Daily Card - The Star

This card flew out of the deck and dropped onto my lap as I was shuffling for my daily draw this morning. Another “enlightenment” card! This week’s cards seem to be focusing heavily on my higher calling, with The Magician, Judgment and The Star coming one after another.

The Star is about healthy balance, harmony, faith, peace, a positive outlook and higher potential. Doing what you’re meant to do. All good stuff. The song that frequently comes to mind when I see this card is, “When You Wish Upon a Star”. And everyone knows that verse ends with dreams coming true!

Today I got a whole lot of insight from the imagery in this card. The woman in the card is pouring equal amounts of water into the pond and on the grass. She’s doing it with perfect balance, and balance is an area I am currently working on in my life.

The difference in the two trees struck me as the difference between the north and the south. In the U.S., The Northwest and Northeast has trees like that on the left, and the Southwest and Southeast have palm trees, like the one on the right. I have lived in Southern California and hated it. I am currently in South Florida and feel much the same. I have also lived in the Northwest and the Northeast. How much I prefer the north is really indescribable. It’s so much a part of me that I feel very out of place in the south.

In the card’s image, the girl is at peace with where she is, and I have found that I can be happy anywhere, but I still have my preferences. I notice that she is leaning towards the “North” tree, and her actions are facing that direction. I also see that that side has four stars in the sky, while the palm tree side only has three. What popped into my mind then was a 4-star hotel vs. a 3-star one. There’s also a beautiful bright red bird and a blossoming red flower...yep, both on the “North side”.

All of this imagery holds a deep personal message for me. Everything in this card seems to lead to the side that I desire most. I am reminded to focus my attention on all that I love in life, and not give my attention to that which I don’t want. I may not be where I want to be right now, but I can only get there by matching my energy to what I want, while I’m still where I am now.

I recalled a quote from Abraham in “Ask and it is Given” and looked it up to include here:

Sometimes people will argue, “But Abraham, I’m only telling you what-is. I’m only facing the reality of the situation.” And we say that you were taught to face reality before you knew you were creating reality… do not face reality unless it is a reality you want to create - for any “reality” only exists because someone has focused it into being.

Someone will say, “But this is a true thing, and therefore it deserves my attention.” And we say that you make whatever you give your attention to… your Truth. And so, it is extremely beneficial for you to focus primarily on the way you feel while giving only scant attention to the manifestations as they are unfolding, for whenever you are giving your primary attention to the things as they are, you are hindering the expansion of what-is.

Ask and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires, Esther and Jerry Hicks (The Teachings of Abraham)

In looking at this card, I see this advice pertains to where I wish to be geographically, but more importantly, it applies to every aspect of my life. The things in my life that I am unsatisfied with are things I shouldn’t focus on. It’s my desires that deserve my time, energy, focus and attention. The woman in the card has her back turned to the palm tree, further illustrating this point to me. If I discontinue noticing and disliking the "palm trees" in my life, they will eventually disappear from my reality altogether, and as I move towards the "trees" I do love and appreciate, they will become my new reality!

Deck: Morgan-Greer Tarot

Daily Card - Judgment

It's funny, the first thing I noticed about this card when I got the deck was that Judgment was spelled without an “e” after the “g”. I know it can be spelled either way, but it looked odd to me.*

When I see this card, I hear a church choir singing that dramatic “Ahhhhhhhhhh”… indicating a moment of deep enlightenment.

This card is very appropriate at this point in my life. This card is about a new awakening, realizing what you’re here to do...a higher calling. Some people know what that is from a very young age. For some people it doesn’t click until much later. I have done many different things to earn a living, always moving on before long, like a gypsy, out of boredom.

I have recently realized that I have never been happier in a profession as I am when reading tarot cards. It’s something that I wish I had known about my whole life. I love that I’m unlimited in this field. That I can live to be 100 years old (which I intend to do) and still find ways to expand my knowledge and intuition. With the thousands of decks available, I don’t imagine ever getting bored. In addition to the cards, I believe I will always continually strive to further develop my psychic intuition, another unlimited avenue. It’s such an exciting part of my life, and I know this is the path I am meant to be on.

Yesterday, I made a huge move to release something from my life that wasn’t aligned with what I ultimately want to do with my life. It was a small source of income, but it was no longer a part of my life’s passion. So I let it go. I am striving to create my life in a way that I can honestly experience joy in all that I do, and not waste time doing things while wishing I was doing something else. Releasing this part of my life is a message to the universe that I have made room in my life for more of what I love. There is now space that can be filled with something I’d rather be doing.

This Judgment card couldn’t have come on a better day. It perfectly describes my present state of mind and actions I am taking to become more available for my true calling.

*Update: Curiosity got the best of me, and I went through my decks to tally the spellings of the Judgment cards. It surprised me that it was about half and half. Spelling it without the "e" currently takes the lead, with 9 of my 16 decks. I don't know why I never noticed it before, since on the Morgan-Greer, it stood out to me like a sore thumb! Very odd! I did look it up in the dictionary which lists both spellings as acceptable, with "judgement" being a variant of "judgment". I'm sure now, that this is going to be one of those quirky first-things I look for when I get a new deck! I already checked out the card scan of the Bohemian Gothic I have pre-ordered, which will bring my tally up a little on the other side, as they spell it with an "e".

Deck: Morgan-Greer Tarot

Daily Card - The Magician

This card always initially reminds me of John Travolta, as the Magician has that Saturday Night Fever dance pose going on (which coincidentally was on TV the other night). Next, I think of Criss Angel, the magician who can make extraordinary things happen. The Magician has all the necessary ingredients to manifest whatever he desires. He has the resources and the skills to create what he wants, but most importantly, he has the belief necessary for its manifestation.

I know I am able to manifest miraculous things. I have indeed done so in the past. However, it has been mostly comprised of sporadic moments here and there. The life path I am on now is one of developing my belief system and strengthening my trust in my abilities to manifest all that I desire in life. I want nothing less than a life filled with magic and miracles. Since I know from experience that they are possible, why settle for anything less?

