The Knight of Pentacles…

In my Tarot Class for Uncommon Goods, I talk of how you can use your cards to make magic in your own life. Today was a day that my deck showed up for me and helped me to achieve, so I wanted to share the quick story with you, in the hopes that it might inspire. During quarantine-times, I became a runner. But, more of a runner/walker - “run as much as I can and walk when struggling”. But, this year I challenged myself to enter a few races with the goal of running to beat my own times - and running the full races. This morning was a race for me, so I asked my deck a question, “What can I do to keep myself moving and achieve my goal?” and I pulled The Knight of Pentacles. The message was clear - keep my focus on the atmosphere around me - stay in the material world and enjoy the moving scenery as I run. When and if I struggle, I will breathe, center my focus on continuing to move forward at a pace that works best for me and trust that the universe will be right behind me - easing me forward with grace. When I noticed the Knight on the card was barefoot, it reminded me of a quote I love and I thought, “Oh! Kiss the ground with my feet - feel gratitude for each step I take and that will motivate me.” This card came through - I beat my last time of 11 minutes per mile to finish with a smile on my face at 9 minutes per mile. Use your cards to make magic, my friends. I leave the quote for you here as a message from this Knight today…

“Be aware of the contact between your feet and the earth. Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet.” ―Thich Nhat Hanh

The Knight of Pentacles from The Light Seer’s Deck by Chris-Anne

Queen of Wands…

You are about to have a dramatically beautiful weekend. Your creative passion will grow tall and proud like a sunflower reaching for the glorious rays of the sun. The warmth of that light will infuse you with ardent feeling which will empower you in ways you hadn’t imagined possible. When the sun sneaks away, make magic in the darkness and dance among the fireflies that are drawn to your own glow. Honestly, you are ravishing and hold yourself with such majesty as you move through this weekend that you will inspire joy for all that enter your orbit. If anyone dares to try to restrict your light, stand tall and unwavering and they will soon retreat. Embrace the beauty of life all around you. This your weekend for radiant and powerful experiences. Don’t be afraid to lead the charge.

“The undeniable radiance of one who is not afraid to grow, be free and thrive.” -Yung Pueblo

The Queen of Wands from the Tarot of Mystical Moments by Catrin Welz-Stein

Justice…

Hey Warriors…you know what is right. Trust your gut about whatever has happened today….if something feels a little off - or maybe even very off - take a stand and speak your mind. Defending what you believe in is so important to maintaining the balance - not just for you, but for all involved. Though, taking a stand might be difficult in this case, as you may be standing against the popular belief system. But, whatever went wildly wrong today - tomorrow is your chance to right it. Step in with a fierce and unapologetic stance. Make your passionate agenda more important than your personal goals. You may have to sacrifice a little bit of your own comfort, but ultimately you will gain so much more than that surface level of existence if you get in there an fight. You feel what is needed, so step in like the wild hero that you are and be the champion for so many that need your fearless energy. Tomorrow is the chance for you to let your true self surface and take control.

“Stand up for what is right, even if you stand alone.” - Suzy Kassem

Justice - Artist’s rendering by Mariana Meira on Behance.net

Six of Wands - Reversed…

I know you are little disappointed that you aren’t being celebrated for all that you have done, but do you really need all that recognition to keep going? It might be time to rearrange your priorities on this mission. What is your true intention and does that actually call for accolades? Maybe this moment of realization will usher in the humbleness that is needed to propel you forward with sincerity and simplicity. If you keep fighting for praise, you will only be moving backward, so pause and reflect on what is truly important to you and for others. Ego can only take you so far. Let go of personal expectations and keep moving forward with integrity and conviction for the greater good.

“Be humble or you’ll stumble.” - DL Moody

The Six of Rods from the Aquarian Tarot by David Palladini

The Ten of Wands - The Nine of Pentacles…

As you reach the conclusion of a mini-chapter in your life, it’s up to you on how you choose to approach this sense of completion. You can revisit all the back-breaking exertion you put into this and belabor the idea of how much more there may be to do OR you can lay the burden of it down and enjoy the glory of reaching the finish line. Honestly, endings can bring stress and sadness, but they can also be incredibly rewarding and beautiful. So, take the time to honor the work you have put in while enjoying your own personal achievement - no matter how big or small. The beauty of this moment has grown and blossomed from toil, so why not relish it? You soon will have to start anew, but for now feel the splendor of fulfillment. You have earned it. Happy Tuesday.

