Personal Year Cycle 1 - Numerology

Last week, I provided some insight into the cycle I was about to leave, Personal Year Cycle 9. For information on how to determine your Personal Year Cycle refer back to last week’s post.

Yesterday, December 10^th, I entered the Personal Year Cycle 1.

Here’s a brief overview of what can be expected during this cycle.

Personal Year Cycle of 1

The Personal Year Cycle of 1 is the beginning of a nine year period. What you do during this cycle will affect the next eight years of your life. If you miss the call to creativity, and/or the call to new adventures, then you may wait another nine years before you get another chance.

No pressure there, right!

This period is of changes, new beginnings, and new directions.

As you move forward, you may find yourself stepping toward a goal you never even thought of before. Follow your intuition, answer the call, and make the move.

The high energy of this cycle will make it all possible. You may have felt tired as you crawled out of the Personal Year Cycle 9, but you’ll soon feel the surge of motivation necessary and available for your time in this cycle. Things will soon start shifting and moving toward your proper destination.

This cycle is also high on creativity and confidence. You will not only find inspiration for your projects; you will also have the confidence to pursue them and to follow through.

You may feel you have to do it all on your own. Truth is you are, but this is the way it needs to go. This cycle is about YOU. Whatever the universe needs to do to keep you on your target, it will reach out and make it happen. YOU have a goal, YOU have a dream, YOU have a desired direction and only YOU can make it all come together.

This doesn't mean you should push away others offering help, but be sure to stick to your guns and stay on track. Don’t be pulled away from your direction to assist in another’s course. Concentrate on your journey for a little while.

Get on the right track, for it will be a long nine years if you start out off course.

This cycle sounds like an exciting adventure and a wonderful opportunity. High energy sounds perfect. I've been so drained these last few months, I wondered if I would make it from one day to the next.

So, here’s to adventures, creativity and high energy.  

*Note - There are many aspects affecting these cycles, therefore everyone will experience the cycles differently. Some aspects include the collective year cycle which for 2013 would have been the cycle of 6 when domestic life takes the lead role. Also, we each have life lessons and different birth names, which join into the vibrations. Numerology is a deep and complex system where your year cycle is only a small speck in the complete picture.

Personal Year Cycle 9 - Numerology

According to numerology, we live our lives in nine-year cycles, which repeat throughout our lifetime. A cycle runs from one birthday to the next, exploring themes and lessons throughout the year. Each cycle repeats itself every nine years giving your soul a chance for personal growth.

By knowing your past, present and/or future cycles, you can adjust for the life events and gain a better understanding of what’s going on around you. Looking into the past and present allows you foresight into the future.

To find your Personal Year Cycle, you will need to add your birthday (month and day) and the current year.

For example, if your birthday is July 9 and the current year is 2013 – 7 + 13 + (2+0+1+3) = 26 = 2 + 6 = 8. In July, you would have begun a Personal Year Cycle of 8 and will stay in this cycle until your next birthday.

On December 10th, I will be ending my Personal Year Cycle of 9.

In order to reflect on the cycle, its vibration and related events during my year, I decided to pull together the information and share it with you. At some point in your life, you have or will experience this cycle. Here is a brief overview of what you might expect.

 Personal Year Cycle of 9 

The Cycle of 9 is the final stage before starting the complete cycle process over again. So, it makes sense that this is a period of reflection and endings.

You may find yourself studying your past more than you normally would during this period. It’s important not to dwell. Learn from your past experiences, gather knowledge and use it to grow as you move through life.

As you reflect upon your past, you and your actions should be your main focal point. There’s not much you can learn by what others have done, or not done. Concentrate on where you've been, where you are, and where you would like to go. 

On occasion, self-reflection can bring with it self-criticism. Avoid this if possible. Life is full of lessons, sometimes you pass and sometimes you don’t do so well. The important thing is to learn from past mistakes and do better the next time.

This cycle tends to leave you on your own, whether you like it or not. Time is required for you to do the necessary evaluating needed during this cycle. So, don’t be surprised when friends are unusually busy and public plans just happen to get cancelled. Take advantage of this time alone and get to know yourself – after all knowing your soul is the quickest way to learn the lessons of life.