When I was young, I used to ask my mom what she would do if she won the lottery. My mind was whirling with excitement, imagining all the wonderful things I would do with the money. My mom refused to answer me. She would not waste a moment’s time contemplating something that would never happen. Try as I would to get her into playful expectation, she would not answer. That always bummed me out, because I couldn’t understand why she refused to indulge in imagination, when it felt so good!

I soon acquired the unfortunate defense mechanism of expecting the worst in situations, so that I wouldn’t be disappointment when I didn’t get what I desired. (This, as I know now, is no way for a child to view the world!) I didn’t know at the time that I was actually creating an outcome, fulfilling my expected disappointment with that frame of mind. Now I know that expecting the best is the easiest way to make good things happen. I can now look at the mere possibility of something happening as exciting and exhilarating, whether or not it ever happens (and when I look at things this way, they usually do happen!)

This card serves as my cheerleader today. Encouraging me to make ordinary days nothing short of magical!

Deck: Morgan-Greer Tarot

Daily Card - Page of Rods

Today I was greeted by the Page of Rods (Wands). Among other things, Pages can be seen as messengers. This morning I had a dream that my dad had gotten a flat tire, and as he was driving at the time, he got a ticket. The dream continued, increasing in drama with a bizarre turn of events as my dreams often do. I have been having a plethora of dreams lately which have come true within a day or two, so I thought I should let my dad know of this dream.

So first thing this morning, I emailed my dad, warning him to check his tires, and be extra careful while driving for the next few days, as he likes to speed. Once, when I was a teenager, I asked him if he was scared to get so close to the car in front of him, to which he replied jokingly that he liked to keep a safe distance from the car behind him.

So today, I acted as a messenger. I was the link between my dream and its potential reality.

Deck: Morgan-Greer Tarot

Daily Card - Seven of Pentacles

Today I drew the Seven of Pentacles. This card heralds a time when patience and previous efforts will soon pay off. Finally being able to reap what you have sown. The man in the card has put down his hoe and is taking a rest. Is he looking back at all the work he has done, or is he looking forward to what remains to be done? After much hard work, it’s a time for reflection...however, I find it much more beneficial to look back and see how far I’ve come, rather than to look ahead at how much further I still have to go. The latter can be overwhelming and discouraging, while the former is uplifting and grants me a well-deserved sense of accomplishment.

There will always be more to do, always. Looking ahead, feeling frustrated at all I have not yet accomplished is counterproductive. Looking back at where I’ve been, what I’ve gone through, and all I have done, puts a much more positive spin on the map of where I am now. I imagine a road map, and there’s a red dot halfway across the map with a sign that says “You Are Here”. Now, it’s all about the cup being half empty or half full. Am I impatient and discouraged that I still have so much farther to go? Or am I grateful and proud at how far I have already traveled? And what about the road ahead? Does it seem a long and weary road, or will I choose to view it as an exciting road trip? I say, if you have to be on the road, why not enjoy the journey?!

This week I’m using my Morgan-Greer Tarot deck. It has a strong, male, bohemian feel to it.

Deck: Morgan-Greer Tarot

Week in Review

Previous Week's Tally
(Sunday Nov. 18 - Saturday Nov. 24):

Majors: 1 (Strength)
Courts: 2 (Knight of Swords, King of Swords)
Minors: 4 (5 of Pents, 6 of Pents, 8 of Pents, 8 of Cups)

Cups: 1
Wands/Rods: 0
Swords: 2
Pentacles: 3

What stands out for me most in reviewing this week's daily draws is the mixture of the Knight and King of Swords, with the plethora of Pentacles. I am definitely being advised to take strong action in regard to my finances.

Deck: Animal-Wise Tarot

Daily Card - 8 of Four-Leggeds

The Eight of Four-Leggeds (Pentacles) is my message for the day. I see this as the “keep on keeping’ on” card. Squirrels keep busy searching for food and storing for the winter. Again, another reminder for me this week to do a little every day, and start saving more.

Squirrels maintain a good balance between work and play, incorporating both into their daily life. While they’re playing, they’re having fun, and not thinking about work. And vice versa. They are a great example of being in the “Now” moment, taking time for both business and pleasure, and being completely immersed in each, not thinking of one while doing the other.

When I think of the Eight of Pentacles, what comes to mind is following your heart, and working at something with passion...and when thus moving steadily in the right direction, success will arrive in a place where enthusiasm trumps experience.

Deck: Animal-Wise Tarot

Daily Card - King of Winged Ones

Today I drew the King of Winged Ones (Swords), represented by the Great Blue Heron, king of the marshes.

This deck has been very good at accurately predicting what energies I have needed to create each day. This is absolutely a day where I will need to be like the take-charge King of Swords. Taking aggressive action. Pretty much the opposite of my very nature. But that’s what this day has in store for me. Today’s not a dreamy sort of a day, but rather a day where things need to get done.

The great blue heron stands tall on its long, skinny legs. It just so happens that I too, have long skinny legs, and am reminded that I can stand strong on them. I don’t need the solidity of an elephant’s legs in order feel confidence, strength and power. I can do things in my own way, taking charge in a manner that feels right for me. I would like to discover a comfortable compromise, and find a way to be assertive when necessary, without being overly aggressive.

This card heralds a time for action. Directly after pulling this card, I opened up the book I am currently reading, Jane Eyre. On the second page of my chapter, I read this line: “It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquility: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it.” In a matter of minutes, the call to action was twice pointed out to me.

I do hope as I push past my comfort levels today, that Success will reward my efforts and meet me halfway.

Deck: Animal-Wise Tarot

Daily Card - Strength

I asked the cards today to give me a Major Arcana card. I wanted one that would show me what lesson I needed to embrace right now. I feel on the cusp of a transformation and wanted insight into what inner quality I should focus on most. This cooperative deck showed me the Strength card (Lion).

Lions live in prides and approach their family/community with patience, cooperation and gentle strength. It is the female lionesses who do most of the work, hunting and caring for the young cubs. I can surely relate to that, as I am the only provider for my family.

