The Hermit…

Lucky day for all of the introverts out there - It’s a “Stay Quiet” Monday!!! That’s right, zip it. Retreat and withdraw, friends. Even if you do feel like you have something to contribute, keep it to yourself for right now. Why? You are regenerating, refocusing and clarifying so many things for yourself today - even those excellent ideas can be shaped by this moment of solitude. But, don’t just disappear in the darkness of your bedroom or stop talking without purpose. Fill your silence with reflection and inspiration. Use this time to your benefit to merge two versions of self as one. There is a self you show to the outside world which is very different from the self you harbor deep within. How can you bring these two versions of you together to light your heart with vision and true intention? Perhaps there is an activity you have been longing to do that slipped to the bottom of your priority list? Welp, move it to the top. Or maybe there’s an interest or hobby you have long forgotten that deserves to be revisited? Or just enlist silence and wait for the path to be revealed to you. Take a personal treat within to reveal a more meaningful existence this Monday!

“It is only alone, truly alone that one bursts apart, springs forth.” - Maria Isabel Barreno

The Hermit - Artist’s Rendering by Sandy Littel

The Nine of Pentacles…

Completion is the theme of our week ahead. Finishing, finalizing, ending - however you would like to phrase it - we will be experiencing completion. Perhaps we will enjoy the completion of a project or goal, or maybe just feel relief at the end of a long day or two. But, completion is more than just reaching the finish line. Completion is also defined as “having all parts or elements; lacking nothing; whole; entire; full”. Now that sounds divine -”lacking nothing; whole…” In order to feel the full effects of our accomplishments, we MUST open enough space in our lives to savor the sweet delight of those moments. So, this week - take the time you need to celebrate all of the elements that came together in just the right way so that you might realize your achievements. Rejoice and indulge in your own success - no matter how big or small. You deserve to feel “whole” and revel in that personal glow of fulfillment. When you reach the finish line, claim your time to do it and do it with finesse!

“Completed. Tickled. Done. Finished.” - Claire Burge

The 9 of Pentacles from the 78 Tarot

Two of Wands…

When the sky turns grey, there is still juicy and enticing possibility on the horizon for you! In fact, you get to decide what you would like to do to counteract the mundane blahs that threaten to settle in. Are you going to sit pretty and let the dullness hover, or will you step outside of your comfort zone and take a chance on something poetic and abstract? Romance is all around you, so why not beckon for it to claim you? Tonight, imagine you are a flamboyant street musician who must orchestrate a new path for self - a magical busker of sorts. What does this song you play sound like? What colors and fragrances call to you and feed your music as you play? Who leans out of their windows as you emotionally belt out your tune? What street are you on as they clap and throw money and flowers in your direction? This vision may hold some clues for your great escape. Sift those puzzle pieces and construct your own delicious remedy to rescue you from everyday doldrums. You have a choice - there is always a choice. Boredom or audaciousness? Ennui or pleasure? Melancholy or romance? You decide.

“Throw your dreams into space like a kite and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.” - Anäis Nin

The Two of Wands - Art by Katelan Foisy

The Page of Pentacles - Reversed…

Are you feeling frustrated? Something you are aiming for and putting a great deal of work into is just not going your way? Stop. Yep - you heard me right. Stop doing. Walk away, take a break. You need a breather. If you continue in this venture right now, you will only wind up depleting your energy and feeling hopeless. So, time to set it down and find escape. Go for a beautiful walk…take a day trip that gets you out of your head…do something that has absolutely nothing to do with that project or situation. In fact, not just today - take the time you need to recover and restore without the nagging pressure of that obligation. I can feel your panic as I write this - “But, it has to get done. But, they can’t wait. But, there’s a deadline…” And I say this - “It will. They can. Set your own deadline when you are ready.” And how about this “but”, “But what about you and your own personal wellbeing?!?” Time to take a break. Just walk away. You will know when you are ready to return to it and you will return with a fresh outlook.

“Sometimes when we take a break, we may find that solutions then present themselves.” - Catherine Pulsifer

The Page of Pentacles - Reversed from Dame Darcy’s Mermaid Tarot

The Seven of Cups - Reversed…

This is not a “feel good” read - the cards are giving us straight up tarot tough love today. Get your head out of the clouds! I know you are feeling trapped by reality, but your current circumstance is limited in this moment, so you will have to sit tight for a bit. Don’t make any decisions today, as things are not what they seem. Even the possibilities that appear for you in this hold, will prove not to be viable. Emotions abound within and this internal turmoil won’t allow you to even process the truth of these opportunities. Your future projections are unreliable and everything being presented is not what it seems. Today is not a day for dreaming, but rather living in the truth and actuality you are so desperately trying to avoid. Confront the truth of your situation. Sometimes, we simply do not have choices until we look the truth square in the eye. So, come back to reality, my friends.

