It's The Most Busiest Time Of The Year

It is the holiday season and everything seems to be happening all at once.  So much to prepare for...so much to do.  This morning I made a point to give some time to myself.  I decided to do a practice reading using a spread presented by Marcus Katz in his Tarot Fundamentals online class.  The class is one of my rewards for supporting the Tarot Fundamentals Kickstarter campaign.  I just received the book and can't wait until I have more time to get a decent look at it!  

The spread is about taking a look at challenges, resources and lessons for my past, present and future.  For example: In my past situation I was challenged by [Card 1:Challenge] but drew upon [Card 2:Resource] and learnt [Card 3:Lesson].  Here are my initial thoughts on my reading!

The Past:

Challenged by the 8 of Cups: This year I moved away from home.  It is the only home I have ever known until now.  It was hard starting fresh and leaving something so significant behind.

Drew upon the Queen of Pentacles: Perseverance and being steadfast.  Staying strong in this time of change and continuing to move forward.

Learned from the 6 of Pentacles: I don't have to do everything alone.  There are people in my life willing to help me on my way.

The Present:

Challenged by the 7 of Pentacles: Being unable to let things progress naturally.  One step at a time.  I've been rather impatient lately.

Draw upon the 10 of Swords: Knowledge of when to call it quits...letting matters be put to rest.  Stop overdoing things (overkill! ha ha ha)

Learn from the 8 of Wands: There may be a lot going on but find a place of stability.  Do not try to focus on everything at once.

The Future:

Challenged by the King of Cups: An overabundance of compassion and emotion.  Giving too much.  I do have a tendency to care about everyone else before myself.

Draw upon the Queen of Cups: The ability to know my own needs and emotions.  Before I can efficiently know and help others, I need to know and help myself.

Learn from the 4 of Pentacles: It's okay to be selfish sometimes!  Giving to everyone and catering to their needs is all well and good, but I should not let it drain me completely. 

This turned out to be a really great reading.  I am so glad I put aside the time to do it.

Story Spread: The Alchemist

As a way to break in my new deck I decided to try the story spread that can be found in the guidebook.  The idea is to choose (or randomly draw) a theme and lay out a narrative for it.  As I am curious what to expect from my new job, I chose the Guardian of the Books to represent the theme of my reading.  I then shuffled and drew three cards which are to be read in order.

Alchemy - I had to smile when I turned this card over.  The alchemy card is about starting with something normal and turning it into something extraordinary.  I will only get what I put into it.  If I put a lot of enthusiasm and effort into this new job, it will prove to be very rewarding.

Calendar - This is a slow moving card and placement is important.  This card could mean a delay but because it follows the Alchemy card (rather than precedes it) I believe it to mean gradual and steady progress.  Achieving the message of the Alchemy card will take time but if I am patient and continue to follow it's guidance I will eventually get the results I desire.

The Baroness - This card has thrown me.  The baroness represents a deceitful person.  This could be a false friend, an unknown enemy or someone who wishes to bring you down.  They are manipulative and untrustworthy.  I can only guess that the cards are warning me to be careful of this type of person later on.  After creating something wonderful there might be someone who wishes to crush it.

Not exactly a happy ending to the story but the future is never set in stone.  For the time being, however, I shall take the advice of the alchemist.  I have the ingredients to make something great out of this new job, if only I put in the effort.

The Call

"You have questions only the Book of Destiny can answer, 

but will you take up the sword to recover it?"

-The Chronicles of Destiny

I am spending the afternoon with The Chronicles of Destiny Fortune Cards.  They are the newest addition to my collection and I couldn't be more happy with them.  They are a refreshing balance between tarot and oracle cards.  The deck follows a structure, unlike most oracles, but not the same structure as tarot.  The cards tell a story.  They are unique in that sense.  

It has been an enjoyable experience so far.  I am curled up on the couch reading through the story one card at a time...

September Grass

Wildwood Tarot

"Well, the sun's not so hot in the sky today

and you know I can see summertime slipping on away..."

September Grass - James Taylor

Autumn.  It is just around the corner.  My favorite time of year.  I only wish it lasted longer.  As is my tradition... I have to listen to this song come September.  I love it anytime really...but autumn and September is a must.

If you haven't heard it before, have a listen and enjoy.

Earthbound

I received a pleasant surprise this week.  My Earthbound Oracle deck arrived!  It is the first Kickstarter project I have backed.  An oracle deck from Wooden Tarot artist Andy Swartz was hard to resist.