The Strength card is a reminder to me to continue following my heart’s desires, with maybe a bit more confidence and positive expectation. I do have the inner strength to accomplish anything. While I have that belief and knowing, sometimes I don’t feel it. I have to make this inner strength a part of my innate being. My power has always come from my intuition, creativity and uniqueness; from my ability to adapt quickly to new situations, and from my conviction to always follow the beat of my own drum.

I will spend this Thanksgiving day, grateful as I am every day of the year, to be with my little cubs! :) And I will give much thought today about incorporating more inner strength into my every day life.

Thanksgiving is the reason I chose the Animal-Wise deck this week...in honor of the turkeys whose lives have been taken away. We're vegan, and of course realize that every day animals are being killed, but as this holiday is so heavily tied to eating this one particular bird, I wanted to feature a deck this week that represented my love and respect for all creatures.

The Strength card is appropriate here as well, as I have so much admiration for my young children, who are very adamant about being vegan. They are very strong about their compassionate convictions, even when given free will and the choice to make their own decisions. In a primarily carnivorous country, they are frequently questioned about their eating choices, and they have an unwavering strength in confidence when discussing being vegan that makes me so very proud. They know what they believe in, and they don't allow others' opinions to alter their sense of self. They understand that being vegan is good for their bodies, for the environment, and for the animals. It is their love for animals that is the primary force behind their not eating meat or dairy. So we celebrate our compassionate Thanksgiving as we do every day, different from many, but with the Lion's strength of conviction, and with pride that we are not intentionally harming any innocent creatures for our convenience.

Deck: Animal-Wise Tarot

Daily Card - 5 of Four-Leggeds

Yep. The Five of Four-Leggeds (Pentacles) is exactly how I woke up feeling this morning. Though I must say that this deck features the most promising looking Five of Pents card I’ve seen!

The Five of Pentacles is about financial hardship or insecurity. Shaky ground, for sure. While I’m not suffering right now, for some reason I feel lack mentality creeping into my life where I’m usually very optimistic. I think it’s due to the areas in my life where I am not feeling fulfilled. There are things I am doing out of necessity, but they aren’t related to my life’s path, and it feels out of balance and wrong. A necessary evil. I really want to leave behind all that is out of alignment with my heart’s desires.

I’m a big believer of the law of attraction, so I know that lack mentality is a self fulfilling prophesy. As is success. It’s good that I am aware of my frustration, because it’s only then that I have the ability to turn it around. Realizing when I feel this way in the moment will make it easier for me to adjust my outlook and consciously create a more favorable outcome.

Mice store food for the future while continuing to search for more resources all year long. They are very consistent. I, on the other hand, tend to float along with what I have, and when I run out, scramble like a mad woman at the last minute to create more resources. This, I know, is not the best method. I need to be more like the Mouse in this card, and try to condition myself to change that bad habit, so that I can have more balance, peace and security in my life. I definitely need to start saving. I also see the value and necessity in creating a way of life that results in a more constant financial flow.

Mice have three to four litters every year to ensure their species’ survival, as they are a much sought after source of prey. This translates in human terms to sowing seeds frequently and consistently, a little at a time, so that there will naturally and continually be something to reap.

The Five of Pentacles isn’t a very desirable card in the tarot deck. I’m very glad that when it came into my daily draw, that it was with the Animal-Wise deck because it seems to focus a great deal on how to overcome, rather than on wallowing on the negative aspects of the card.


Note: I take the photos of my cards outside, and the sun has provided varying degrees of cooperation this week, so the images have greatly differed from day to day. The borders in this deck are naturally a very soft, muted pink.

Deck: Animal-Wise Tarot

Daily Card - Knight of Winged Ones

As I was shuffling for my daily card today, I asked the deck which animal I should channel today. What animal holds characteristics I could emulate to make the best use of my day? I drew the Knight of Winged Ones (Swords)...the Hawk.

I don’t know much about hawks. The first thing that sprang to mind was the phrase “watching like a hawk”, and I know they have amazing eyesight. This calls to me to expand my vision of what's possible in my life and remain alert for new opportunities. Like the Jaguar I pulled the other day, this bird of prey also spends a great deal of time patiently waiting to strike at just the right opportunity. I am reminded to wait for inspired action, rather than just leaping for action’s sake.

The hawk is fearless and has a powerful beak and deadly talons. Their scaled legs serve as protection from struggling prey. The hawk in this deck heralds a period of strength, vision, protection and inspired action.

The Knight of Swords takes bold and brave action, ready to conquer the world! I can use this energy today by actually getting things done, rather than thinking them to death. Just listen to my instincts and confidently take whatever action I am inspired to by my inner/higher self.

Deck: Animal-Wise Tarot

Daily Card - 8 of Shapeshifters

Today I drew the Eight of Shapeshifters (Cups), featuring the Ant. The Eight of Cups is about leaving the past behind because it isn’t fulfilling. Turning away from the mundane to pursue a higher, more enlightening way of life.

Ants work together towards a greater good for the community, each type of ant having a designated role in the colony. Ants are capable of a strength that you wouldn’t guess by looking at their size. This card holds a message to use my own personal strength for a higher purpose than I may currently be using it for. I need to step outside my comfort zone and realize just how much more I could be accomplishing.

Is the way I'm living now utilizing the best of my talents and contributions? Probably not. This is a nice reminder for me to update my priorities and look into what is working, and what would be better left behind for a new way of doing things.

I have a very specific goal in mind today, and I will reflect on how the message of this card can help me approach it from a different, possibly more effective angle. The Eight of Shapeshifters/Cups may be telling me to move beyond the ways I am accustomed to doing things, in search of a better way. I will need to consider how I may have been limited in my thinking, and be open to pursuing more creative avenues.

Deck: Animal-Wise Tarot

Daily Card - 6 of Four-Leggeds

This week I’ll be using my Animal-Wise Tarot for my daily card draws. This unique deck matches up each card to an animal which holds its characteristics, adding another dimension to the meanings of the cards. It’s been a joy to begin reading through the accompanying book, as I am learning many things about animals that I hadn’t previously known.