“Sunsets are proof that endings can be beautiful too.” - Anonymous

The Ten of Wands into The Nine of Pentacles from The Slow Tarot by Lacey Bryant

The King of Cups…

Lead with feeling this week. If you truly wish to inspire and motivate others, you must ignite your own emotional connection to the mission at hand. This may mean you dive even deeper into your true intentions than you had initially thought you would have to. The essence of who you are must rise to the surface in its purest expression. The people you serve have to experience and believe your deep emotions that surround the project at hand. Openness is the key to igniting the passion of others. Welcome vulnerability as it will be perceived as your greatest strength. Understand that your own feelings can be a guide map to a path into the hearts of others. Journey into the depths of your emotional core in order to reign supreme. Feel the power that comes from your emotional abyss.

“Become the leader that people would follow voluntarily, even if you had no title or position.” - Brian Tracy

The King of Cups - Artist’s Rendering by Somaritan on Deviant Art

The Page of Sword…

Sunday Funday has your mind and spirit traveling in new directions! Your mind is suddenly full of imaginative visions and fairytale ideas. Don’t dismiss all of your musings as folklore foolishness. The silliness of your own thinking may feel superfluous, but it is vital to the fresh start you have been longing to make. You may feel like your steps are unclear at this point, but they will come into focus if you let your mind wander. Welcome any whimsical thoughts and invite the dynamic colors of infinite possibilities. Dream up a magical existence and believe in your own vibrant potential. Life can feel like a fairytale if you wish it so…

“The man who has no imagination, has no wings.” - Muhammad Ali

The Page of Swords from The Light Seer’s Tarot by Chris-Anne

The Hierophant…

An unexpected card for the weekend! A kind of deep, but delightful curveball is thrown our way with The Hierophant. I’m guessing that enlightenment wasn’t quite on your agenda this holiday weekend, but it looks like you will be paid an unexpected visit from a wise spirit that inspires you to learn and grow. Whether they come to you with direct knowledge or point you in a direction of specified study, expect to expand your mind based on this elevated exchange. Because you weren’t quite expecting this for you weekend, it’s important you tune in and pay attention to the guidance of someone quite worldly. This person may not be obvious, but you will know when you meet them that they have a certain level of understanding that needs to be imparted to you. This weekend ushers in a motivation to learn on the deepest levels and this person that appears to you will be the inspiration for it all. Happy Friday!

“There is no knowledge without learning. There is no wisdom without experience.” - Debasish Midrah MD

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

The King of Cups…

You have vision because you feel so deeply about who you are and what you want, so don’t shy away from your own emotional responses. Use those reactions as a guide map to what is working, what just isn’t working and everything splashing around in between. Going with the flow can be your super-power, if you do it with the aim of mastery. If you think about it, life is just one big ocean with undulating water and hidden surprises in the deep. Sink, swim, float, doggy paddle, jump in a boat - there are so many approaches. Pay attention to those feelings as they come and go today - your internal ups and downs hold the sense of ownership and power you long for. If you use your inner sense of buoyancy to your advantage, you will always rise to the top.

“Your intellect may be confused, but your emotions will never lie to you.” - Roger Ebert

The King of Cups from The Art Nouveau Tarot by Lo Scarabeo

Two of Pentacles (Reversed) - King of Swords…

Put down whatever you are doing and put all decision making on hold so you can free-fall into the power of thought. Whatever you have in front of you, can wait - you need to clear some headspace so you can feel more in control of your environment. Why spend all day juggling the insignificant things that keep you on your toes, but also disconnect you from your intellect? Instead….stop, breathe and allow your mind to take the lead. Find stillness, so that your imagination can soar. Allow internal and external views of the world around you to coalesce in a rawly balanced way. Align your mind with your core and fuel it all with intention. Envision a better, more wholistic way of inhabiting your existence. Thoughts may appear to you that lead you to a whole new way of doing and being - one that allows for quiet, reflective mastery of your personal vision.