The year will also bring about endings, completions, and possibly complete turnarounds. This is a good year to finish up the project you seem to keep pushing aside. Clear your desk for all the wonderful new things to come in the next cycle.

Of course, the cycle doesn't limit itself to personal projects. You may find a relationship ending, leaving behind a childhood home, or even ending a less than perfect career. You are ending so you can begin, which is what the next cycle is all about. Sometimes, if you can’t find your way to the end, it may end on its own. Lessons are given and your task is to learn from them, no matter how hard they may seem in the moment.

Clearing the clutter is another aspect of this cycle. You may find yourself overwhelmed by needless items around you, suffocating you. Organizing and giving away unwanted items is a wonderful way to work through the cycle. You will not only get rid of what you don’t need, you will give to someone who does need the items.

As you move through the year, the important aspects of life will become clear. Compassion and understanding for others comes more naturally. Friendships become more endearing, especially those worth continuing into the next stage of cycles. Goals and projects are reached and celebrated. A new understanding of life is a likely outlook by the end of this cycle.

Needless to say, this cycle can be emotionally overwhelming. I've struggled through the ups and downs of this year: watched things fall apart, ended unnecessary obligations, cleared away clutter, and strove toward completion of multiple projects. In the end, I see my life in a new way, from a different perspective, and look forward to experiencing the next set of cycles.  

*Note - There are many aspects affecting these cycles, therefore everyone will experience the cycles differently. Some aspects include the collective year cycle which for 2013 would have been the cycle of 6 when domestic life takes the lead role. Also, we each have life lessons and different birth names, which join into the vibrations. Numerology is a deep and complex system where your year cycle is only a small speck in the complete picture.

Thanksgiving Harvest Tarot Spread

Scythe User

We celebrate Thanksgiving Day in many ways: such as football, parades, movie marathons, and don't forget all the glorious food. It is a day of family gatherings, giving thanks and forgiveness.

My fondest childhood memories of Thanksgiving Day include:

• Turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Yum!
• Macy's Day Parade
• Family television watching - Miracle on 34th Street and Home Alone at the top of the viewing list. (We are not, for the most part, Football people.)

As an adult, sad to say, Thanksgiving Day doesn't offer much on tradition. It is, however, a day of reflection, gratitude, thankfulness and prayer.

Last year, I offered a Thanksgiving Tarot Spread focused on the balancing of the elements.

This year, with a little helper, I've designed a Thanksgiving Tarot Harvest Spread. See my little helper? That's Mr. Tike, one of my two kitty children. The spread below is intended to be a Scythe, as pictured above. Notice the one position is one handle, the five position is the other. Okay, it's not perfect, but it works.

1) Seeds purposely planted

2,3,4) Growth

5) Seeds subconsciously planted

6,7,8) Growth

9,10,11) Harvesting of the seeds

12) A seed for the next harvest

An Example Reading

1) Seed purposely planted – 3 of Cups (reversed) - overindulgence

You wanted it all, so you set out to grasp it all.

2,3,4) Growth - 10 of Swords (reversed) - emerging from turmoil, 18 Moon - self-deception, 5 of Swords (reversed) - clearing of negativity, end of battle

As the seed grew, you found strength within the goal, emerging from feelings of defeat, deceived yourself of your progress, but then realized your mistake.

5) Seed subconsciously planted - 7 of Cups – daydreams, lack of focus

You chose too many directions and scattered your focus.

6,7,8) Growth - 0 Fool – leaping into unknown, 8 Strength – self-confidence, 7 of Wands – having an advantage and courage

As the seed grew, you jumped in, with self-confidence. You knew without a doubt you could do it all.

9,10,11) Harvesting of the seeds - 14 Temperance (Reversed) – overdoing it, unbalanced, 13 Death (Reversed) – resisting change, King of Cups (Reversed) – selfish, emotionally self-absorbed

Now that harvest time is here you come face to face with the imbalance, yet you continue to resist the needed changes and find yourself lost within your own emotions.

12) A seed for the next harvest – 6 of Wands – Victory

The seed to plant is one of victory, success, and recognition.

Overview – Notice the reflections of the two seeds. Both consciously and subconsciously, you wanted it all and went in too many directions. On both levels, you went after the goals with strength and determination, and obviously you still intend to get it all. But now, you see what you did wrong, even if you continue to resist the need to find a balance in goals. Learn from the mistakes, the scattered energies, and focus on the main goal – plant a seed of victory and find next year’s harvest one of success and recognition.