The Six of Four-Leggeds (Pentacles) features the Jaguar, also known as a panther. This led me to further research online where I discovered an interesting fact. There is no such animal named “panther”. It is a nickname, if you will, given to various cats in different areas of the world, sometimes referring to a cougar, puma, jaguar or leopard. The name was derived from the Panthera animal grouping name. Interesting, no? (Or perhaps I’m the only one who didn’t know this.)

The jaguar indicates a time of patience and reclaiming power. The jaguar is a patient stalker who is rewarded when it strikes its prey at just the opportune time, looking before leaping. It’s a reminder to listen to my own instincts and trust in my innate abilities, knowing just when and where to use my power...knowing that when I do what is right for me, then Life will conspire to reward my courageous faith.

Both the Six of Pentacles and the Jaguar herald a message of opportunities becoming available for my advantage. If I remain alert for the signs, my patience and efforts will be noticed and rewarded.

I was actually thinking of this card last night before going to bed (looking at a different tarot deck). It was my intention today to look for opportunities where it would be possible for me to reap what I have sown, in perhaps ways that far exceed my expectations. So drawing this very card this morning was a nice confirmation!

Deck: Animal-Wise Tarot

Tarot of the Magical Forest - A Synchronous Event

I interrupt this regularly scheduled blog to announce with great joy the amazing synchronous event first hinted at in this post.

The story began the first week of October. I ordered a tarot deck that had long been on my wish list, from yesasia.com. According to the website, it would take up to three weeks until it would be shipped. I waited, anxiously. About 3 1/2 weeks later, I get an email from the company, canceling my order. They couldn’t find any suppliers who currently carried the deck.

I searched online and found another site which sold it. I attempted to order several times from them, but each time I received a Paypal error message. I sent the company a couple of emails, asking how I could place an order, but never received a response. Determined to get this deck in my hands, I searched again, and found that this company had many different sites all selling the same things. I finally found one where I could successfully complete my order. (Why was I was hell bent on ordering from a company with non-existent customer service? … I *really* wanted this deck.)

A couple days later, I posted on a tarot forum, asking if anyone had done business with this company. I hadn’t received receipt or confirmation of my order, and was worried that I might have just thrown my money away. I was assured by several people that they had done business with this company successfully. So I felt better. Until a couple days later, when I received an email from the company, canceling my order, as the deck was out of stock.

Now that’s when a red flag should have gone off in my head, but for some reason I was receiving a different message from the Universe. I was trying to decide whether it was a sign that I wasn’t meant to have this deck right now, or if it was a test of my perseverance! What it turned out to be was the reality of this deck suddenly selling out and now being out of print!

Being naïve, I posted my new woes to the forum. I let everyone know that I had indeed heard from the company, but only to have had my order canceled. I shared my ponderings of whether I was meant to have this deck or not. Someone suggested eBay, where two of the decks were available. Apparently, the more savvy among us ran and snatched up the two remaining decks before I was able to click on the link, as they realized from everything I had said, that the deck was now likely out of print (a fact later confirmed by the distributor).

So there I was, with no deck, literally leading others to the last 2 copies of this deck available anywhere! I definitely learned my lesson there, and now know when searching for an elusive deck, to keep my mouth shut! But I sincerely approached the issue from a completely different mindset. I wasn’t thinking competitively. I just really wanted this deck and wanted to share my feelings with people who I knew would understand.

So that was it, there were no more copies of this deck being sold anywhere online. I posted a “Deck Wanted” notice on one of the forums, in the chance that anyone would want to sell their unwanted copy. Highly unlikely now though, as I had just created such a hoopla over the deck!

I received a couple of very nice emails from forum members with friends in Taiwan, where the deck was published. They said they would send out some emails and see if they could scout out a deck for me. Their kindness and generosity really made me feel great, and although I was *really* bummed about what had happened, I was very comforted by the kindheartedness of the few who reached out to help me.

I had this deck featured on several of my “Coming in the Mail” lists, here on my blog, on my forum profile, and in a forum thread as well. I thought about removing it from my lists, and sticking it back on my “Decks Wanted” list...but something made me leave it where it was. I didn’t see any hope of getting this deck, but I wasn’t ready to make it that final!

That very day, the day that I realized all the copies had been snatched up...I was emailing with my mom. She was talking about her plans for the week, and mentioned that my dad was in Shanghai on a business trip, and on his way to Taiwan for one day, before traveling on to Dubai. Taiwan??? My whole body perked up at that word. I don’t know if my dad has ever been to Taiwan, but he was headed there on the very day that the deck I wanted from Taiwan was now unavailable! The coincidence was nothing short of amazing!

I frantically emailed the story to my mom, asking her to call my dad and see if he could search out the deck for me. I knew the chances were slim to none, because for one, my dad knows nothing about tarot. Secondly, he would only be in Taiwan for one day, and was there on business, so had work to do. He just wouldn’t have much time to look, and even if he did, it was doubtful he would know where to begin! Thirdly, the people I had talked to with friends in Taiwan said that they couldn’t find the deck anywhere, and they *knew* tarot and knew where to look. Yes, the odds were against me, but I couldn’t help but feel that the synchronicity of his being in Taiwan on that very day was a sign.

I emailed my mom pictures of the deck, as well as a picture of the cover of the box. She forwarded them to my dad, and said she’d ask him to look, but couldn’t promise anything. So I let it go. I was really excited about the possibility, but I detached from the outcome.

The next day I get an email from my mom. My dad had searched high and low that day and couldn't find the deck… in fact, most of the book stores he went to didn’t even know what tarot cards were. That evening, he went to dinner with a business associate and she made some calls and they located one available in a book store on top of a high rise building! They had to take a cab there from the dinner, but when they got there they couldn't find it. They had other tarot decks, but they couldn’t find the one I wanted. After a bit of searching, finally one of my dad’s colleagues, searching with him, found it!

I literally started jumping up and down with excitement, so amazed at how the Universe miraculously conspired to bring this deck to me!