I haven't tried the deck out yet, but I enjoyed going through the cards and admiring the artwork.  I especially like the design for the back.


After working with over-sized oracle cards, it is weird coming back to playing card size.  Even though the cards are smaller the imagery doesn't get lost.  I like the simplicity of the artwork.  That, and the lack of a guidebook, will help me be more intuitive with my readings...or daily draws...whatever I choose to use the deck for.

I love all the card images but, as always, some stood out more than others.  Still...it was hard choosing which ones to show on my blog.  Enjoy the photos!

Feathered Friends

It has been a busy day on our bird feeders (as usual).
You'd think these little guys hadn't eaten in weeks. ha ha ha

               

               

Tarot Bags: I had to need one eventually

I like to keep my tarot/oracle cards stored in the original boxes.  As luck would have it...most of them are quite sturdy.  There is always an exception though and that would be my Shadowscapes deck.  Until now they have been wrapped in a scarf while sitting with the other boxes.  But no longer!

I'm not very crafty when it comes to sewing but I know plenty of other people are.  What better place to look than Etsy?  It didn't take long for me to find the right tarot bag for my cards.  I couldn't be more pleased with my purchase! So glad to have them in this beautiful new home.

Purchased from Serenity Energyworks

The Force Awakens

Wow it has been a long time and no blog posts.  I'm not that surprised though.  Consistent journal writing has never been easy for me.  Perhaps a photo journal would be more likely to succeed, though I imagine it would become quite repetitive.

Oh well...I will get a brilliant idea someday.  I hope.

With the new movie getting closer, I have been hyped about anything Star Wars.  I guess it was only a matter of time, my attention is always shifting from one interest to another.

Doodle Time! Yoda as The Hermit

Kanan - Marvel Comics

My bounty hunter in Star Wars: The Old Republic

Child of Light

I recently purchased the game Child of Light from the Steam Summer Sale.
80% off?  How could I resist!?

It is about a young girl who awakens in a fairytale land that has been overcome by darkness.  The Queen of Night has stolen the sun, moon and stars.  In order to return home she must challenge the dark creatures that plague the lands and defeat the queen.

The art was what attracted me to look at this game.  The art style is gorgeous.  I've only played for a short time but I'm enjoying it very much.  And so...I have inevitably been inspired to doodle.  Anything that inspires me to draw is definitely a great thing.  I am looking forward to continuing and seeing where the story goes.

Advice of the Day: Nature's Dance

Relax and join the Faun's carefree dance.  Open up to the refreshing energy of mother nature.  Go with the natural flow of things.   Release any burdensome energy you may be carrying.  There is no need to overthink things today.  Spend some time reconnecting with nature.  This could be as simple as going for a walk or observing it from your home.

Today it is cloudy and drizzling.  We were in great need of some rain.  Perhaps tomorrow I can take a short walk if it clears.  For now I shall be content with watching the raindrops bounce off the tree leaves and the birds fluttering around our bird feeder.

Screenshot of my faun avatar in Secondlife

Advice of the Day: Mask of Truth

You have potential.  There is so much you can do if you are true to yourself.

Discover who you really are.

We often hide behind many masks.  We take on the identities people impose on us or act based on what others expect of us.  We don't see our true potential because we are afraid we won't live up to the expectations of ourselves and others.  If you hear something often enough you start to believe it.  You do not have to define yourself based on other people's perceptions.  Look within...figure out which parts are true.  Let go of any false ideas you have about yourself and see the true you.  You may be different from what you thought.

Welcome the guidance that Sylvanius offers and wear the Mask of Truth.

(Image: Faeries' Oracle by Brian Froud and Goblin Shroo by Remjie)

Embracing Imperfections

I enjoy drawing with only pen or marker.  How freeing it is.  Pen cannot be erased like pencil.  If I make a mistake there is no fixing it.  You'd think this would add pressure but, oddly enough, it does not.  Pen-only drawings force me to release the need for perfection.  I make it work and most of the time I am very happy with the results.

Feeling Uninspired

I have been bored creatively.  I have a desire to be creative (to draw, paint or sculpt) but I have no ideas.  I am stuck in a very unmotivated state.  I don't have the same passion I used to...or at least I haven't found anything to be passionate about.

I thought having all this extra time for myself would give me a boost but nothing has changed.  Perhaps I'm looking at it the wrong way.  Taking time to yourself can be refreshing but moderation is key.  Am I spending too much time alone?  Maybe I need to get out more and open up to the world.