Plant your seeds wisely.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving Day!

A Lenormand Oracle Journey

Last month’s Examiner Article, Learning to Read the Lenormand, introduced my intentions of discovering the process of reading the Lenormand Oracle.

under the roses

~a little background~

Years ago, based on a friend’s recommendation, I decided to obtain a copy of the Titania’s Fortune Cards. Out of publication, this deck wasn't the easiest to find, at least not at a reasonable price. I finally tracked them down on eBay.

After playing with the cards, following the handbook’s guidelines and card meanings, I soon set them to the side. I couldn't understand how to read the cards without having to use the companion book with each reading. I didn't totally give up, going back to them from time to time, but they never really grabbed my attention.

Suddenly, this year, my radar picked up the abundance of others combining the Lenormand Oracle with the Tarot. In April, I tried the technique out and featured it on the blog. The results were interesting, but not enough to pull me into the journey.

Soon after, I randomly entered a contest for a copy of the Vintage Lenormand by Rootweaver. Guess what? I won. So this had to be a sign from my heavenly friends, a push in this new direction, right?

To begin my journey, I needed instructions. I purchased The Secrets of the Lenormand Oracle, which gave me a layer of foundation, but still left me a little confused.

The two most helpful sites I've found, which cleared away a lot of the spider webs, were Donnaleigh’s Tarot and LearnLenormand.

With a slightly shaky foundation, I began digging into this new system, started practicing on myself, and then expanded out toward my friends who are willing to be guinea pigs for the higher good of my learning.

There’s a long road ahead, but I’m catching on a little at a time.

Do you read the Lenormand Oracle? Any suggestions on reading material? Decks? Are you in the process of learning this system? Feel free to share and/or join me in this journey.

An Angel Message for the Week of October 14-20

Healing with the Angels - Doreen Virtue

The week begins with a need to Trust in yourself, others, God, and your angels. Fear created by personal past mistakes and the misleading of others may be blocking your ability to trust, but it will be important to let down your guard and to find the ability to trust. God and your angels are here to help.

The middle of the week brings a Celebration – good news, a cause for celebration, a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Celebrate your break-through. You reach a goal and should appreciate your accomplishment, no matter the size – big or small.

The end of the week brings Divine Timing – doors open for you. To everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose, under Heaven. Pay attention. The timing is right, and the doors open wide for you to take the next step. Don’t force any doors though, the right one will present itself, but you must be open yourself to recognize it.

Overview: By allowing yourself to trust yourself and others, you will have a break-through in your current desires, which will begin to open the right doors.

Sounds like a great week to me!

Seven of Swords - The Thief

It seems obvious what this man is doing within the 7 of Swords Tarot card, but is it really?

The Swords within the Tarot deck are said to represent thoughts, decisions, and mental upset. The numerology of 7, according to Tarot guides, represents self-awareness or spiritual choice.

So, how do these keywords combine to mark this man as a thief?

Perhaps this card reveals more about the victim rather than the man himself. If you've ever been burglarized, stolen from, or deceived, you quickly become aware of how easily you can become a victim, causing mental upset.

Should you be cautious in your business dealings? Keep your plans to yourself?

This, my friend, is why you need to rely on your own intuitions to interpret the Tarot. A picture is worth a thousand words, and put some keywords on top of that, and well, you have a tangled mess, don’t you?

Of course, this is also the attraction of the cards: so many things to see, to create, to imagine, all from a card or two.

Some Word Play:

The 7 of Swords as a character is definitely a thief, there is no doubt on this one, at least not for me. Of course, Robin Hood was a thief, was he not? So, good or bad, is yet to be seen.

~~~

Sneaking and cunning, I plot and plan, setting my goals into actions. I’m smarter than you, you see, for I have the patience to outmaneuver you and eventually win.

~~~

Tip toe, tip toe, I move through the night unseen. You may be missing a bracelet, a watch, or a ring, but you’ll never suspect me.

Affirmations:

I think things through, form a plan, and wait for the right moment to proceed.

~~~

I take one step at a time, adjusting my movements as needed. I will succeed, where others have rushed toward failure.

