Star (Reversed) Into the Three of Swords…

I know we are so close to a holiday- close enough that you are ready to check out. I don’t blame you -you deserve to disconnect from the thoughts that hold you hostage! BUT (there’s always a but…) there is something truly important that is on your mind and in your heart so deep that you cannot simply just release it and check out. So, this week meditate on that particular thing which truly needs your attention. Your focus should be on the core of what truly matters to you…what YOU need in order to simplify and restore your life and the lives of others around you. You have the power to remove the worry, fear and doubt from your own mind AND the minds of those you love…so DO it. I know you don’t want to think or work so hard, but I promise if you focus with intention on the issue that is calling to you, you can conquer it and alleviate the heaviness that haunts you and others in your world. FOCUS on fixing that thing that plagues you - you can heal yourself AND others!

“The things that matter the most in our lives are not fantastic or grand. They are the moments when we touch one another.” - Jack Kornfield

The Star (Reversed) from The Fey Tarot by Riccardo Minetti and Mara Aghem and the Three of Swords from the Morgan Greer Tarot Deck by Bill F. Greer

Queen of Cups - Reversed…

The theme of emotional content continues for us this weekend. We are FEELING it right now, aren’t we? In a strange way, we may not even be sure about what we are feeling or why these emotions seem to be stirring and rising to the surface. It almost seems like we are trapped in a bubble of sentiments, just waiting to burst forth in unknown directions. But there is something so needed in this haze of murky water in which we sit - a sense of personal power that is growing deep down within. Take your time here. Do not push yourself to include others in what you are experiencing. In fact, all that others ask or need of you right now can wait. You will know when the time is right to break through your bubble and emerge with quiet potency. It may not be tonight…

“Feel it. That thing you don’t want to feel. Feel it and be free.” - Nayirra Waheed

The Queen of Cups (Reversed) from the Fountain Tarot) by Jason Gruhl

Balance into The Ace of Cups…

Ace of Cups flew out of the deck this morning, so I decided to pull another card to strengthen the message. This weekend may hand you an overflow of emotional content - not necessarily in a bad way. In fact, in all of the feels you will find treasure and delight that quenches the thirst of your soul. Sound good? It can be IF you temper your experience with the wisdom and warmth of a balanced approach. Make sure you ground yourself in fire and light so you are ready to let full range of feelings wash over you. Heighten all of your senses so the experience is completely absorbed. If you do, your understanding of this moment will be beautiful in ways you hadn’t thought possible. If you want to hold on to that moment forever, take a picture with your heart - not your phone. Have a transcendent weekend!

“Be like the fountain that overflows. Not like the cistern that merely contains.” - Paulo Coelho

Balance into The Ace of Cups from The Slow Tarot by Lacey Bryant

Seven of Pentacles…

Rewards come in many ways - a letter or card of appreciation, a favor returned, a nice big pay check, the satisfaction of a job well done…the list goes on and on. But, sometimes we are so hard at work, we forget to stop and take a moment to experience the payoff!?! Think of a garden - you prepare the soil, plant the seeds, water just the right amount and tend to what is growing every step of the way. But, when the time comes, you pick those juicy tomatoes or strawberries and indulge with delight. They taste extra good when you know you brought them to life! And, the beautiful flowers you nurture - when they blossom, you get to enjoy their vibrant colors and their perfume scents! So, whatever you have been working on in your work life - stop, sit back and indulge yourself in the beauty of all the progress you have made thus far! I promise it will make you so much more grateful for the work that is still to come. Happy Thursday!

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate!” - Oprah Winfrey

The Seven of Pentacles from The Crystal Visions Tarot by Jennifer Galasso

Ace of Wands - Reversed…

Sometimes opportunity presents that isn’t all that exciting to you. Potential for change is here, but you are not feeling particularly passionate about it. But don’t be too quick to dismiss this developing prospect. It could be that your lack of drive is not about this particular situation at all, but actually points to your own fear and resistance to reach out and take hold of the unknown. Maybe your own spirit is just experiencing a general, lackluster haze of indecisiveness? Or perhaps you are worried that by diving into something new, you will be leading yourself in the wrong direction? I would say there is no wrong direction when it comes to growth. No matter which way you sprout, you will be learning and evolving towards a path of greater clarity and if you find out you are headed in a direction that you don’t like, you can change course. The only wrong choice is stagnation in this moment. Inaction will prove to intensify your malaise. So, it’s in your hands now - you can remain dormant or you can flourish…I say BLOSSOM!