If I'm bored with my current state then why should I stay in it?  There are plenty of options out there to change things up.  Perhaps then inspiration will strike like the fourth cup in this card.  If she doesn't snap out of it quickly that cup is going to whack her right in the head!  I've got to find ways to look outside the box and get moving again.

Character Cards: Strong Hearted

Choose a character from a story you are very familiar with.  Draw a card for that character and reflect on how it might relate to the character.  

What does it say about them?

(Exercise from Tarot 101 by Kim Huggins)

Character: Luna Lovegood

Card: Three of Swords

Luna  is so quirky and positive on the outside, it might be easy to forget that she can hurt inside too.  She has been through difficult times.  She has experienced loss and heartbreak.  People tend to overlook her and she is constantly made fun of by her classmates.  She doesn't have many friends because she is so openly different.  I'm sure Luna feels lonely very often.  She doesn't show it but all those swords have got to hurt.  This girl does a good job overcoming this card.  She has a strong heart.  Despite all the negatives she manages to put on a good face.  She holds tightly to her individuality and perseveres.

Battered and Worn

I've been feeling kind of stuck recently.  I even dropped the ball on my daily draws for a few days.  There has been such a lack of energy.  Today I had to kick myself into doing something...any little thing to move forward in some way.

Tonight I decided to try some automatic writing using a tarot card for inspiration.  I drew the Ace of Swords.  It was an interesting experience writing down whatever came to mind.  I liked not worrying about what the traditional meaning was.  After rereading my finished entry I underlined parts that stood out.  The Ace of Swords can be about achieving something through mental/intellectual means.  Strategic action, to use one of the phrases that showed up in my writing.  But there needs to be a balance somewhere...and I think this card showing up is trying to tell me that I've been over-thinking.  That I have been emulating the sword suit a little too much and maybe I should tone it down.  Maybe this card is the reason I feel stuck.  Like the sword embedded in the stone.  It has fought many battles and returned victorious but it is battered and worn out.  It's about time I ease up and let things flow.

Funny that was the message I got out of this exercise.  Because isn't that what automatic writing is all about?  Don't think too much, just write whatever comes to mind no matter how silly it sounds.  I need to apply this to my day tomorrow and see what comes out of it.

Advice of the Day:

The first words that come to my mind about parrots are: colorful and talkative.  This may be a day to let your voice be heard.

Express yourself!

Embrace your uniqueness.

Don't be afraid to show people the true you.  You are a bright and interesting person and that should be celebrated.

Advice of the Day: Take What You Can

Expand your horizons. 

The sea is vast.  If there is something you want, go ahead and take it.  There are plenty of places that have been left untouched so go explore them.

Search for hidden treasures.  There is a lot of competition but you have the ability to find what you need and grab it.

~*~

From the guidebook:

"You are navigating the chaos.

You are exploring deeper waters.

You are boundless supply.

You are Seagull."

Advice of the Day: Take action

Good morning! 
Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!

Today is a day to take action and be productive.  Don't dwell on worn out ideas...bring life to something new.  The sun is rising and the ground is fertile, plant some seeds and unleash your potential.

A new day has begun and it is time to make things happen!

Blessings In Disguise

Inspired by DailyTarotGirl's most recent post about tarot card combinations, I decided to give her exercise a try.  I chose The Moon for my Major Arcana card because it is my favorite from the Ellis decK.  My random Minor Arcana draw is the Ten of Swords.  On to the questions!

1. When I feel like the Minor Arcana card, how does that affect the part of myself that is like the Major Arcana card?
If something I worked hard on fails, I might succumb to the feeling of defeat.  Feeling that way certainly hampers ones dreams.  It would affect my openness to imagination and intuition.  It is hard to have faith in my dreams after being hit with a resounding "No".  The Moon part of myself that would appear is likely one of fear and being unsure of  myself and my vision.

2. How would the part of myself that is like the Major Arcana card deal with the life situation illustrated by the Minor Arcana card?
If I was The Moon and feeling the defeat of the Ten of Swords, I would probably look for the hidden meaning behind the situation.  Could this loss be a blessing in disguise?  There is some hope in this Ten of Swords...and with an ending there are new beginnings.

3. What does this tell you about yourself? Is it relevant to your life right now?
It brings to light that I have a tendency to be easily discouraged.  Not much of a surprise but I should be more mindful about it.  I have had no encounters with the Ten of Swords recently, but it could show its face anytime.  I will have to be prepared to overcome the loss or disappointment and soldier on.