I had to laugh at the thought of my conservative, 62 year old father, President of a large company, along with his colleagues, spending the day and evening flitting around Taiwan, searching for an elusive tarot deck for his hippie daughter! It’s such a delightfully wonderful story. I am so incredibly grateful for the dedication and teamwork that went into this effort for me.

I will treasure this deck forever, as the story behind its acquisition will never be beat! The name of the deck? Tarot of the Magical Forest. Magical indeed!

I waited to post this story until I actually had the deck in my hands, not wanting to jinx any of it. Apparently the reason it was so difficult for me to get the deck in the beginning is because I was destined to have a greater story attached with it, and a testimony of the incredible magic in this world!

Deck: Tarot of the Magical Forest

Week in Review

Previous Week's Tally
(Sunday Nov. 11 - Saturday Nov. 17):

Majors: 1 (The Universe)
Courts: 3 (Queen of Cups, Knight of Cups, Queen of Coins)
Minors: 3 (6 of Wands (twice!), 3 of Wands)

Cups: 2
Wands/Rods: 3
Swords: 0
Pentacles: 1

A strange week. 2 Queens, 2 Cups Courts, All Wands Minors, and drawing the 6 of Wands two days in a row! I get a neat feeling looking at this week's cards as a whole, though I'm not sure how to pinpoint the feeling just yet.

Deck: Vanessa Tarot

Daily Card - Queen of Coins

As I was shuffling the deck, I thought it would be nice if the Queen of Coins (Pentacles) would show up. And sure enough, the deck obliged. When indicating someone else in my life, this card usually points to my mother, who I relate to as the Queen of Pents. However, today I look at this card as holding traits that I would like to acquire. While I already hold the nurturing, mothering aspects of this card, there are other qualities I would also like to gain. I usually identify primarily with the Queen of Cups, but I am starting to see hints of this queen creeping into my life more and more.

I wish to create a better balance in my life. I have the home/family part down, as I enjoy being domestic and hanging out with my kids all day. While I don’t wish for that to change, I would also like to incorporate a little more financial responsibility and organization into the mix. I’m very free spirited and don’t worry much about things. I just trust that everything will always work out. And indeed, they always do. However, I’m starting to think more about things like saving, and being better organized financially. That is an area in my life where I wish to have more strength and confidence in. It’s a part of life that is finally starting to interest me, when before it was always too boring to think about.

I do hope that this card is a sign of the Universe's willingness to cooperate with me... leading me to just the right events in life which will make this new stage enjoyable and successful.

Deck: Vanessa Tarot

Daily Card - Knight of Cups

Today I woke up completely expecting the day to be full of magical surprises. I have experienced two small synchronicities so far this morning. The Knight of Cups in this card is a messenger, delivering a letter sealed with a heart.

I will wait to see what amazing thing comes to me today, either likely in the mailbox or in my email inbox. It won’t be a romantic gesture, as the Knight of Cups often indicates, because I’m not in a relationship. But I have no doubt that the message I receive today will be a significant one, filled with love.

Update: I did receive a very loving email from my dad today, and also one from my mom saying that she had sent me a package which should arrive tomorrow!

Deck: Vanessa Tarot

Daily Card - Queen of Cups

Today I drew the Queen of Cups. This is me...the court card I most identify with. I see her as being nurturing and intuitive. Drawing this card today I feel reminded to be true to myself. When in doubt, follow my instincts and do what I love. The background even features my favorite color combination...deep purple sky with a green sea. Those colors together always make me feel wonderful!

I have been having a lot of psychic dreams lately that have come true either the next day, or the day after. I’ve recently shared this phenomena with my 7 year old son. He and I have always had a psychic connection, reading each others thoughts, even when he was just a toddler.

This morning I told him about a dream that I had, and asked him that if it came true today*, to remind me about my dream, in case I forgot. He then told me about a dream he had this morning. He dreamt that he had accidentally bumped into an older friend of his while she was drawing, and it messed up her picture. His friend was upset and he felt really bad about it.

A few minutes later, I went outside to do my daily meditation/card drawing. A minute or so after I sat down, he comes bursting out the door shouting, “My dream came true!!!!” He excitedly told me that on the show he was watching on TV, a brother had accidentally bumped into his older sister’s arm while she was drawing, messing her up. It happened just like in his dream. He was so excited!

As a mother, it’s very important to me to nurture my children’s intuitive nature. It’s the Queen of Cups in me! I often wonder how much more tuned in I would be if I had been encouraged to pay attention to my intuition as a child. I had psychic occasions here and there growing up, but my mother never believed in anything metaphysical or spiritual. So I was never encouraged to pursue a spiritual life. (Nor was I discouraged, I should add, which is good.) It was just never discussed as a possibility. It wasn't until I became an adult that I decided it was an important avenue for me to follow. One of my heart's strongest desires is for my children to grow up believing in the unlimited nature of the world and its magical possibilities in their lives.

*Update: This dream of mine did indeed come true today!


I'd like to mention here a very Queen of Cups-y auction that Archertarot is having. It combines nurturing compassion (helping save endangered Orangutans) and metaphysics (tarot cards) in one auction. Up for bids is Vargo’s Gothic Tarot deck, along with a Sulis bag custom designed to match this deck. 100% of the proceeds go to the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. Please bid, it’s a beautiful set, and a very important cause. Visit Archertarot's blog post for details on the deck, bag, foundation and auction.

Deck: Vanessa Tarot

Daily Card - Three of Wands

The Three of Wands. Sigh. It seems I’m running through the entire Wands suit, one at a time. This is a good, positive card though, so I suppose I shouldn’t complain.

The card features a woman looking out at sea, watching a boat draw near. She sees her “ship coming in”. For some reason, I have always looked at this card and envisioned that she herself is on a boat as well, rather than at port somewhere. I see it as two ships coming together. It looks as though she will watch that boat with dedication until it arrives.

She’s waiting expectantly and with a sense of silent passion and inner excitement. By the way she is dressed and poised, I get the feeling she is too refined to jump up and down with joy and show her true feelings, but she is most certainly feeling it bubble up inside her. Imagining her face, I can see the corner of one side of her mouth curve up into a half smile. Yet her eyes are giving away her passion.