“Be not afraid of growing slowly. Be only afraid of standing still” - Chinese Proverb

The Ace of Wands (Reversed) from This Might Hurt Tarot by Isabella Rotman

Seven of Swords - Reversed…

Let the hard work of your mind fall away and pinpoint the real issues you need to focus on. You have been spreading yourself too thin, which doesn’t allow you to sharpen the fine details in any area of your life. And, a small piece of you holds a growing resentment of the way you have been made to stay ahead of the game when you aren’t even sure you have the full, honest information. Rise above this all and bring your mind and spirit closer to the important colors and the small moving pieces that truly need your attention. In some ways, you don’t even need the truth to know what is there. You will feel lighter if you free your mind enough to be able to enjoy all of the dynamics of each moment that you have been missing. Sometimes the hard work should be more specifically connected to your spirit.

“The closer one comes to the truth, the further one gets from the mind.” - James Pierce

The Seven of Swords (Reversed) from The Golden Tarot of Klimt from Lo Scarabeo

The Ten of Wands…

When your Monday is a chaos-filled pile of burdens, it’s not a fun way to start your week. My advice, based on this draw, blow it all up and do what you want. I know the idea of that fills you with anxiety, but the load is too heavy and, let’s face it, it’s not of your making - you are trying wayyyy to hard to clean up other peoples messes. All that dirt you are scrubbing away at doesn’t need attention right this minute. The level of expectation that has been placed upon you is too high and the world is not going to end if you just let it go. Drop what you are doing. Start fresh tomorrow and I think it will become very clear to you which of these tasks truly need a little polish and which should just go straight into the incinerator never to be thought of again. Let it all go and trust that when the dust settles you can start clean with a more focused approach to what really matters.

“Catch on fire, if you must. Sometimes everything needs to burn to the ground, so that we may grow.” - AJ Lawless

The 10 of Wands from the Housewives Tarot by Paul Keffel and Jude Buffum

The King of Pentacles - Reversed…

If you truly want to grow a strong and healthy future for yourself and for loved ones, you may have to accept some advice or support from your past that you have pushed away. It’s true that you are independent both in thought and spirit, but don’t deny yourself the wisdom necessary to foster that which you have already planted in a way that will expand your roots. As a card for your week ahead, you will find yourself making necessary changes to your life to ensure that you will have what you need years to come. Part of these changes will require that you reach out to someone in your life who has the power and knowledge you need - someone you had once resisted and dismissed. They have what you need - a secret that will help you spring forth in a powerful way. Listen to them and absorb the nutrients necessary for you to stretch with sturdiness into the sky for many years ahead.

“All of us at certain moments in our lives, need to take advice and accept help from other people.” - Alexis Carrel

The King of Pentacles (Reversed) - Artist’s Rendering by Noa Ikeda

King of Cups…

Two visits this week from the King of Cups - he is back with a message for the weekend ahead! You have a vast understanding of what it takes to navigate through murky water in all seasons. You’ve weathered enough storms to know that there will eventually be sunny skies peaking through. You do not get easily thrown by sudden surprises or unexpected setbacks. In fact, you love the challenge of a rogue wave! You also know when the time is right to sit back and celebrate the ups and downs with a big cup of rum. This weekend you will recognize that your experience on the high seas of life has made you a master of taking life in stride just enough to rise above the current. No matter where you have travelled from or where you set your sail toward, you are always at home in your own ship. Your understanding of the world around you and your own mission are quite clear and you should revel in this. Happy sailing!

“Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and if we were good, god would permit us to be pirates.” - Mark Twain

The King of Cups - Artist’s Rendering by Greg Espinosa

The Empress - Reversed…

Feel like you are floating listlessly through outer space? It’s ok to have a day where you just feel empty and disconnected from the world around you. You don’t have to feel full of life and wonder in each and every moment. In fact, sometimes you just have to throw your hands up and accept that you lack inspiration. Allow yourself the space to do and be nothing. If you can, imagine you are not a star, but the space in between those stars - existing only as dark matter. Wiki lists this regarding outer-space atmosphere: “Observations suggest that the majority of the mass-energy in the observable universe is dark energy, a type of vacuum energy that is poorly understood.” Disappear into the vacuum today, if you feel poorly understood. Allow yourself the dark space to just not care. By doing this, you will eventually restore your spark, I promise.