Advice of the Day: Creative Flow

The world can be harsh sometimes, but you have the ability to overcome.  You are resilient.  Now might be a good time to retreat and spend some time in peace.  Be expressive and create.  The swan is here to inspire you.  Wade into the inspirational waters and let your creativity flow.  Nurture the ideas that come to you.  Create your beautiful masterpiece.

~*~

From the guidebook:

"You are ordering the chaos.

You are heightening the senses.

You are unfolding grace.

You are Swan."

Advice of the Day: Venture Into The Night

The nighttime world can be a lonely and mysterious place.  The owl is here to help you see more clearly.  She can reveal the illusions of night.  Today may be a good day to unveil the shadows within.  Spend time in solitude.  Do some self exploration and hunt down answers.  Start on a simple path and see where it takes you.  Not all roads will be easy to travel but know that the owl is with you.  She can see through the darkness and support you on your journey.  If you remain aware and focused on your path you'll reach your destination safely.  Trust your instincts and venture into the night.

Advice of the Day: Be the Robin

All winters eventually turn to Spring.  The land is renewed and begins to grow.  It is an everlasting cycle.  Now is a good time to contemplate what season you are currently in.  Do you need to move on to something new?  Does a part of your inner self need nurturing?  Keep these questions in mind today and prepare to move forward.  You cannot stay in a personal winter forever.  The early bird gets the worm...it is time to wake up!

~*~

From the guidebook:

"You are new beginnings.

You are invigorating.

You are upward growth.

You are Robin."

Advice of the Day: Win or Lose

Sometimes we get so caught up in being the winner of an argument that we forget to think about the other person.  Where there is a winner there is also a loser.  If you are dealing with any conflicts or disagreements today be careful about giving control to a selfish desire to win.  Win or lose, it could cause more harm than good.  If you are butting heads with someone you care about, try to come up with a compromise that benefits everyone.

Choosing Favorites

I was watching Anni's "Tarot Together" series today and she mentioned that there had been a discussion in her Facebook group regarding favorite tarot card images.  It is only natural to go through a new tarot deck and pick out your favorite card, one where the imagery connects strongly and pulls you in.  I find this to be quite difficult sometimes.  I bought the deck so of course I like the artwork.  Why can't they all be my favorite?

Tarot Mucha was one of those decks where I could not choose a favorite card.  I love every single one of them...er...well...except one.  One!  Oh it was so close to perfect, but I just cannot stand The Sun card.  I am so sorry Mr. Sun but your face creeps me out.  And something is off about the boy as well (his head doesn't quite match his body in age...or something).  I suppose it is easier to choose a least favorite card in this case.

Anyway...Anni's mention of favorite images had me pulling out Tarot Mucha and flipping through the deck again.  I came to the conclusion, though I do love all the images in this deck, that my current favorite is the Two of Swords.  I found myself stopping and staring at it each time I looked through the deck.  There is something so mystical about it.

Advice of the Day: Shine (Believe & Succeed)

As I was choosing my card for today, Shine (The Sun) flew out of the deck.  I put it aside and decided to pick another card like normal.  Out comes Believe & Succeed (6 of Wands).  What a perfect pairing of cards.  Both carrying such a similar message.  I guess the advice for today is twofold.

Today is the day to embrace your own light and let it shine.  It is time to believe in yourself.  Be joyful and confident!  You deserve what you want, believe that!  In doing so you will attract wonderful things.  The Believe & Succeed card pictures a boat headed toward a beacon of light.  You can be that beacon, not only for yourself but for others as well.  How can anything resist that bright positive energy?  If you have faith in yourself you will succeed.  It is about time you open up to the light and happiness surrounding you.

Advice of the Day: Challenging Times

Today I drew Challenging Times from the Psychic Tarot for the Heart.  This could have so many meanings for me right now.  I have major changes going on.  I have officially moved into my new home.  It's a completely fresh start and with that will come many challenges indeed.

My boyfriend and I are in the process of cleaning and organizing.  He has also been helping me get my affairs in order.  Since I've moved to a different State there is much to be straightened out.  Soon, I will have to work on finding a new job.  No wonder I haven't had time to write any blog posts!  *laughs*

This card is a reminder for me to be prepared for any conflicts that may come up during this transition and to handle them with care.  If problems arise, rather than charge in blindly, I should take a moment to assess the situation and plan a course of action.

Advice of the Day: Seek the Truth

Psychic Tarot for the Heart

Someone (or something) may not be as they appear on the surface.  Follow and trust your intuition today.  Find the truths that are hidden beyond the curtain.