“Personal mastery is the discipline of continually clarifying and deepening our personal vision, of focusing our energies, of developing patience and of seeing reality objectively.” - Peter Senge

The Two of Pentacles (Reversed) into The King of Swords from the Tarot of Mystical Moments by Catrin Welz-Stein

Temperance…

When you look back at the bulk of your Monday, how much of what you did was nourishing you and how much was for the benefit of others? It’s fair to say that you may need to be more specific in how much are pouring out. Sharing and giving are healthy when the dosage is measured. I’m not saying you shouldn’t give of yourself, but rather that you may need to evaluate how much you are giving away in relation to what you are receiving in return. Also, it can sometimes feel impossible to give freely when you have let it all spill out and you are running on empty. Find the balance - the flow - the ease that you deserve. Replenish your own spirit as you support others. Cleanse and recharge your heart when needed, so you can lift the spirits of others with no reservation.

“Do not go with the flow. Be the flow.” - Elif Shafak

Temperance - Art by Sceith-A on DeviantArt

The Queen of Swords…

Get focused, Queen! If you truly want to step into your power and garner respect this week, it’s time to harness your concentration. Leading with the mind will be an absolute must to accomplish all that needs doing in order to advance. And, it isn’t just your own success that is at stake - others are relying on you for guidance. Direct your attention to the most vital tasks at hand this week and take some time tonight to craft your personal plan of attack. Meditate on the reward you will be bestowed with, once your plan has triumphed. What were the steps you took to get there? Who did you enlist to take up arms on your behalf? How many might benefit from this success? Let this thought process take control as you lay down your master plan. You feel like you hold the determination to dominate, but you need to focus your thoughts so you can be ruthless, cunning and ready for any surprises that threaten to interfere with your quest. Sharpen that blade.

“Our focus is our future, and what we focus on will multiply in our life.” - David Denotaris

I don’t know what deck this is, but I’m going to focus on finding out…Do you know?

Nine of Swords…

It’s clear that you have a lot going on in your mind today. You have been confronted with so many opposing views lately and they are now living inside of you, filling you with anxiety, doubt and fear. But all of those fragmented opinions that have imprinted upon your spirit do not reflect who you truly are and you know it. It’s time to wake yourself up from this dark and delirious dream. Open your own eyes and see what is really there. Take ownership of any of the things that scare you and do not let the ideas of others heighten your level of self doubt. Today you may move through many moods as your mind sifts through all the misinformation and muck. But you deserve to inhabit your life with a clear mind and an open heart, so do the hard work needed to get there. You are so close to being at the end of this inner turmoil. Let your deep wish for something better create a new path of clarity to follow.

“Anxiety is something that is a part of me, but it’s not who I am.” - Emma Stone

The Nine of Swords from The Tarot of Mystical Moments by Catrin Welz-Stein

The King of Pentacles - Reversed…

This weekend, ease up on your approach to what is available to you. You don’t need to spend tons of money and exert your power through control to have the weekend you would like. Release your hold on what your specific grasp of what is possible. The natural world calls to you to open your spirit and explore the luxuries that the earth has to offer you. If you are clinging on to an idea of what might be fulfilling, you will not be receptive to what abundance is there. Look to nature as your source for entertainment and wholistic realization. Let the earth surprise you with delights that are more than just money based. This weekend, your real power will come when you relinquish the power you are holding onto. Allow the natural environment in and you will be rewarded with true prosperity.

“An understanding of the natural world and what’s in it is a source of not only great curiosity, but great fulfillment.” - David Attenborough

The King of Pentacles (Reversed) - Art by Martinique Fisher

Ace of Wands…

Today is a day to imagine possibility for growth. Spring is here and its budding flowers and trees are calling to you. Photosynthesis is in full effect for the plants all around you, but you are also absorbing the nutrients provided by the warmth of the spring sunshine. Take hold of that radiant energy and figure out how you will use it this spring to let self emerge in a new way this season? Will you branch out with creative curiosity regarding your career? Will you blossom a new, colorful look or style? Will the brighter version of self begin to say “yes” with more frequency? What adventures have you been putting off that you can let take root this spring? Who will you become that might suprise you? It’s all very exciting. Let your imagination run wild today and plant a seed of potential that can begin to reach for the sky.

“Spring is not a season; It is a mysterious illusionist who sets off fireworks in the depths of our soul.” - Mehmet Murat Ildan

The Ace of Wands - Artist’s Rendering by Alexandra Eldridge

Nine of Pentacles - Reversed…

You don’t need material items and outer trimmings to be beautiful. You are beautiful already in so many more significant ways. Don’t overcomplicate your world with indulgent spending and ostentatious dress. Radiance is an energy you project naturally and today, less is more. Simplify your lifestyle without regret and bare your true spirit as unencumbered. All you hope to acquire isn’t worth anything without authentic spirit. Be the envy without projecting that you are the envy. People with nothing to prove are far more compelling anyway. Master the art of inner glow by glowing from the heart, you stunner.