~~~

I concentrate on a single task and complete it with ease. Only then do I begin another task, staying focused on my work at hand.

Final Words

Watch out for the man standing too close, he may be after your wallet. The internet is also full of creeping thieves, waiting for an opportunity.

~~~

Don’t take on more tasks than you can complete. Put multitasking to the side. Focus on one job at a time. You’ll accomplish it faster and more effectively.

Enjoy your week!

The Week Ahead – Higher Intuitions Oracle

As this year has brought to me many messages through the Animal Spirits, I've come to love this deck, Higher Intuitions Oracle, with its animal images and wonderful, insightful messages. So, I turn to it for this week’s outlook.

I ask the question: What do I need to be aware of as I move through the week ahead?

The Owl with its message of Wisdom appears.

Quote from Companion book:

“A WISE OLD OWL LIVED IN AN OAK.

THE MORE HE SAW, THE LESS HE SPOKE.

THE LESS HE SPOKE, THE MORE HE HEARD.

WHY CAN’T WE ALL BE LIKE THAT WISE OLD BIRD?”

~UNKNOWN

As I look upon the card, I think, “Watch, listen, and learn.”

This week should be one of stepping back and observing. I should be aware of what’s going on around me and careful not to overlook the truth of the issues. If I can bring myself to wait it out, secrets and knowledge will be revealed and become clear.

The companion book suggests listening to intuition and gut instincts. The interpretations given to signs are most likely correct. It also warns of someone keeping a secret or being untruthful. Your second sight will reveal the answers.

From Spirit-Animals - Use your inner wisdom right now because it is trying to tell you something. Trust it.

-Owl

I thought you might also enjoy this view of an owl stopping for a drink of water. I found it on YouTube. It's short, but a nice view of this awesome creature. Enjoy!

Queen of Cups - Haiku Poem

Nurturing, caring,

A mother’s intuition,

I shall guide you child.

(image from Crystal Visions Tarot by Jennifer Galasso)

Message from the Inch Worm

As a postal carrier, I see many things throughout the day. Some are everyday occurrences: birds, flies, spiders, squirrels, and deer. And, sometimes I have a few out of the ordinary incidents. Birds flying in the car with me, a deer waiting for my attention before running off, and with each of these I pay attention and do my best to hear the message being sent.

I've never had an inch worm grab a ride though, that is until last week. He somehow made his way onto my arm and was traveling, well, inch by inch.

After returning him to nature, I thought on how unusual it was for such to occur, not impossible, but unusual. You may not pay attention to those black, green, and even tractor mail boxes, but some are literally in the trees.

Nevertheless, I took it to be a message from a higher source. Had an awful time finding reference to this little critter and possible messages on the web. I finally came across Spirit Animal Totems and The Messages They Bring You. Lots of information here, and I found the inch worm.

Summarized Message: Be careful and clear of what you seek, and if it’s right for you. Take one small step at a time. Progress is good at a slower pace for now.

With the speed of progress I've been achieving lately, this is a comforting message. But, it also reflects my indecision of my current direction. Torn between my interests, I feel a little lost, not sure where to devote my attention. A Tarot reading this morning revealed a similar message of being clear of my true desires in order to reach my correct goal.

So, when time is sparse and you feel as if you are not accomplishing much, take it from the Inch Worm, “Every Inch Counts!”

Ace of Pentacles - Haiku Poem

As I prepared for this post, I asked for a message from my Spirit Guides for today and days to come. They presented me with the Ace of Pentacles.

The Aces of the Tarot represent seeds to be planted, nurtured, and grown. Each suit grows a different plant and produces a bounty of fruits. Pentacles relate to the material side of life – body, living quarters, business ventures, finances. If you can touch it, you’ll find it within the suit of the Pentacles.

In a full reading, the available fruits can be determined by surrounding cards.

~~~~~~~

Ace of Pentacles - A Haiku Poem

Take a chance and see,

For it is time to begin, 

Your path to success.

(image from Crystal Visions Tarot by Jennifer Galasso)

The Week Ahead Reflection - Inner Realms Tarot

Trust your inner guide, your senses, emotions, and thoughts with Inner Realms Tarot.

Inner Realms Tarot, more than a Tarot deck, is an intuitive guide - a tool for a more guided path, an in-between for you and Spirit to better connect.