It’s funny, I have read this card very differently in different situations. Sometimes I see her as the way I have just described, but other times I see her as being nonchalant about the ship that’s coming in…sort of resigned to whatever will happen next. Two very different interpretations, based on intuition at the time of the reading.

I see this card as being suggestive that I can expect pay off for efforts I have made in the past, and continue to make now. I realize that I have to enjoy every minute of the waiting, because as soon as my ship comes in, there will just be another one coming that I must wait for as well. The anticipation of life will never be over. The ships are just Holidays. The waiting is Life. And life is not meant to be squandered away, waiting for the big events. While there's nothing wrong with being excited about the future, every day that is experienced is a big event. Today is a Big Event and I will celebrate being here to live it!

Deck: Vanessa Tarot

Daily Card - Six of Wands (again!)

Hmmm... not sure what to make of this. I drew the same card this morning as I did for yesterday's draw. But here's the kicker... I thought I might! As I was shuffling, for some reason I began wondering what I would write about if I pulled the same card as the day before...something I had never wondered before. Also, something that has never yet happened in my daily draws.

So when I pulled the Six of Wands, I smiled. I stuck it back in the deck and shuffled some more. I just wanted to see if I could pull it again. I shuffled in numerous ways and cut the deck twice. Sure enough, it came up again. Really! I know I should probably be more surprised when things like this happen, but I guess I sort of expect a certain amount of magic in my life, so it's just something that I appreciate rather than something that shocks me.

Nothing really happened yesterday in the way of fame, fortune, prized awards or recognition. Perhaps this card coming up again is a strong reminder for me to be alert for the promise of good news, positive happenings to come.

Or maybe this card was merely a tool used today by my psychic self. A little psychic drill...my having the intuitive knowing that this card would come up again today. Serving as a reminder to give more attention to my intuitive practice.

Update: After posting my blog today, I hit my daily rounds of the tarot blogs I read...to find out that I had *won* a contest that Willow (of Willow Tree Tarot) was having! The prize is a beautiful oracle deck and book set that I have had my eye on for some time (Oracle of the Grail Code). Among other amazing artists, this deck features several cards with paintings by John William Waterhouse. I have longed for a deck by Waterhouse for some time now, as he is one of my absolute favorites. I was so excited just to be participating in the contest, so to have won feels so fantastic! My abundant thanks go out to Willow for such a generous offering!

Deck: Vanessa Tarot

Daily Card - Six of Wands

Well, I'm back to the Wands again. But this one I don't mind! Today I drew the Six of Wands. Indeed, I have arrived today! I can officially cross that huge undertaking off my to-do list, as I finished it this morning. A completed task and sweet victory, as this card indicates!

It’s funny, yesterday’s card was Miss Universe, and today’s features an Oscar winner. Not sure what all the fame and being on stage is all about. Perhaps it indicates not only a feeling of having arrived, but maybe also coming my way is some recognition for my efforts as well. I'll have to think about what would be my real-life equivalent to an Oscar statue (or Miss Universe crown), so that I can consciously help attract it into my life!

On a spiritual note, I find that this card can indicate heightened psychic awareness. In the past week, I have had four precognitive dreams. They each came true within a day or two after having the dream, in very specific detail. And they weren’t generalized happens-all-the-time stuff. They were odd, bizarre things. I noticed it last night, and decided to begin keeping a dream journal to keep track.

Side note: I always dream, always. A couple of weeks ago, I woke up with the strangest realization. I hadn’t dreamt at all. At all. This has never happened to me. If I doze off for just a few seconds, I’m already dreaming, and I’m dreaming when I wake up after having slept all night long. But this time I woke up, and all I could remember was literal blackness. No dreams. Just black. A total blank slate. In all my life, I have never woken up without a dream to remember. And it wasn't just that I couldn't remember anything, it was very specifically all black. That feeling was like a strange black hole, like something that would only occur in the movies. It’s so hard to describe and put into words. I'm not sure what to make of it, or if there even is anything to be made of it.

Deck: Vanessa Tarot

Daily Card - The Universe

This week I’ll be using the fun and modern Vanessa Tarot for my daily draws. Today I pulled The Universe (normally called the World card). This card features Miss Universe winning a pageant. She has worked towards a goal and has been rewarded with successful completion.

This is how I feel today as I wrap up the dreaded project I had been putting off for so long. I was up until 2:30 this morning working on the finishing touches, and there is only a very little bit left to do this morning. Pulling the Universe card made me laugh, because that’s me, finally coming to the end of a journey.

Of course, this card naturally indicates a new journey to come as well, because you can’t have an ending without another beginning. I will always have a multitude of things to do, and I am in the process of learning to approach them one at a time so as not to be overwhelmed all at once. This has proven to be a satisfying revelation.

What also struck me about this card was the use of the word “Universe”. Ordinarily, this wouldn’t have really meant anything to me. However, yesterday I had a truly amazing experience which only the Universe could have organized. It was an orchestrated event of miraculous, magical synchronicity that I am still having trouble believing! I will post the story at a later date, as I am still awaiting something in the mail to confirm. Once it arrives, I will share the amazing story here. (The Universe card can also indicate foreign travel, and that also has something to do with the event that happened.)

Deck: Vanessa Tarot

Week in Review

Previous Week's Tally
(Sunday Nov. 4 - Saturday Nov. 10):

Majors: 1 (The Sun)
Courts: 2 (King Wands, Page Wands)
Minors: 4 (9 Cups, 2 Wands, 8 Wands, 6 Swords)

Cups: 1
Wands/Rods: 4
Swords: 1
Pentacles: 0

A bit of an overwhelming Wands-ruled week!

Deck: Mythic Tarot

Daily Card - Six of Swords

Whew! No Wands!! Today’s card is very appropriate actually. The Six of Swords to me means moving away from something unpleasant, and towards something else with a measure of uncertainty ... you’re not excited about it, but you’re not terribly upset either. It feels more like being resigned. Coming to terms and doing what needs to be done, and accepting that fact.