“The most irresistible beauty is the radiant glow from a kind and gentle heart.” - Richelle E Goodrich

The Nine of Pentacles (Reversed) from The Golden Art Nouveau Tarot by Giulia Francesca Massaglia

High Priestess (Reversed) and Eight of Wands (Reversed)…

You are reaching in the wrong direction and moving with fury, but no aim. This, in turn, is diminishing your personal power and constricting your intuition. The heat of life is constantly pushing you toward more and never truly allowing you to connect with all that is possible within. And, there is so much magic residing there. For the rest of the day and into the night, do not make decisions based on what is in front of you. Take some time before taking action or igniting a direction - time to meditate and ask your inner core for guidance. If you begin to feel the pressure to deliver or respond, remind yourself that if you continue to function in this way, all that you strive for may slip through your fingers. But, if you change your approach to reflect the inner wisdom you know to be true, you will open up a world of potential you hadn’t thought possible.

“Moving fast is not the same as going somewhere.” - Robert Anthony

The High Priestess (Reversed) & The Eight of Wands (Reversed) from the Sacred Rose Tarot by Johanna Gargiulo-Sherman

The Knight of Wands…

So - there is a lot that needs to be done this Monday and you are feeling ready! A new sense of purpose has emerged in your core and this fresh understanding of self has activated your spirit. In fact, despite the chaotic nature of everything on your agenda, you are feeling inspired, emboldened and downright fearless. Instead of seeing your challenges as insurmountable, you now approach them with fierce power and charge into the fray without question. You sense the promise of authentic and dynamic adventure awaiting if you can just bust through the battle. Your life is quest worth conquering and you will charge in today with a renewed sense of passion and your wild confidence leading the way. This is a great way to start your week because you can let the momentum of it build until you are completely unstoppable. Happy Monday, my warriors. It all starts here.

“Be who you were created to be and you will set the world on fire.” - St. Catherine of Sienna

The Knight of Wands - I don’t know what deck/artist this is, but I am so inspired by the visual. Do you know? Drop it in the chat if you do!

The Lovers - Reversed…

This week love will ensnare you with depth and excitement. It will captivate you in a rapturous way. It will draw you in and simultaneously push you away, leaving you wanting more. But, it may also twist you in an unanticipated direction. Ask yourself this, are you in control? Do you want to be in control? Are you making the choices or have you been chosen? Whatever or who ever this love is, it or they will clearly have a hold on your psyche, but can it or they actually touch your heart? How hard would you fight to keep this feeling alive? Or will you just release yourself when the thrill has passed? This kind of love comes with more questions than answers. It’s darkly beautiful, deliciously threatening and might leave in a flash. So, savor it, but don’t hold on too tight.

“Love always, in one way or another, means pain as well as joy.” - Susan Glaspell

The Lovers (Reversed) - Art by Erin Kelso

The Wheel of Fate - Reversed…

When you are on the bottom of the wheel and everything is upside down, it’s best to just give in to the chaos. The spinning of your life will whip your hair into your face in a way that makes it difficult to truly see what’s there. People you know and love will seem unfamiliar to you. And your heart may race faster than your thoughts. But, the more you fight this level of anxiety and doubt, the harder it will become to stay strapped into your seat. Be kind and understanding to yourself - close your eyes if it helps. Breathe, accept your situation with dignity, hold on for dear life or, if you are feeling very brave, let go and wait til you come to a stop. I guarantee you you will eventually find yourself right-side up and you’ll be able to feel whole once again. Truthfully, you may slow down but you will almost never stop spinning. Such is life. Reorient your spirit to accommodate the surreal and above all honor yourself with gentility.

“Our world spins upside down and sometimes we have to lose our grip on the things we value in this life in order to grab on to true life.” - Jon Foreman

The Wheel of Fate (Reversed) or Alice In Wonderland (Reversed) from The Inner Child Deck - A Fairytale Tarot
by Isha Lerner (Author), Mark Lerner (Author), Christopher Guilfoil (Illustrator)