To read my full review, visit the Examiner.

One Card Reflection of the Week Ahead

Image: 2 Swords engulfed in a swirl of energy.

Suggested Keywords: Perception, Choice, Balance, Patience, Trust, and Intuition

Companion Book - Summarized: It is important to weigh your options, make the choice and take the plunge.

Impression

The 2 of Swords reflects upon a decision or choice which needs to be made. This could refer to employment, love, residence, or any number of life areas.

Does the energy bring the swords to cross, or do the swords crossing provide the energy? As this question came to mind, the answer quickly followed. It doesn't matter, what matters is the energy, the conflict, and the choices are there. Together, they bring forth a time for action. Trust in yourself to make the right choice. There’s no time to continue your stagnant position in indecision. The time is now.

Reflection

Carefully consider what choices you've pondered over, yet haven't made a decision yet. Make it a goal for this week to finally resolve the issue. Chances are you've had plenty of time to reflect and have even weighed the options, yet you continue to stand on the edge of choice for fear of making the wrong decision. Trust in yourself and your intuition. The time is right to trust in yourself and your intuition to make the right decision.

Higher Intuitions Oracle and Haiku Poem

Some Food for Thought

Creativity - an expression of your Higher Self.

Is your Muse also your Spirit Guide?

Do you ever wonder how connected your creative mind is with your higher super-subconscious? Are all intuitional thoughts coming to you from the same source? Are the voices, the gut feelings, the chance encounters part of a path, a destined course of action chosen before entering the physical world?

We all have such questions, yet only a few choose to dig further, exploring the possibilities. Are you living your life on auto-mode, or are you living to your full potential, pushing the boundaries?

Higher Intuitions Oracle – a glimpse of guidance

Wow! This card keeps popping up! Pegasus showed up in the sample reading posted a couple of weeks ago. I've also pulled daily cards from this deck and more than once found myself looking at this beautiful animal.

Pegasus – Soar

If you have chosen Pegasus, this is the time for you to soar – take charge of your creations and release the shackles from your spirit and soul. 

We look at our lives, searching for some hint of magic – something so grand it couldn’t possibly hide. The Pegasus suggests looking at the smaller things in life. A simple gesture can bring joy to your world and to others. This is where you find the wind beneath your wings to soar to higher levels.

The hardest part is to take that leap, but once you do…then you’ll soar.

A Haiku Poem - Pegasus

Soul, Angel of Light

Spread your wings, Soar to great heights,

Find your destined path.

Related Articles

Higher Intuitions Oracle Deck Review

Higher Intuitions Oracle Reading

Higher Intuitions Oracle Reading

Higher Intuitions Oracle, a 44 card deck and 128 page companion book, offers guidance through animal spirits.

Your angels and your guides frequently give signs and symbols in order to help you along your paths of enlightenment and good. 

Animals are messengers of the spirit world. One should take note when animals display unusual mannerisms or seem to reappear at unusual times and odd places. The Higher Intuitions Oracle brings these messages to your reading table and can help guide you in your path.

Read the full review at the Examiner.

~~~~~

One of the suggest spreads for this deck is the Lifetime Animal, a three card spread with the following positions.

1. Lifetime Animal - What you need to work on throughout your entire lifetime.
2. Primary Animal - What you need to work with in the present.
3. Soul Journey - What your guides are guiding you towards.

Here’s a sample reading using this spread and the Higher Intuitions Oracle.

Lifetime Animal – Phoenix, Take Flight

Keywords: newness, rebirth, change and vividness

Quote: “When once you have tasted flight, you will always walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward: for there you have been and there you will always be.” ~ Henry Van Dyke

Phoenix is helping you shed your old ways in order to prepare you for a new life, one that you have been waiting. You are on the verge of wonderful. The companion book goes on to speak of letting the old go, spiritual awakening and guidance.