“I subscribe to the idea that personality is like a muscle and sometimes you have to let it go limp and detach yourself from any associations.” - Alan Palomo

The Empress (Reversed) Art by Valeria Arava

Judgement…

Imagine a secret portal opens and from that portal magic, fire, ferocity and chaos are set loose to turn everything you know to be true inside out and upside down. All of this whirls around you with frantic and terrifying velocity. You can feel its tornado like winds hit your face and blow your hair back in anger. You are in awe and jarred from your natural approach to the world around you. You don’t know whether to stay in this moment or run, but something deep inside tells you you cannot outrun this. However, behind that swirling mass of pandemonium, there is a bright light of clarity and understanding beckoning you to move through the disorder and walk into its gateway. Once you are there, you lose the frenetic feeling of all that engulfs you and you can only feel warmth and joy tingling on your skin. And you know longer hear the angry wind, but you can hear music. This song does not have lyrics, but it has something to tell you. What does this harmonious tune say to you? If you can decipher its message you will be reborn in naked freedom and unrivaled authenticity. Let yourself be guided toward an elevated sense of self and universe.

“Strip away the fear. Underneath it’s all the same love.” - Macklemore

The Judgement Card - Artists Rendering by ShingShingShing on Deviant Art

King of Pentacles - Sun - Five of Cups…

Three cards jumped out of my deck today when I was shuffling to pull our card and I got the message loud and clear. So what if you think a higher up is looking down on your actions in disapproval. Do NOT feel guilt and shame about how they perceived you acted or reacted. In fact, your intention was so open and true and then need to understand that. They do not have the full information and if you slink away without telling them, they never will. Get over the idea that hey are so much greater than you and appeal to them more on the level. Your side of this story will shed a great deal of light on their understanding of who you are and how your purpose in this undertaking is alive with positivity. Make them see and appreciate your power and potential. And if they don’t, you don’t need them anyway. You have a hidden reserve of abundance tucked away that you can use to your own advantage. Do NOT let this person intimidate you. You deserve better.

“When our actions are based on good intentions, our soul has no regrets.” - Anthony Douglas Wiliams

The King of Pentacles hovering above the Sun into the 5 of Cups from the Rider-Waite-Smith Deck

King of Cups…

Feeling visionary?! Have dynamic ideas?!? Feeling passionate about bringing this imaginative enterprise to fruition. Today, take the lead and plot out your future masterpiece. The depth of your understanding of the human condition and your determination to guide others with it will guarantee a high level of success. Really see it come to life on the canvas in your spirit - what are the various colors and textures you will need from others to make this stunning piece come to life? Be ready to dance in the ebb and flow as you commit to making progress. There will be ups and downs, but your management of it all will help you find the perfect flow. Dream big and then ascend to the heights of that aspiration with regal self-assurance and an open heart. Today is just the beginning.

“A vision without a plan is just a hallucination.” - Will Rogers

The King of Cups from the 78 Tarot Carnival Deck - Artist is Brenda Lyons

The Five of Swords…

What disappointment of your own making has you feeling guilt, shame and dread? Good news - you have five chances to face your most recent defeat this week. I know this sounds like a downer, but there is always possibility to learn and grow within a failure. So it’s time to stop feeling sorry for yourself, and find the sweet in the bittersweet. Monday through Friday pick a moment each day to face the disaster you have been desperately trying to sweep under the rug. Perhaps on Monday you begin with an easy reflection on self and the situation to dip your toes into your own pool of sorrow? Once you’ve gotten over that first hurdle - what are the 4 remaining ways you can turn this failure into something more? Do you need to take action? Speak with someone? Say you are sorry? Find closure? Mend something or someone that you broke? If there isn’t fixing on the outside, what can you do for self to come to terms with it? And, how can you pinpoint the lessons within this stabbing pain? Once you have done all of this, your final step - how do you use all that you’ve gained from the fallout of your own misfiring to move forward? Because, I think by the end of the week, you will see that you have gained quite a lot…and won’t it feel lovely to move beyond it all?

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” - Michael Jordan

The Five of Swords from the Thoth Tarot by Aleister Crowley

The Devil - Reversed…

The Weekend is a good time to explore a little deviation from self-harming behavior. What is the addiction that keeps you in chains? For me, it’s saying yes to everyone, taking on too much work and feeling overwhelmed by responsibility. For my friend who helped pull this card of the day, it’s a negative thought pattern that swirls in her head - that internal voice that is constantly spewing fear, hate and uncertainty. For some, it may be an actual substance dependency which falsely promises a way to self-medicate against darkness. No matter how big or small, take an hour or two today to fall away from it by doing it differently. If you are someone who leads in social situations because you need that sense of control, take a back seat and let others make decisions. If you are reserved with others, speak your mind and share your heart in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable. If cynical thoughts haunt you - write them down with a positive re-frame as they come to you. If you turn toward a substance in your time of need, try calling a friend instead. Exorcise your demons. You can take one small step toward unfurling the chains that are strangling you. I believe in your power to fall away from this hold. For me, I am leaving all emails unanswered for the rest of today. Sounds easy, but it isn’t. I will do it nonetheless.