In this card, Orestes is on his way to murder his mother, Clytemnestra. This was a decision forced upon him by the god Apollo, who deemed it necessary for Orestes to avenge his father Agamemnon's death, for which his mother was responsible. It’s something he has struggled with, as he doesn’t want to do it. He will be punished by Apollo if he doesn’t, and punished by the Furies (goddesses of vengeance) if he does. It’s a no-win situation. He eventually chooses what he considers the lesser of two evils.

As he sails towards his chosen fate, he is leaving the turbulent seas behind for calmer waters. The struggle in making the decision is over. Though he faces something unpleasant that plagues his heart, his mind is calm.

Last night, I made a decision to end my procrastination and take some of this week’s Wands advice. I made a list of all the things I need to get done. There was one thing on the list sticking out like a sore thumb. It was something that absolutely needed attention, and I was ignoring it for as long as I could. Yet, whenever I tried to get something else done, this project would pop up in my mind, making me feel guilty for not taking care of it.

The pleasure of avoiding it became outweighed by the nagging feeling that remained. So last night I set aside all other projects and got to work on this one. I made great progress, and am now halfway done. It should be finished by this weekend. Though it’s not something that’s incredibly enjoyable, it feels good to be actively on my way to crossing it off my list! The inner struggle of deciding between procrastination and action is over. I will soon be able to approach other projects without this one weighing on my mind.

This was definitely a Six of Swords revelation that I had last night, so I was comforted to see the confirmation in this card this morning.

Deck: Mythic Tarot

Daily Card - Page of Wands

Okay so I am getting a little exhausted by pulling all these Wands cards this week. When the Page of Wands appeared for my daily card, I wasn’t thrilled. So in an attempt to cheat, I thought I’d choose the shadow card instead (the card on the bottom of the deck). And who would I find under there? The freaking Knight of Wands. Okay, so it appears that cheating is out of the question here.

Wands, wands everywhere. I’m not a wands kinda gal, so this is my least favorite suit. Yes, I even prefer the Swords cards...because I find it easy enough to turn the negativity of a Sword around using mental power.

Wands, on the other hand, are about creative action. I’m good with the creative part, that part I love. The action part, not so much. Getting so many wands in one week feels like a lot of pressure to be someone I’m not. I know that this is the energy I need to muster at this point in my life, but it’s HARD! I guess all the Wands I am getting are little reminders that it’s a necessary challenge for me right now. It’s just a bit overwhelming.

The Page of Wands represents to me a newer stage of creative action. Sort of that in between stage between the idea and the manifestation. It’s a fragile time often accompanied by a feeling of restlessness. I was inspired by another creative idea last night, and my head is beginning to spin by all the projects I am involved in. There’s just not enough time. I think what I need to do is to write down all of my ideas, and not feel like I have to accomplish them all at once. Because right now I have so much on my plate and when there’s so much that needs to be done, often I get nothing done, sort of paralyzed by it all. I can’t go in eight different directions, so instead I stand still, going nowhere. And that’s pretty lame.

The Page of Wands is very accurately describing my frustration at having so many ideas, but not enough of me to make them all happen right now. I seriously need to consider taking one thing at a time and see it all the way through. This has always been a challenge for me, as I am always involved in multiple projects.

The Page in this card is represented by young Phrixus, riding the ram with the golden fleece. Zeus sent the ram to Phrixus to sweep him and his sister, Helle, away from danger. Unfortunately, his sister fell off the ram into the sea, but Phrixus was saved. Right now, I’m honestly feeling a little more like the sister who fell off the ram. Insert pun here: I'm feeling like Hell(e). I need to adjust my outlook and make some serious changes, so that I can be Phrixus, who makes it safely and victoriously through the journey!

Deck: Mythic Tarot

Daily Card - King of Wands

This guy has been coming up in a LOT of my personal readings lately. (See here for one of them.) I think I need to channel the King of Wands in order to maintain enough energy to keep up with the projects I’m involved in.

Enter deep, whispery voice: Today the part of the King of Wands will be played by King Theseus of Athens. This king has a lot of pluck and flair for the dramatic. Though hard to tell from this image, because he’s having a little rest here, the King of Wands is outgoing, energetic and powerful. That’s not me at all. I’m very low-key. But I realize that when I do have bursts of this type of energy, things certainly move along more swiftly.

The King of Wands can also herald financial increase, which is a good sign, because today I am finalizing a prosperity project I am collaborating on, designed to help people achieve wealth consciousness in a fun manner.


Evening Update: Okay, so the day is nearing an end, and it's almost time to get the kids ready for bed. I just grabbed my new Sakki-Sakki deck, went outside for a moment to do a quick shuffle. I have a lot of work to get done tonight, and I wanted a little insight into what I needed to focus on most this evening. And wouldn't ya know it? The King of Rods (Wands)!

Seriously, when this guy wants to be heard, he *really* wants to be heard. He always seems to come up twice in the same day for me, even when using different decks.

All righty then! Fiery enthusiasm it is! Woo Hooooo!!!!!! (That's me being fiery.)


Decks: Mythic Tarot and Sakki-Sakki Tarot

Daily Draw - The Sun

When I do my daily draws, I do so in the morning, right after fixing breakfast for my kids, always before I turn on the computer or start my day. Today I waited until lunchtime, as I was distracted by a bunch of other tedious and bothersome things. I now realize that I much prefer pulling a card in the morning, instead of waiting until mid-day. For some reason, my day just has a much nicer flow to it that way.

I always sit outside, in the shade, by myself for a few minutes when doing my draw. For as long as I can remember, I have stayed out of the sun. I don’t like the brightness of it, or the strong feeling of it on my skin. I much prefer cloudy, grey, rainy days. So when I go outside, I’m always in the shade. This morning as I sat shuffling, I heard the word “sun” in my head, and had the strong urge to move my chair and go sit in the sun. This is highly unusual for me. But I followed my instinct. It actually felt good...there was a nice breeze and the combination of the sun penetrating my skin, while the wind blew the heat away was very nice.