“You never find yourself until you face the truth.” - Pearl Bailey

The 7 of Cups (Reversed) - Just being honest - I don’t know what deck this image is from.

The King of Wands…

Monday throwing you an unnerving curve ball? Well, if you really want to take charge in a fiery way, it’s time to extend your vision beyond what is directly in front of you. There are so many ways to get this week back on track - so start by getting creative in your understanding of what is possible. Think long term - far reaching and big picture. Ok, enough of the buzz-words. But, really, imagining yourself pushing past what is possible and connecting with the feeling of great achievement and success first. And then, traveling back in time to envision the steps that got you there. This could inspire you to do things a little differently. A spark of inspiration is exactly what you need to stand your ground. Set the visionary in you free, by letting the originality of your own imagination ignite.

“It’s not what you look at that matters. It’s what you see.” - Henry David Thoreau

The King of Wands from the Mystic Monday Tarot by Grace Duong

Temperance…

This week use your imagination to invite balance back into your own personal wonderland. Last week’s twists and turns have led you in a direction of reactiveness and over-indulgence which is not sustainable. You may not want to admit this, but it’s true. You’ve had an exhaustive swim in a river that proved to be more sour than sweet. Pull yourself out of the sludge, shake off the sticky residue and use all of your thoughtful eccentricity to find an easier way of reaching your destination. Meld everything you have already discovered while on this exciting, but tiresome journey and create the perfect composition of sweet and savory to share with those in your circle. This flow of tasty creative juices might change your course entirely, so be open and ready for anything - let yourself be fizzy-lifted to a a lighter atmosphere! You are not a bad egg, my friend, so welcome evenness into your life - it’s time to approach your goals with measured and magical style.

“So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it.” - Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) by way of Roald Dahl

The Temperance Card - Artist’s Rendering on Santulli Illustration - Perry Santulli

The Wheel of Fate…

This card appeared for me twice this week - Upright and Reversed. Initially I didn’t post about it, but today with its second appearance, I knew I would have to confront it. Honestly, with the week it’s been, it makes sense this card has manifested in both directions. (BTW - you can always tell I’ve had a crazy week when every “card of the day” becomes a “card of the late night”.) So here’s a little symbolism dissertation courtesy of the internet noting the Wheel of Fate as a reflection of the Buddhist Wheel of Life : “The circle, the round shape of the wheel, represents the perfection of the dharma, the Buddha's teaching. The rim of the wheel represents meditative concentration and mindfulness, which hold practice together. The hub represents moral discipline.” Mindfulness…practice…concentration…all elements that were necessary to get through the twists and turns of the week! In the center, that moral discipline both guiding and observing as we proceed. The wheel can become a compass. When we lose our way, we only need to focus, practice and be mindful to activate our way toward greater understanding and connect with our moral center. But, to be honest…sometimes I just want to go to bed and start fresh in the morning! Good night!

“Life is like a wheel. Sooner or later it always comes around to where you started again.” - Stepen King

The Wheel of Fortune/Fate from the Elemental Tarot 78 (Artist Chris Anne)

Page of Cups…

Surprising day. Not easy, but surprising. Are you feeling the same way? When stress levels get high and emotions churn, it helps to greet each moment with the openness of a child. You don’t have to fully detach from your emotional life to function. You can simply be curious. Curiosity allows you to step outside of the experience and recognize the usefulness of all kinds of things. Laughter is a balm, anger can lead to knowledge and even tears can be advantageous when they are shared. So take that overwhelm, get inquisitive and grow yourself a gorgeous garden. Expect the best of those you give you and if they don’t join you in your mission to heighten toward the sun - if they threaten your own glorious extension - simply ask “why” with a smile. Hold on to that innocence they have long abandoned and no matter what feelings strike you, you will proliferate. Sweet dreams, my beautiful sunflowers!

“CURIOSITY WILL CONQUER FEAR EVEN MORE THAN BRAVERY WILL”. - James Stephens

The Page of Cups from The Housewives Tarot by Jude Buffum and Paul Kepple

The Star - Reversed…

Just went you thought the worst of it was over and you could begin to recover and restore, you are thrust back into the madness. Typical. Your light feels dim and your whole perspective seems out of focus. You cannot let the dark thoughts fall away from your mind and your whole body contorts to maintain the status quo. There just are days like this when nothing you do will wash away the stress and tension. I feel your exhaustion, my friends. It won’t last forever, though. Eventually you will turn this course on end and release yourself from the expectations of others (and the expectations of self) that are just overwhelming. As you move through this, though, be mindful of your shining spirit, hiding away in the darkness. They need some care. Breathe in, breathe out and trust that renewal is not too far away. You will be healed, but for now - endure and protect. May you find rest and peace tonight while you sleep and throw gratitude in the face of whatever affronts you tomorrow!

