Eight of Swords - Reversed…

Is something you are involved in leaving another person feeling confined? Closely examine your actions and how they relate to the people in your life and beyond. If you aren’t being clear or forthright about something, it might be severely effecting someone in your life. I know it isn’t your intention to inflict this kind of malice upon them, so you may want to find a way to adjust your approach and release them from their suffering. Or, at least make them aware that you are not meaning this for them. Also, if you are thinking that it’s them or you - that your own success is somehow linked to the restraint of theirs, this isn’t true. If you release your hold on them, you will feel a burden lift within which will allow for greater success in your endeavor! Take action to change the tone here - don’t leave them hanging!

“Don’t push others down to reach the top, instead pull yourself up.” - Rishi Rishi

The Eight of Swords (Reversed) from the Silver Era Tarot by Russell J Moon & Aunia Kahn and from the Thelema Tarot by Renata Lechner for Lo Scarabeo

Judgement hovers over Nine of Swords & Five of Swords…

In your mind there is a voice that whispers to you, constantly judging every move you make. This voice is sometimes kind, but often deceptive and if you let it run wild, can become very insidious. The way out of this cycle is above the thought process. A higher realm is calling to you - listen for that music and see the light and color to which you can ascend. Flying upward, out of the mind and into a higher frequency you will transcend the surface and circular thought process that ensnares you, because you will know that you are so much more. Answer the calling of that music and rise to the higher level within, which is yours to claim. If you do, you will be able to use your thoughts in a much more targeted way. Embrace the dynamic energy of who you are which is so much bigger than you thought. Become who you are meant to be by rising above all the inner chatter to a truer, freer self.

“Enlightenment means rising above thought…In the enlightened state, you still use your thinking mind when needed, but in a much more focused and effective way than before.” - Eckhart Tolle

Judgement, Nine of Swords & Five of Swords from the Star Spinner Deck by Trungles

The Fool…

Do you remember a time in your life when the future seemed limitless, even though you had no idea of what you where doing or where you were going? For me, I often think of myself in my 20s, backpacking through Europe in college. There was nothing in my backpack but jeans, a sweater and a bunch of dreams and I could barely navigate myself down a street, let alone from country to country. And yet, despite my naivete, I never have felt so alive and full of excitement. Perhaps you don’t have to remember this if you are experiencing it right now? But, if not, do recall that version of you - they still live within. Find some time today to connect with that carefree feeling, where everything you encounter is just a new thrilling escapade generated by the universe specifically for you. Walk freely and experience the magic that you are gifted with each step and if you encounter adversity - smile, say hello and pretend you don’t know what it is. Have a great day, my dreamer - so full of hope with so many adventures waiting for you!

“There was nowhere to go, but everywhere.” - Jack Kerouac

The Fool from The White Numen: A Sacred Animal Tarot by Alba Ballesta Gonzalez

Ten of Pentacles - Reversed…

What do you want to accumulate in your life? I often like to gaze at ink and ponder how those images fit the person who displays the art. Was it something they really thought about and treasured before having it permanently placed on their skin? Or was it a random act of spontaneous rebellion that they are still unclear about? Think about the messages you wouldn’t mind etching on your skin for the world to see - how do you acquire these sentiments as you walk through life? Or, I guess the question is…are these meaningful things what you are already reaching for? If not, why not? Don’t be so easily distracted by material gain and superficial achievements. Do you want to show off, or do you want to feel fulfilled? True wealth cannot be purchased with money - unless money is what holds deeper meaning for you. If you’d have an artist etch a dollar sign on your back - go for the bling. But, if your personal message is deeper, think about how the things you acquire and the successes you achieve in your life reflect who you really are.

“My body is my journal and my tattoos are my story.” - Johnny Depp

The Ten of Pentacles - An Artists Rendering by Nathan Dixon (which can be purchased - upright - via his website).

Nine of Cups - Reversed…

Do you deserve the best? YES! Can you have too much of a good thing? Maybe. You might not want to hear this, but you’ve been luxuriating a little too much. You may have earned yourself a little treat, but you aren’t yet to the place in your life where you can re-envision your entire lifestyle. Take a look at your recent habits - in fact, take a huge step back so you get the full view. Where are you overindulging? Are you allowing your emotions to run wild? Are you letting the money you worked so hard for quickly drain away? Are you defending your own toxic behavior by saying “I deserve this”? Recognizing that you are living outside of your means in one way or another is healthy. Choosing to ignore your own detrimental actions because they bring you a false sense of fulfillment is just keeping you from finding authentic happiness. Stop the cycle of denial and realize that your over-indulgence is a symptom of an internal disease that is holding you back.