“Chains of habit are too light to be felt, until they are too heavy to be broken.” - Warren Buffett

The Devil (Reversed) from the Star Spinner Deck by Trungles

The Hierophant…

This weekend you will be tested. Life will present you with a situation which insists you tap into your personal and spiritual knowledge regarding self and others. Don’t panic - don’t rush in with answers. Take a minute and steady yourself. You have an inner reservoir of wisdom that you have been filling and refilling over all these years. Analyze what is needed most and connect with the right information you have held within that well for just this moment. Manifest the true answers through stillness and deep thought. You will know what is right. You will know what is true. The power with which you deliver your message is an important part of this examination. If you allow for the space to explore your deep understanding of the world, you will know what is right to do or say. Knowledge is power and this opportunity will make you aware of just how much power you hold. Let your own response to life’s sudden evaluation leave you awe-inspired.

“Knowledge was always the power that kept the Universe in it’s place and the stars turning in their orbits.” - Paulo Coelho

The Hierophant from Yamoja-Swordsfall

The Ace of Wands…

What fire sparked your imagination today? What new idea or experience popped up that you felt excited about? What made you feel impassioned? What emboldened you in a surprising and startling way? How can you grab hold of that particular fire-starter and use it to grow bigger and strengthen your resolve to advance? Your spontaneous enthusiasm could be the start of something amazing. If you could channel all that fire through a magic wand - what kind of magic would you work with it? Let your answer to this question be a guide to you for the weekend ahead. Use the power of your internal flame like you can wield it in your hands. Make others take notice as you create your own brand of sorcery. Let your heart grow in the direction of your dreams. Speaking of, sweet dreams!

“Purpose is the reason you journey. Passion is the fire that lights the way.” - Anonymous

The Ace of Wands - Artist’s Rendering by S. Rebel

The Ten of Pentacles…

In our quest toward security, abundance and achievements we can sometimes get lost in the task at hand. It can be a necessity to take each moment as it comes and approach our lives one day at a time, but we must not lose sight of the desired dream. So many elements come together throughout the course of a life to construct the big picture. So, if your life is an art project with the hope of creating and maintaining something secure and wholistic - what are you currently weaving? And what tools and materials do you have in hand to weave with? Think big when it comes to what you need and desire and make sure every little moment of how you live is contributing to that dream - how you interact with others, how you respond to opportunity, how you treat yourself and how you choose to honor your own time all can be threads of your final design! Your approach to this project we call life determines the strength of your final creation. Happy weaving!

“A good life is like weaving. Energy is created in the tension. The struggle, the pull and the tug are everything.” - Joan Erickson

The 10 of Pentacles from Barbara Walker Tarot

Ten of Cups…

I know Halloween is past, but are you still feeling like you need to ward off evil spirits?!? I have to be honest, I’ve had the sensation for the past two days that I am staying only steps in front of a cloud of darkness. It’s obviously disconcerting when you feel like something untoward is lurking just behind you every step you take. SO, it may be time to call on the good spirits!!! The power and memories of our ancestors and family passed can be the bright rainbow we seek. Tonight, take a moment to imagine they are surrounding you with color, smiles and music as a kind of protection against that dread. In your dreams, dance with them under the stars and thank them for their constant presence (they are always there, you know.) When you wake, acknowledge them, as you leap from bed - smile and nod. Tomorrow, no matter what creeps in, you can rest assured that your clan from the otherside has drenched you in love and safety and you will continue to remain steps ahead of that lingering darkness. Happy Dios De Las Muertos!

“Walking, I am listening to a deeper way. Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me. Be still, they say. Watch and listen. You are the result of the love of thousands.” - Linda Hogan

The Ten of Cups from the Ghosts and Spirits Tarot Deck by Lisa Hunt

Three of Swords - Reversed…

When things are foggy and hard to navigate, we often cling to our thoughts to make sense of it all. But, sometimes life is just unavoidably surreal and we have to let it be so. This week, try not to clench onto your mind’s perspective or out think what you are experiencing. You may believe that your notions of what is true will help to comfort and support you, but they are only causing you more pain. Give in to the absurdity and meet it at its face value. Rationalizing the truly ridiculous is an exercise in futility. Accept that you are a sane, functioning individual in the center of a ludicrous circumstance. If you let your mind take control, you will succumb to the thorniness of the twisted folly of others. In this situation, your thoughts will deceive you because the landscape is disorienting. See and feel it for what it is - do not think so intensely about it that you take it to heart.

“In an insane world, sanity made very little sense.” - Rachel Caine

The 3 of Swords (Reversed) from The Tarot of The Hidden Realm by Barbara Moore and Julia Jeffrey