“Dim lights perform different magic.” - JLo

The Star (Reversed) from The Thoth Deck by Aleister Crowley

King of Wands…

I know you want to be in charge and I know how much you feel like you could do it so much better. Wouldn’t it be blissful to sit on the thrown and delegate as everyone takes your orders and sets them in motion? You would be passionate, visionary, fair and lead everyone to communal growth. If you could just step into the role - you would tear everything down and do it your way and your way would bring on great improvement overall. You’d be inspirational - not bossy. You’d set up a functional foundation, instead of confusing matters. You would rule supreme and garner respect through creativity and compassion. But, do you truly know what it takes? I’m not trying to knock you down. I’m urging you to refine and focus - really try to understand all of the elements that would need to conspire for success in this position. So, if you want to rise to the top with flare - spend a little time investigating the confined of the position you admire. What hidden forces are at play behind those scenes? What limitations does the current figurehead have to contend with? There are pieces of this palace you haven’t had to visit yet…look deeper. Prepare yourself or be ready to back down because of the surprise challenges you find there.

“Entrepreneurs are those that understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage.” - Niccolo Machiavelli

The King of Wands from the Rider/Waite/Smith Deck

Judgement…

This week, as the chaos of fearsome obligations encircle you, walk through it all and step into the lighted cave of who you are. As you approach, no matter how panicky you are, step inside. In this glowing cavern, be prepared to meet yourself in a way that surprises you. The best and worst of who you are and who you have been will rise up with fury to challenge you once you enter. Here you must reconcile with self and strip away the pieces of your being which are no longer useful to you or others. Let those shadow pieces float away from you leaving their stories in ancient hieroglyphics on the cave’s stony walls. Once released, your true worth is illuminated. Visions of self will emerge that reveal the best of who you are. They will enhance the luminosity of this cove and fill you with warmth. Embrace this enlivened light you feel all around you - let your skin absorb it all with no reservations. You will know when it’s time to walk out of your inmost cave and be reborn into the world as a refined and purified person - the person you are meant to be. It’s a big week, my heroes - don’t shy away!

“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure that you seek.” - Joseph Campbell

The Judgement Card - Artist Rendering on Deviant Art by Shingshingshing

The Ace of Cups…

When opportunity for love presents, will you take a sip or let it evaporate into thin air? Whether you are looking for new love or to strengthen an existing relationship, a chance for love is here and it is fleeting, so don’t miss out. Not seeing it? Not feeling it? Welp, you better look a little harder and feel a little deeper so you can figure it out, because the deliciousness of emotional excitement and resurrecting growth is calling to you. If you accept this invitation and work hard to cultivate it, harmony, restoration and overflowing emotional joy are guaranteed. So, pay attention to your heart and when you feel it bubbling up and ready to spill over, be prepared to say yes to the opportunity for even more expansion of your experience in the realm of romance. Cheers, my friend, to your sudden gift!

“Be the fountain that overflows, not the cistern that merely contains.” - Paulo Coelho

The Act of Cups from This Might Hurt Tarot by Isabella Rotman

The Six of Cups…

Sharing is caring, my friends. No, but really…the theme of this weekend is giving freely of yourself to others. But, not just giving… giving with the open heart and innocent spirit of a child. This weekend, you will find yourself in situations with loved ones where you are required to offer yourself, partaking in an exchange that ask you to be vulnerable and share without hesitation or expectation. You may have to share more deeply than you thought. Emotions will be tender in all the right ways and you hold the key to the protection and encouragement that is needed by those you hold most dear. Give it to them - the key with you heart and you will enjoy a sense of fulfillment you didn’t know was possible. Sharing is pretty basic, but if you commit to the feeling of it with all of your being, it will lift you and your loved one up into a blissful state of happiness. Give them what they need and your needs will also be fulfilled.

“Happiness is something that multiplies when it is divided.” - Paulo Coelho

The 6 of Cups from The 78 Tarot

The High Priestess…

Life can be a radiant glitter bomb - on the outside it shimmers like the dust of distant heavens, but on the inside you know you will have to clean up the aftermath. What else do you know, you enchantresses and magic makers? Tonight is a good night to pull some cards, meditate, and connect deeper to your intuition. Remind yourself that you have an open invitation into the sacred space of the cosmos, because you hold that space within. Invite intrigue and channel your clairvoyance in ways that challenge yourself. Life is a riddle and you are the author of that twisted missive. You have more understanding of it than you realize. Most mysteries are not meant to be unraveled, but felt in a way that inspires self toward greater knowledge. Know that you can be the missing piece to a puzzle when you plunge into the depths of your own inner wisdom. So take a deep, glamorous plunge into the wellspring of your own hidden spirit and let that radiant glitter bomb fly.