“The proximity of a desirable thing tempts one to overindulgence. On that path lies danger.” -Frank Herbert

The Nine of Cups (Reversed) - Artist’s Rendering by Jane Valeur found on ArtStation

Queen of Pentacles - Reversed…

You like to be in charge of your domain and always feel like you are on top of it. But, there are some days when you just don’t have it all together and this is one. It may feel uncomfortable, but it will be easier if you just admit you can’t handle it all. Ask for help - you are allowed. Success doesn’t have to sit squarely on your shoulders. Yes, there are others that rely on you to run the show, but even they need to understand that you are not infallible and perhaps it’s time they are delegated some of the responsibility. So, if you need to throw your hands up today and say, “I just can’t do this right now!” DO IT! A real queen knows when enough is enough and can and will put her personal wellbeing first.

“Give to yourself as much as you give of yourself.” -Suze Orman

The Queen of Pentacles (Reversed) - Artist’s Rendering by Rachel Srinivasan for UGallery

Strength…

Whatever obstacles pop up for you this week, tap into your inner strength reservoir. What? You didn’t know you had this hidden underneath the surface? Well, for every hurdle you have already jumped, every hard lesson learned and every inner battle you have had to face, you have amassed a personal reservoir filled to the brim with wisdom, intuition, resilience and spirit. Dip into your magic waters this week to navigate any unknown territory and master that unexpected foe. Trust that you already have all the resources to handle any barrier or deterrent life throws your way. You are a silent warrior who fights for good with knowledge, power and ease. You will be triumphant and others will look to you for strength.

“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” - RBG

The Strength Card from The Cosmic Gateways Tarot Deck - Artist’s Print by Brittany Lewis available online

A message from the Moon…

I had a magical reading today with a friend who inspires me. We celebrated the new moon and looked into the cards to see what might be springing up for her! She guided us to our message of the day. What has been shrouded longs to be revealed - that fresh new outlook you have connected with is just about ready to take flight. It’s true that you are leaving a former version of yourself behind once you release this light, but you know in your heart that that version of you has evaporated anyway. Tonight before bed, glance up toward the moon. Even if the sky is clouded and you can’t see it - feel it’s presence. The moon is always changing - waxing, waning and everything in-between. The night sky adheres to these cycles, offering differing views from every angle and with every phase. In honor of the moon and yourself, soak a small rag with water and then ring the excess dampness from it til you cannot feel a drop. As you do this, imagine that these are the last vestiges of that old version of you which you release into the night sky. The moon will claim this and look after it, so you can rejuvenate without hesitation. In the morning, embrace that bright, airy outlook of your fresh take on life! Under the light of the moon, you are reborn.

“If the moon smiled, she would resemble you. You leave the same impression of something beautiful, but annihilating.” - Sylvia Plath

The Five of Cups and Death/Rebirth from the Light Seer’s Tarot by Chris-Anne

Judgement - Reversed…

Feeling a little doubtful about your future? Vulnerability concerning the unknown is natural. Very few of us have the skill of seeing into the future and let’s face it, if there’s any lesson we’ve learned over the past year, it’s that you cannot predict what is actually coming your way. Ease up on yourself. Don’t let that harsh critic within decide your next move based on fear. You have more control than you think. Reacting isn’t acting. Take ownership of your choices and acknowledge that just because you don’t always “get it right” doesn’t mean that you always “get it wrong”. In fact, the “wrong way” can prove to be an incredible lesson you were meant to learn in order to strengthen your resilience. Anticipation may make you feel crazy, but you don’t have to know what’s next, you only have to be willing to welcome it.

“Being right keeps you in place. Being wrong forces you to explore.” - Steven Johnson

Judgement (Reversed) from the Penny Dreadful Tarot - Artists rendering by BohemianWeasel on Deviant Art

Two Of Pentacles - Reversed…

You work hard for what you have and it can feel like you are constantly juggling the ups and downs of life just to keep yourself in balance. People admire you for the way you handle all of the things you consistently have on your plate. To them, it seems like you do this with ease, but you know the truth of your experience. Struggle can be rewarding if there is payoff, but right now you feel like you are struggling just to stay afloat. Something’s gotta give and you know it. But, what if you turned it all on it’s head by reimagining what your personal payoff looks like? What do you treasure and how is your current behavior getting in the way of you finding that gold? Strip away the excessive activity that isn’t contributing to what you truly want. But, first be clear on what the most fulfilling reward is for you. Unearth the buried treasure within and claim your personal loot. X marks the spot.

