten. Also the Page is paying me a visit very frequently.  I mainly pull from the Shadowscapes Tarot. It is a gentle soothing deck but it doesn’t shy away from the harder lessons. The soft color palette reminds me of the coming Spring and the grey border resembles that touch of frost we don’t seem to get rid of here.

For today again I drew the Six of Swords. I love the depiction of the strong and nurturing  Swan,carrying the woman on her back between her wings out of a hopeless situation. All of her thoughts have turned black but her Swan is still radiant white, which is a promising prospect indeed.  Although I don’t know yet where I am going, I trust it is going to be a good place.

Also I want to thank you all for your lovely and heartfelt comments on my latest post. You’ve  all been so supportive.

Hugs Ellen

”La Loba” Tarot Spread

Yesterday I stumbled upon a very interesting tarot spread made by Vickie from EternalAthena Tarot: the “La Loba Spread”. She was inspired to create this spread after reading the first chapter of  “Women Who Run With the Wolves” by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes. In this chapter the story is told about La Loba; the Wolf Woman. The story tells us about how important it is to recover the lost “bones” of our inner Wild Woman and to become whole again. Since I love this book so much I was very excited to try this spread:

I’ve used the Raven’s Prophecy Tarot by  Maggie Stiefvater because the energy of this deck feels rather wild and primal and it speaks to the more concealed (wild) parts of me.

1 Who is the “Wild Woman” within? – The Two of Cups

This card is all about relationships with  lovers, friends and family and of course with myself and it tells me that my Wild Woman loves me enough to stay true to myself in any relationship. She urges me to cherish en love myself so much that I dare to love another as well without the fear of loving too much and losing myself or the other again.

My Inner Wild Woman wants to share her love and live from the heart

Where do I go to gather my bones? – The Six of Swords

By taking a step back and by reflecting on what went wrong. Taking the time to figure out which idea’s and feelings I can release and don’t need to cling on any longer. Just open my hands and let go… Then there will be room for new, more empowering ways of thinking about Love and Trust. Being a Swordy woman, reflecting and journaling about my thoughts is like to gathering bones to me

How can I express her? – The Ace of Swords

By taking the brightest and clearest idea about Truth and Love and pray it into existence.

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. 

Getting reacquainted with the Tarot of the Hidden Realm

Sometimes without knowing a well beloved deck gets forgotten while other decks, especially newer ones get all the attention.  I saw in the archives of my blog that is was October last year since I've used the Tarot of the Hidden Realm.

lost and found drawer

Why? For no particularly reason. So this morning I went outside with a cup of coffee and flipped through the entire deck, naming one thing per card which stood out for me and get reacquainted with this beautiful Fae deck. Then I shuffled the deck and pulled three cards. No spread, no positions, no question and….no guidebook. The last one was the most scary part because this deck is somewhat difficult to read for me and such a long time has past since I worked with this deck

In the box of the Wild unknown Tarot there is a message printed which says: "You'll find no wrongs or rights inside this box, only mirrors for reflection. open your mind, draw a card, & have fun on your journey". This wisdom is of course valid for working with any deck.

 I think tapping into our intuition is the key for a balanced reading. Because without it our personal interpretation of the cards a reading would soon become lifeless and boring. Usually when I read for myself I will get flashes of insight of what a card means to me and sometimes this has nothing to do with the intended meaning of this card. Often I check if my ideas correlate with what the guidebook says but for today I just wanted to follow and acknowledge the messages of my intuition.

For today I've drawn:

King of Pentacles - Instead of identifying with this king it feels like I am the little Fae girl who is sitting on his lap and it feels so safe and warm, nurtured and cared for. This king represents my home, my family, my books etc. and lots of coffee. It feels like home to me but I have to be careful not to get to comfortable there because I do want to keep building on my self-reliance and self-confidence. But for the here and now it is a good place to be. Resting, enjoying his stories, and regaining my strength to get on with my life.

Six of Swords - This is quite another energy. This woman is following the eagles in the sky; higher and higher into the far away mountains. She is leaving everything known to her behind to find truth and clarity and a new way of looking at life. Often our minds are clouded with assumptions, so it is good to step away,breath in some fresh air, filled with new ideas and gain some broader perspectives.