~~~~~

Primary Animal – Pegasus, Soar

Keywords: soar, small things, release, leap

Quote: “The higher we soar, the smaller we seem to those who can’t fly.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche

If you have chosen Pegasus, this is the time for you to soar – take charge of your creations and release the shackles from your spirit and soul. The companion book goes on to speak of having patience and believing in self, accepting heaven-sent messages, and noticing the smaller joys of life. The message ends with: The hardest part is to take that leap, but once you do…then you’ll soar.

~~~~~

Soul Journey – Bat, Clarity

Keywords: hidden fears, open mind, heart and soul, passion

Quote: “Clarity of mind means clarity of passion, too; this is why a great and clear mind loves ardently and sees distantly what it loves.” ~ Blaise Pascal

If you chose bat, you are being told that the clarity that you seek must be sought in a different way. Now is the time to look at your life subjectively and see where you can add positive and passionate changes. The companion book goes on to speak of establishing good communications with loved ones and releasing your fears.

~~~~~

Overview: As I look upon these cards, the fact they all have wings seems significant. In my life, birds have become an interest and a source of daydreaming. Wouldn't it be wonderful to soar above, away from all the stress and turmoil? With the Phoenix as my Lifetime Animal, I feel I’m working toward the right goals in life. I’m definitely going through changes, and I have no doubt most of my current issues have been dragged from past lives into this one. A spiritual awakening is in progress. With the Pegasus as my Primary Animal, I feel this is a significant time, the moment of leaping forward toward life lessons and life goals – a leap into soaring, taking flight. This is the time to chase after my dreams. With the Bat as my Soul Journey, revealing what my guides are guiding me toward, to take the leap, my fears must be released, and a new level of trust must be found in order to take the leap into my flight.

Hope you have enjoyed this quick look at the Higher Intuitions Oracle. 

Litha 2013 - Tarot Blog Hop - The Journey

June 21^st, the longest day and shortest night of the year in the northern hemisphere, is known as the Summer Solstice, Midsummer, and Litha. While some celebrate the day with a traditional bonfire, others celebrate with offerings of gifts and altars to the faerie world.

During this time we, participants of the Tarot Blog Hop, wish to share with each other and you our abundance in creative and playful ways (perhaps we could say in the way of faeries.) Through dance, song, tales, and feasts, we bring together tarot and talent. Enjoy!

My gifts, my talent, reveal  through the written word -  storytelling, sharing/gaining knowledge, tarot reading, and expression.

To celebrate Litha, I offer a Tarot inspired poem delivered through divinity.

Deck – Crystal Visions Tarot

Bottom Card (used to determine number of cards) - 3

Cards Selected – 9 of Swords, 14 Temperance, 5 of Wands

The Journey

Rest your head, child,

For it’s not as seems,

Discard your worries.

No need for fear.

Dream of rainbows,

Butterflies, peace,

Rivers and love.

You’re not at war.

Life is a challenge.

No wins or defeats,

Only lessons learned.

Awaken each day,

To tests and trials,

Feats for your soul.

Thrive to teach, to learn,

With each new breath,

Till you arrive home,

From your journey.

The Tarot Blog Hop is a chain of blogs where each blogger touches upon the suggested topic. The blog before this stop is at Alison Cross' This Game of Thrones, and the blog stop after is JordanHoggard’s Land of Mystereum. If you've managed to arrive here without a map, here is the masterlist of participating bloggers.

Playlist Inspired by Tarot's Wheel of Fortune

On Monday, in my Tarot, Music, and Movies post, I mentioned Christy Talbot, aka Tarot Girl Next Door and her journey to create playlists for each Major Arcana.

Well, she invited me, and others, to help her in this large task. I eagerly jumped to the challenge and am delighted I did. It was fun listening to my favorite songs and some new songs, reflecting on the meaning, images and vibes. Something I will have to do again!

While creating the playlist, I focused on the card's themes of change and progress, forward movement, endings and beginnings, and the image of the wheel itself. I hope you enjoy my take on the Wheel of Fortune. Enjoy!

So here it is - The Playlist Inspired by Tarot's Wheel of Fortune! I'll be playing these over and over again!

 
Playlist Inspired by Tarot's Wheel of Fortune

1. Ace of Base – Wheel of Fortune 2. Andy Grammer – Keep Your Head Up 3. Pink – Try 4. Tevin Campbell - Round and Round 5. Kelly Clarkson – Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) 6. Christina Perri - A Thousand Years 7. Carrie Underwood – Jesus, Take The Wheel 8. Tracy Chapman – Fast Car 9. Cindy Lauper – Time after Time 10. Bon Jovi – It’s My Life 11. Maroon 5 – Daylight

Tarot, Music, and Movies

Christy Talbot, aka Tarot Girl Next Door, recently began putting together playlists for the Major Arcana, available to view on her blog and YouTube.