“Never get so busy making a living, that you forget to make a life.” - Dolly Parton

The Two Of Coins/Pentacles (Reversed) from The Star Spinner Deck by Trungles

Ace of Swords - Reversed…

Can’t focus? DON’T! That’s right - take a break. Give your mind a rest. I know you feel like you’ve only just started on something, so you need to give it all of your brainpower, but for the success of it, you have to let go. In fact, all this thinking is just making you less motivated. Relax. Take a walk. Get away and get out of your head. When you come back to whatever it is you are working on, approach it with your heart and gut - be less analytical about it all and you will be able to move forward with a different energy. Stop obsessing. Calm your brain waves. TAKE A BREAK! You and this situation deserve it.

“If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you’ll never get it done.” - Bruce Lee

Ace of Swords (Reversed) - Does anyone know what deck this is from? I found the image and loved it, but cannot find a deck associated with it?! Curious. But, I’m not going to keep thinking about it. (ha)

The Five of Wands…

In the darkest part of your heart, there is a twisty forrest full of knotted trees which conceals all possibility of sunshine. In this forrest, there is a version of you that is trying to emerge from the damp and fetid earth, but is growing all wrong. This is the place where fear, doubt and misbelief reign. Lurking on the mossy ground, encircling you, are the most harmful lies you’ve been told about who you are and the damage of past hurts you can’t escape. They dance around you, taunt you and keep you from reaching past the trees and into the sky beyond. This is just one small speck in the kingdom of your soul. It’s ok that it exists - we all have our little demons. But, if you find yourself living in this speck of blackness, unable to see the truth and light, it is time for you to take a step back and truly see it for what it is - a tiny, insignificant blot that lives in a shadow, while the true version of you is a passionate, fiery flower opening in the sun! Know that there is a way out of this moment and you will find it.

“Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence.” - Peter A. Levine

The 5 of Wands from The Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham

The Nine of Cups…

Abundance, fulfillment and manifestation of your heart’s desire! I bet you thought this day was never coming. Whether you have been working hard for this moment or it sneaks up on you out-of-the-blue, you will feel the magic surface at some point in your day! Embrace and respect it - don’t hold back. Even if the emotional content of the realization overwhelms you, just let go and enjoy the ride. There is an undeniable fullness in your heart and spirit, which you have earned. Gratitude, completeness and overflowing joy are yours for the taking! Enjoy this rapture. Indulge in this bliss. It might be fleeting, but you can carry the memory of it with you always.

“The world is full of beautiful places. Let your heart be one of them.” - Jenim Dibie

The 9 of Cups from The Star Tarot Deck by Cathy McClelland

The Star & The Knight of Swords…

Is there a way you might calm your wild intellect to intensify your personal power as you propel yourself forward? You have so many creative, but fleeting ideas. If you would like to harness your genius, find a peace within by tempering the emotional life that accompanies your untamed imagination. Inner tranquility can be your gateway to cultivating those rogue, but worthwhile dreams. Serenity brings you to specificity and specificity helps you find clarity which, in turn, forces you to be decisive. Decisiveness is the key for you to advance with real power and fulfill your destiny. Don’t let the potency of your visionary and innovative spirit go to waste. Cleanse the emotional muck surrounding it and your precision will allow you to fully realize your potential.

“Calmness is the cradle of power” - J.G. Holland

The Star from the Moondust Tarot Deck and The Knight of Swords from The Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham

What is Blossoming for you?

On this day where many celebrate rebirth and resurrection, I asked the cards what will be springing up for us as we welcome the spring season…then I got a very intriguing answer. This became a card “of the night” because I had to spend a day with the spread to really understand what was revealed! Here it is - You are leaving behind a “victim mentality” which allowed you to connect your emotional wellspring to all of the things you wished you had - things that seemed beyond your reach. This spring, welcome a new attitude, which is served with a side of awkwardness. You are owning your emotional power and expressing who you are and how you feel in a more useful way. In some ways you will be working against your intuitive drive to bring all of who you are out into the light. Sharing of your thoughts, feelings, desires and dreams will resurrect your spirit. Your new found capacity for compassion and self-expression will empower you. It may feel messy, counter-intuitive and odd, but it’s what you need to do to free yourself and a freer version of you is what the the world needs most of all. Let it all out. Find your personal power through a raw and strange revealing of your emotional life. Share freely and awkwardly - it is necessary. Difficult, but beautiful things are blossoming for you. Don’t fight it!