Temperance - a great card to find between the previous two. Neither of both energies are meant to stay the same for a long time. This card promotes to dance through life harmoniously and take the lessons and joy from each and every situation. She seems to pour her fluids effortlessly, moving the energies, like the flow of the river behind her. But when we look closely to her face, we see her concentration because she doesn't want to spill one drop of it. So live life and choose joy!

Honestly, I loved doing this. It felt like free writing; Just going with the flow. Not at all as scary as I thought it would be.J

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

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.

Six of Arrows – Transition

Wildwood Tarot

For today I've chosen the Wildwood Tarot to give me some insight into where I am now, and where I am heading.  And I've got the Six of Arrows (Swords) – Transition.
It is obvious this card is about movement towards new lands and knowing the tarot a bit, the chance it great it is an unknown territory where this cloaked man it setting sail to. It is not so much a physical journey but more a change of thinking and perception. There is a longing for new ways of thinking and leaving old stale idea’s behind. (my theme for this month is still "Letting Go"). 

Sailing requires good winds; new idea’s and insights are picked up and used for motivation to continue the journey. I love the fact in this card the man himself is standing at the helm instead of  the R.W. version where a hunched woman is being transported by some unknown sailor. I always seem to identify with her instead of with the sailor? In this card the guy is brave enough to think independently; to set out his own course and go where he think he has to be. The moon is full which energizes the vibe of this card. The sun is setting: He sails into the night, the unknown, only guided by the light of his intuition.

This card is giving me a sense of freedom, free to gather new information, to change thinking processes,to alter idea’s, to adjust opinions. It is like going on a mental, spiritual adventure. How exciting! And I don't even have to pack

Nothing left to hide

October 23: The warm, beautiful colors of autumn trees can carry us away . But the colorful spectacle is also the harbinger of falling leaves and empty trees. They remind us of our mortality and the impermanence of things. How does autumn splendor affect me ?

Anna K Tarot

To help me answer this question I've got the six of swords from The Anna K Tarot. This deck is momentarily one of my main reading decks. For some reason it make me feel connected to the autumn season. In this card there’s not much left of the autumn splendor. The air is cold and gray. In the distance the island is veiled in fog. It feels more like November, the beginning of winter. For me this card has everything to do with transitions, searching for answers and spiritual quests. I am really drawn in to this particularly card. The blues, the grays, they get to me. The man and the woman have a lot to think about, to consider and that’s the reason they are going to a quiet place. The water near the island is calm and peaceful. A perfect place to put your mind at ease. It’s so important to take a step back before you make any decisions and changes. That moment of quiet and rest before taking action or putting your thoughts out there is precious. You take your swords with you  to polish, sharpen and clean but inevitable you have to come back and engage with whatever life is presenting you, (however tempting it could be to stay there).

And that’s what autumn splendor does to me: with a majestic grandeur it’s sweeping over the land, telling me to take is it slow, to turn inwards and to reflect over the past and coming year. I hardly could wait for summer to end. The first colored leaves were cheered with enthusiasm. Finally my season has arrived. And I know that each year after this splendor the real deal begins. The Samhain masks are smashed and feelings are exposed...that’s what it’s all about: Nothing left to hide 

Steady as she goes

October 6: When the Rowan berries go red, summer has come to an end. These berries are said to have protective properties. Put some in a vase in your home and ask yourself: What needs protection in my life?

 Unfortunately I was not in the opportunity to pick some Rowan berries, but I have this picture on my desktop right now. It’s all about the intent!

Legacy of the Divine tarot

My card for this beautiful Sunday in October is the Six of Swords from the Legacy of the Divine tarot. I prefer this Six of Swords above the Rider Waite version. In this card the woman is standing tall and looking ahead, her heart filled with anticipation. All around her are swords: rising up out of the deep waters and dangling over her head. She seems unafraid of what is lying ahead. In full trust of her  ferry man who is proficient in navigating their boat. I know that I am both the woman and the ferry man.  I see the dark area they’re in as my own inner being. I am searching, for a place with no dangerous swords to be cautious for. I need  a place to rest now. But although I am perceived as being in control an independent, I think I need to give my animus, my male side more freedom to take over and be determent and in charge so that I can rest for a while and give my always busy head some peace of mind. So today will not be about feeling guilty that I couldn't visit my husband but…. about reading, blogging, drinking coffee and enjoying the sunshine.