Azul Arco Iris offers Playlist Divination. She intuitively selects songs creating a playlist based on your reading request, general or specific question. When complete, the playlist is available for viewing on YouTube. I tried her service, couldn't resist. The results were amazing!

Making creative connections to the Tarot can help you remember the key meanings of the cards, but it can also tune you into your intuitive side. During readings, you will be more open to the available bursts of short lyrics, images, and thoughts.

Plus, it’s fun to make these connections. And once you start, you’ll begin seeing aspects of life more easily connect back to the cards, adding to your database of card meanings and impressions.

Take the court cards for instance. If you continue to have trouble connecting, try relating them to relatives, celebrities or even characters in your favorite television shows. This will give you a trigger to start with when doing a reading.

Here are two examples of such connections.

For me, Jack Sparrow is the perfect example of the Fool.

• 
  
• Always ready for a new adventure
• Never has a plan
• Enjoys life
• Never gives up
• Follows his heart’s desire (with the help of his compass, of course)

8 of Cups

Keywords

• Leaving the past behind
• Moving on, not looking back
• A turning point
• Seeking new horizons
• Directing energies in a new direction

Don’t Turn Around by Ace of Base – Not from the point of view of the figure, but of the cups being left behind, permission to set off on his new journey, assurance that everything will be fine (even if it's a sad moment.)

Do you use creative connections with the Tarot? Are there certain cards you find difficult? Need a suggestion on a connection?

The Week Ahead - Tea Leaf Forecast

The forecast for the week ahead comes in the form of Tea Leaf Fortune Cards. I purchased this deck at the end of 2011, played with them a little, but never went back. I think the main reason was I tried to do a year forecast and it wasn't so simple. You basically have a lot of cards in the form of predictions made from the art of Tasseography, a form of fortune telling using tea leaves. After you pull the number of cards needed, it’s up to you to group them together to form the accurate predictions.

For the week, we need seven cards in a straight line. Then after looking over them, decide which cards deal with the same issues and form your predictions. Here’s what came up for my week ahead: May 27 – June 2.

After laying them out in a line of seven, I began grouping the cards together. What you see above is what I decided upon.

Mice - discord among friends or family, Skull - hidden secrets can harm you, Vulture - depression, anxiety. Worry that someone is against you.

I felt these three cards grouped together and carried a similar theme. Someone is lying and it's not a harmless lie. It will cause discord among a group. It will be very upsetting to me and cause me grief.

Cane - Pay attention to your health, Dog-Barking - advice from a friend.

These two cards could very likely connect back to those first three cards. I could be so upset about this dishonesty that it causes me to be physically drained and perhaps neglect my health. I should listen closely to advice given by a friend on this situation.

Elephant - a long journey, either physical or mental, will leave you wiser at the end, Mountain - You are on the road to success.

I feel this will be a mental journey, perhaps even a result from the above dispute and the advice given by the friend. This change, this gaining of knowledge, will set me upon the road to success.

Overview - Don't get dragged down by a dispute among friends. Keep moving forward and accept advice from a reliable friend. As your mental journey develops, you will find yourself gaining knowledge and heading down the right road to success.

I'm actually impressed by this outcome, and it wasn't so hard to group them together.

Interview at Brigit's Biddy Tarot

Over at Biddy Tarot, Brigit features a 'Going Pro' series. Guess who, yes me, has been featured in this week's interview. It was a joy to talk with Brigit about my journey into the world of Tarot. Stop by and get to know me a little better. While you're there, check out all the wonderful things going on at Biddy Tarot.

Vintage Lenormand by Rootweaver and a look at the week ahead

A couple of weeks ago, I received a delightful gift - the Vintage Lenormand by Rootweaver, standard size and mini version.

The deck consists of 36 cards and is created in the Lenormand style of cartomancy. The high quality card stock makes both decks easy to handle, and the images are rich and earthy.

To purchase your own deck/decks visit Rootweaver's Decks.

To give you a view of some of the images, I decided to do a forecast for the week ahead using my new deck. Remember this is a personal forecast, which may or may not show energies you are also working with.