“I don’t need to flirt. I will seduce you with my awkwardness.” - Janet Owen

The 5 of Pentacles - The 5 of Cups (Reversed) - The Queen of Cups - The High Priestess (Reversed) from The Light Seer’s Tarot by Chris-Anne

The Moon (Reversed) - The Knight of Pentacles - The Ace of Pentacles (Reversed)…

I had a whole message jump out of my Rider/Waite/Smith deck today and I felt it was important to share it. You are coming out of the darkness and this emergence is exciting, but also has you filled with anxiety. You are determined, but trepidatious as you feel the Sun light up the sky around you with heat and the sweat start to accumulate under that armor. It seems as though the time is now to charge ahead and reclaim all of the things you left behind, but this is not the moment of movement you crave. If you launch too soon, you will feel let down by the outcome. It is necessary to prepare and be sure that you are going after what you truly need. Manifestation of the life you want depends upon how you choose to compose it. Heighten your chance for success by recognizing you are not at the start, you are in the middle. Reassess your true intentions, bolster your courage and ready yourself before you move forward and you will enhance the likelihood of gaining the opportunities you truly deserve.

“You have time. Meaning don’t use it, but pass through time in patience, waiting for something to come. Prepare for its arrival. Don’t rush to meet it. Be a conduit.” - Rachel Kushner

The Moon (Reversed) - The Knight of Pentacles - The Ace of Pentacles (Reversed) from The Rider/Waite/Smith Deck

The Page of Swords…

Feeling a little distracted and like you are stuck in the dark crevices of your mind? Thoughts swarming in you head that you can’t seem to clear? Defeat these thoughts with thoughts! Sounds crazy, I know, but it might be time to shift your thinking by getting curious about the why. Start by thinking, “Why am I holding on to this?” or “Why am is this so important to me right now?” In fact the more you study your thought process to try to figure out where this is all coming from, that thing you can’t shake may lose all of it’s value and evaporate into thin air. Trick the mind with your mind and move past a thought process that just isn’t serving you. There is more out there than all those dark thoughts in your mind. You can free yourself!

“Sometimes I get so far into my head that I forget anything else exists.” - Anonymous

The Page of Swords from The Fountain Tarot and Wizard Tarot

The Hanged Man…

The anticipation has been building as you dangle, waiting for that perfect moment to launch. As you draw nearer to this time, you now realize you were never stuck, you were actively and internally growing, readying yourself for what is to come. The vibrancy of your spirit has deepened and your heart has grown enriched with nourishment. Because you have taken this time to allow for personal gestation and really dedicated yourself to it, you are about to blossom. I know you feel ready, but there is a little more for you to acquire in this hold. This kind of change requires just the right amount of time. Just wait. The perfect release will happen if you wait a bit more. Looking forward to meeting this new, dynamic version of you.

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” - Rumi

The Hanged Man - An artist’s rendering by Yoshi Yoshitani

Six Of Cups - Reversed…

Are you looking back on the “better days”, longing for the joys you once had? Revisiting the past can be fun, but it can also be deceiving. Don’t be so quick to get caught up in what “you once had”. Our memories can be rose colored and we are often likely to pick and choose what we want to recall. How accurate is this moment you cling to? Ask yourself this: if you were to find yourself back in that moment, how would it truly feel? What pieces of this past delight might start to unravel or crumble if you were back in that situation? It’s easy to wax poetic about our days past, but don’t hold on to an idea of what once was. Stay in the here and now. If you dream, dream of all of the beautiful experiences yet to happen. There is so much to honor in the present and look forward to in the future. You’ve seen good times, but I promise, that memory pales in comparison of what is on your horizon.

“Memory is deceptive, because it is colored by today’s events.” - Albert Einstein

Six Of Cups (Reversed) from the Steampunk Tarot by Charissa Drengsen

Tower - Knight of Pentacles - Queen of Chalices…

Today I decided to pull from my newest, magical deck. The Star Spinner deck has a whimsical feel with a fairytale twist to it. I pulled three cards for what we are currently missing out on and the deck surprised me. You’ve been jarred out of your comfort zone by an event that had you reeling. While this experience has brought you to place of intense contemplation, it has also connected you to someone special and incredibly worthwhile. But, you don’t see it yet…do you? You are too busy thinking about your next move and dreaming about bigger plans and frankly, so are they. This person could have a lasting effect on your life and who you will become. You share a similar spirit, but have opposing traits that will balance quite beautifully together. Two dynamic dreamers full of life and color should pair up, especially after that lightening shook you both to the core. Partner up - whether it be an exciting new friendship, a business venture, or a juicy relationship. SEE that person and recognize the endless possibilities of this union!!! I mean, destiny calls….*if you love this deck - sign up for my class in Tarot Fundamentals and connecting to your intuition with Uncommon Goods (you are gifted the deck with the class…)

“It’s there. I know it is, because when I look at you I can feel it. And I look at you and I’m home.” - Finding Nemo

The Tower - The Knight of Pentacles - The Queen of Chalices from The Star Spinner Deck by Trungles.