I am suddenly reminded of a scene in The Wizard of Oz.  Dorothy and her friends are speaking with the intimidating wizard.  While they are distracted by the grand figure before them, Toto runs off toward some curtains and begins to pull them away revealing a man tinkering with a microphone and various technology.  "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain," the great Oz says.

This card suggests otherwise...
You should approach that curtain and reveal the truths behind it!

April Showers...

The showers have begun...

The days of snow and ice have been replaced with rain.  It is expected to rain quite a bit this week.  I am perfectly okay with this.  I'm looking forward to the return of color and feeling the warmth of the sun again.  It finally feels like Spring is on the way!

Magpie Drawing by Me!

Stardust

Stardust by Qinni on DeviantArt (also on Tumblr)

Something about this drawing just captures me completely.  I love it.  Looking at it reminds me of how much I enjoy art and that I really should get back to doing it myself.  I've been in a bit of an artist block the past couple years.  I've drawn something now and then...sculpted some clay...but it is so infrequent.

I must admit I have allowed myself to fall into that mindless work, eat, and sleep pattern.  I'm just going through the motions of each day and putting creativity to the side. Working with the Sacred Rebels Oracle the past month has really brought that realization to light.  I need to start drawing again.  Now that I have a small break from my usual routine I should definitely make time for art.

Advice of the Day: Sacred Fool

Break convention.  Don't be society's puppet.  Feel free to be yourself no matter what others may think about it.  Sometimes it is not worth living under the limits set by the majority.  Cut those strings and be free.  Be true to yourself...It's time to be playful and enjoy what life has to offer.

Advice of the Day: Seeing the True You

Today should be a day of self love and possibly some shadow work too.  It is about seeing my true inner self.  It is about looking at myself through my own eyes rather than the eyes of others.  Oftentimes people on the outside can have a distorted perception of who we are.  Even we have a distorted perception of ourselves sometimes.  It is important that I don't judge myself solely on how other people see me.  I have to look deep within, down into the depths, and find the truest form of myself. Only I can see every small detail.  Special people in my life will come to know the true me very well, but they can never see everything.  Some parts of myself hide in the shadows and bury themselves within.  I have to dig deep and unearth them.  I need to get to know every part of me, even the parts that wish to hide.


I have been pretty good about recognizing my true self recently but not so great in honoring it.  It is difficult to remember the last time I did anything for me...something I truly enjoy doing.  I should make a point to do that today.  I need to put time aside and engage in some self-loving activities...even if it is something as simple as reading a book just for the pleasure of it.

Singing With Tarot: I Have Confidence

I've only just begun studying the Tarot. There is so much to learn it can feel daunting sometimes. I haven't learned all the traditional meanings yet...so I have decided to do random exercises that will help me get to know the cards better. In "Singing with Tarot" I plan to choose a song and relate it to specific cards.

In honor of The Sound Of Music: 50th Anniversary edition being released today, I have chosen the song "I have confidence."  It is also quite suiting as I need to gain more confidence in myself and my tarot study.  I should sing this song to myself more often!  You can listen to it here.  

On to the cards!

Eight of Cups

"When the Lord closes a door, somewhere he opens a window," says Maria before the song begins.The beginning of this song is like the Eight of Cups.  Maria didn't fit in at the Abbey and is reluctantly leaving it behind. It is time to embark on a new journey.  The path ahead is unknown and she is hesitant to move forward but she knows it is the right direction to take. She has to move on.  


Page of Wands

As the song continues it starts to channel the confidence of the Page of Wands. Maria starts opening up to the adventure.  It's time to be enthusiastic about this new opportunity and embrace it.  She will tackle any challenges that come along and prove her worth. The song becomes more optimistic and full of energy.

Strength

I couldn't help but include The Strength card, as the song is all about inner strength and overcoming your fears.  It is about determination and the ability to endure difficult times.  Maria is building confidence and courage as she sings.  She is beginning to believe in herself and steps into her personal power.

(Cards pictured from Mucha Tarot)

Bring It Into Form

In recent months I have felt the desire to start a blog.  I do not know why...  To be frank, I'm not much of a writer.  I don't even know what I will blog about!  

I drew the "Bring it into form" card from the Sacred Rebels Oracle today.  What a wonderful deck full of empowering messages.  "Bring it to form" is all about making your ideas a reality.  Do not worry about the details just get started!  Everything will fall into place one step at a time.  This was the spark of motivation I needed.  

Normally I like to plan things out before I start them.  I like to have a solid idea of what I am doing.  That is not the case here...I'm diving in head first.