“Intuition is seeing with the soul.” - Dean Koontz

The High Priestess from the Aunty Flo Collection

The Empress…

The Empress has returned today, blossoming just for us! I must say, the day has overwhelmed me a bit and I was indoors or in front of a computer ALL DAY LONG, so it was hard to feel her presence. Perhaps, she blooms in reflection upon the day’s events? Let us think upon the many ways we aided in growth. How did you enrich or nurture others or self as the day evolved? What did you share with the world around you? Who benefited from the many colors you displayed throughout even the most challenging moments? What delight did your presence gift to all you encountered? As you reached for the sky, did you do this alone or share the expansion with those around you? There is certain magic to be shared, whether indoors or outdoors and you are a very vital part of the natural realm. Some small seed of joy you planted today, will undoubtedly sprout in time to come and the Empress is there, watching over us all as we tend to our gardens.

“The secret to growth is helping others grow.” - Julian Hall

The Empress from The Tarot of Mystical Moments by Catrin Welz-Stein

Queen of Wands…

When the universe sends a brand of chaos in your direction, you know just how to step in and take charge. Today you have met with your fair share of obstacles, but instead of jumping over them, you greeted them with your own level of passionate mayhem by using the power of your subconscious. Well done, you Queens! Sometimes we need to meet fire with fire and let all of the commotion dance together in the most beautiful blend of disorder. Yes, disorder can be beautiful - in fact, it a can lead you and others to a rainbow of ideas that would otherwise never be conceived as possible. Some leaders thrive in the most tumultuous situations. Give yourself a royal treatment for orchestrating the impossible today. And recognize that this is, in fact, a super power that you have and can use at the moments you need it most. When life feels like a dumpster fire, wear a crown of flames with pride.

“When something sets your soul on fire, don’t be afraid to dance with it.” - Stacie Marten

The Queen of Wands from the 78 Tarot Astral - Tarot in Space

The Empress…

Except for a brief glimpse of just a hint of a rainbow outside my window this afternoon, I must admit, I have not felt the presence of the Empress today. Although, this is the card I pulled this morning. I can only hope she is planning on creeping into our nights to command a greater understanding of growth for us all. Let’s see how her dark beauty emerges with the moon and just what promise of abundance she delivers. Maybe the glamour of her love will shine upon our dreams, filling them with delightful ideas on how to enrich our lives? I’m getting excited, because I think the meaning of her appearance will light up our nights with hope, joy, love and the promise of growth we all long for. Tuesday morning when you awake, let me know how she revealed herself to you and what secrets were shared. I can’t wait to hear all about it, unless she’s asked you to be discreet...

“She is an empress. She carries within her the exotic glow of the moon and leaves in her wake, colorful stardust.” - unknown

The Empress from Solaris Tarot Deck (Star Wars Inspired) by Elithien

The Emperor - Reversed…

You have a very important mission this week - identify the person in your life who is controlling and manipulating you. Perhaps this is an authority figure that you feel you MUST obey and adhere to? Or maybe they are a teacher that seems to have the best intentions on the surface, but are leading you astray. Could be someone you love dearly and look up to, whose energy has shifted in unexpected ways…or even a friend that always has the greatest advice, but is suddenly threatened by your level of confidence. You may not think there is such a person, but they are there, so really examine the influential forces in your life. You don’t have to take immediate action, but knowing is EVERYTHING. Notice how they may be trying to strip you of your individual agency and destroy your creative spirit in very hidden ways. How you take control of this situation is up to you. But this week, you reclaim your personal power by the very evocative act of recognition. It will be hard to digest, but you will feel so much more in control once you identify this threat.

“Don’t you dare shrink yourself for someone else’s comfort. Do not become small for people who refuse to grow.” - Steve Maraboli

The Emperor (Reversed) from The Rider/Waite/Smith Deck

The Magician…

What you do holds great impact. Do you feel the power of the connection you have with the universe?!? Every day, every minute and every second your existence changes the course of the world. Yes…just by breathing, you affect space and time. Do you feel the great responsibility you have inherited? So, ask the night sky….”What am I meant to create? How might I swirl a more meaningful intention with the tools of magic I have been given?” Making magic is not something you need to strive for - it is your inherent gift, so do not deny yourself the joy of your own influence. Create something bold, big and beautiful…or just be. But, don’t for a second think you are escaping responsibility by just existing…you exist for a reason and that reason is to make magic in your own unique way. The power of the universe will find you…even if you hide. Don’t hide.

“Don’t let another day go by without being touched by the magic inside of you.” - Prep Rawat

The Magician - Art by Space Turtle Studios