So I shuffled for awhile, relaxing from a somewhat crazy morning. Then I did this particular “shuffle” where I take both the top and bottom cards and put them on my lap, continuing to do this with the rest of the deck until the last cards remained. When I do this, I either end up with one or two cards left. When there are two left, I add them to the pile on my lap and shuffle some more. When I’m left with only one card, that’s the card I use for my reading. Today I was left with one. The Sun card. Wow! Having just been uncharacteristically urged to go sit in the sun, that was pretty darned cool!

The instant I looked at the card, the Beatles song came to mind, “Here Comes the Sun”. And now I can’t get that sweet song out of my head!

This card features Apollo, the Sun god. Two things struck me about this particular card. Apollo was known, among other things, to be a master of prophesy and music. As it happens, Prophesy occurred when I “heard” the Sun card, and was literally moved by it, moments before drawing it. And Music when I immediately heard a song upon viewing this card.

The Sun card heralds a very positive outlook, and I’m optimistic that my day will get better from here! I feel good about today’s drawing, as it was a pretty cool experience.

Deck: Mythic Tarot

Daily Card - Eight of Wands

Today I drew the Eight of Wands. This card tells the story of Jason’s victorious voyage back home after having captured the Golden Fleece. The ship Argo is going full steam ahead while dolphins play in the waves.

This project I am working on has been gaining momentum and I am more involved with the overall venture than was originally planned, which is exciting. Things are definitely moving along very quickly, as this card indicates. I expect it to be smooth (yet exhilarating) sailing!

Deck: Mythic Tarot

Daily Card - Two of Wands

Today as I was shuffling for my daily draw, I was thinking about the new opportunity I was presented with the other day. I drew the Two of Wands, which is very appropriate. This card speaks of going beyond the initial energy of a new idea or creative venture, and taking necessary action one step farther. Making deliberate progress.

The story behind the Wands in this deck is that of Jason and the Argonauts, and their search for the Golden Fleece. In this card, Jason has just learned from Chiron (the centaur in the cave) who he really is, and thus begins his journey to return home to claim his birthright.

I will have to do some preparation for this new project, and I am excited about it. I realize I have to step forward, out of my cave - fires a'blazing, so to speak, if I want this potential to become reality!

Deck: Mythic Tarot

Daily Card - Nine of Cups

Yesterday’s promise of magic came last night in the form of a proposal. I was approached to participate in a prosperity workshop by giving readings to the members of the class. This would be an ongoing opportunity, with a new set of participants each month. I was very excited about the idea!

This morning, as I was shuffling the deck for my daily draw, I wanted insight into this new project. I drew the Nine of Cups. The “Wish Card”. Well, I’d say that’s a good sign!

The deck I’m using this week is The Mythic Tarot, which features stories from Greek mythology. This particular card shows Psyche and Eros finally reunited after all of their trials and tribulations. They are rewarded for their unwavering commitment to be together, and blessed by Aphrodite, who finally acquiesces to their union. I see this as a sign that the new opportunity I’ve been given is a blessing...a reward for being committed to doing what I love!

Note: I have trimmed the borders off my Mythic deck, so the images of my cards are a cropped version of the original.

Deck: Mythic Tarot

Good Witch, Bad Witch Quiz

I thought this quiz would be a fun way to end the week spent with my Good Witch, Bad Witch oracle deck!

Are you a good witch or a bad witch?

You're a half and half!?
That means your the perfect witch!
Your good side balances your bad!
Way to go!

Take this quiz!

Week in Review

Previous Week's Tally
(Sunday Oct. 28 - Saturday Nov. 3):

Good Witches: 2
Bad Witches: 5

Mostly "bad" witches appearing this week...but as you can see, they're really quite harmless, and in fact helpful and insightful!


Deck: Good Witch, Bad Witch

Daily Card - The Abracadabra Witch

Last night I went to sleep thinking something magical was going to happen today. This morning I woke up thinking the same thing. Then I drew The Abracadabra Witch. Now I’m wondering if something magical will just happen to me, or if I am supposed to have a hand in creating it. I’m no stranger to manifesting and creating my own reality...but it would be lovely if something unexpectedly magical would happen today!

The witch in the card certainly has a confident look about her that suggests she can make things happen (with the help of her familiars)! Maybe I should have a little chat with my cat today. ;) I will certainly be sure to keep my sensors alert for signs to follow!

Deck: Good Witch, Bad Witch

Daily Card - The Venomous Witch

Today I drew the Venomous Witch. Hmmm...I don’t feel venomous towards anyone at this point in my life. Perhaps this card is a sign for me to realize how far I have come in life. I no longer engage in venomous relationships. I have released the people in my life who bring toxic negativity to my world. This includes various friends, family members and romantic relationships. When I made the conscious decision to do this, my life changed in a really amazing way. It’s very liberating. I’m much happier than I’ve ever been.

I’m happy to leave the drama behind and focus on how great life is, rather than competing with others in the whose-life-sucks-worse game. And no longer engaging in relationships that are full of drama has basically dried me of venom. Being peaceful rather than angry all the time is a wonderful feeling.

As a side note, this card has reminded me to contact a certain family member today (he has snakes!).

Deck: Good Witch, Bad Witch

Daily Card - The Warty Witch

Today I asked the deck for some practical advice on work I need to get done today. I have a LOT of things to accomplish today and I wanted some guidance on how to do it as efficiently and easily as possible. I pulled The Warty Witch.

This witch’s face is sprinkled with warts, but she is lovingly petting a toad, and there are hearts in the air surrounding her. I realized that the workload I was facing today had a lot to do with outer appearances, making something look good. Rather than waste the majority of my time on superficial polishing, I should spend more time on the heart of the matter, the “inside” beauty and solidity of the project.

An image came to mind of frosting a burned cake. It may look pretty on the outside, but if the inner cake is burned, the whole thing is no good. This was a very helpful card for me to draw today. It gave me some excellent and useful advice on how to best approach my workload!

Deck: Good Witch, Bad Witch