Card 1 - Monday and Tuesday - The Fish simply translates into money. It offers good fortune and reliable resources.

Card 2 - Wednesday and Thursday - The Bouquet represents a gift and happiness. Connecting back to the Fish gives a sign of this gift being in the form of money, financial profit.

Card 3 - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - The Lily is the business card, signifying work-related issues. (An alternative meaning for the Lily is purity and peace, according to the keyword list accompanying my deck.)

The Week Ahead

The week begins with the focus on money, which is provided in the form of a gift in the middle of the week. The weekend brings the week to a close with significance on business, perhaps the gifted money came from work, or could it be the gift will be put to business use. Either way, all of these flowers give me a sense of peace and natural growth.

Tarot Blog Hop - Tarot Tradition and where it all began

The Tarot Blog Hop presents the question, ‘What traditions are important to you in how you read Tarot?’ Advised to use the question as the basis for this post, I debated on what direction to take. I decided to go back into the past, back to the very beginning, or at least as far as I could venture.

But first – The Tarot Blog Hop is a chain of blogs where each blogger touches upon the suggested topic. The blog before this stop is at Alison Cross' This Game of Thrones, and the blog stop after is Louise's Priestess Tarot. If you've managed to arrive here without a map, here is the master list of participating bloggers. Enjoy!

The Sola Busca Tarot
a redrawing of the oldest existing Tarot deck,
printed in the late fifteenth century in Italy.

Where and when did it all begin? Myths and theories vary on the subject of the Tarot’s origin. The evidence suggests in the late 14^th century cards similar to what is known as the Tarot appeared in Italy and France.

The early Tarot cards were used in card games. Which leads to the question – Which cards came first – playing cards or the Tarot?

According to Tarot historian Tom Tadfor Little, traditional playing cards date back to 1375, arriving in Europe from the Islamic societies. The first known Tarot deck was created in the 1450, which suggests the Tarot derived from the traditional playing cards.

The first mention of the use of playing cards turning toward divination came in 1487. The first reference of Tarot connecting to such shows up in records from a trial in Venice, in 1589. After this, no references to the Tarot connecting with divination appears until the 18^th century.

These early decks were painted. Mass production didn't begin until the 1500s, with the invention of the Gutenberg press.

Today, we can find Tarot decks everywhere and in many forms. From themed to traditional decks, from fortune telling to self-discovery, over the years the Tarot has made a place in our culture. No longer does one have to hide the desire to explore these images, at least not as one would have had to in the days of witch hunts.

I hope you all enjoyed this short history on the Tarot. Much more detailed information is available on this subject, and in no way does this post even gets close to covering the massive topic.

Enjoy the Blog Hop!

Make Your Own Tarot Bags

There are benefits to handcrafting your own tarot bag.

You can pick your own fabric design. You can add character to the bag, by adding details: use a fabric pen to add writing, design a small pocket to place a crystal, or maybe add some beads to the pull string. The ideas are endless and the choices are yours.

You also give a gentle flow of energy into the bag during the time you handle the material. Sort of like food that tastes better when cooked with love, your tarot bag can have added protection it was created with love. And it’s easy!

Stop by my Tarot Examiner page for quick and easy steps to creating your own tarot bags.

The Edge - Five Sentence Fiction

One of the items on my to-do list today was to do something fun with the tarot. So, I decided on some tarot fiction.

Over at Lillie McFerrin Writes, a weekly prompt is provided for some fun fiction creating.

This week's prompt, Angles.

I chose The Psychic Tarot Oracle Deck to assist me in this week's creation. The cards pulled - 11 Balance, 5 Wisdom, and 8 Power. In Tarot Talk, these would be Justice, The Hierophant, and Strength.

Hope you enjoy the Five Sentence 'Tarot' Fiction.

The Edge

Jamie took a deep breath and stepped out the window onto the ledge, holding her arms out to stabilize herself. She heard her old gym teacher’s voice instructing her on posture, but that was long ago. She moved along the edge, one step at a time, moving toward the point of the roof. On the sidewalk below, pedestrians scurried back and forth in hurried movements of life. Shifting her body into a diver’s pose, Jamie dove toward them, releasing her wings at the last possible moment, taking flight and soaring upward.

Finding Balance – Two of Pentacles, Temperance

When I think of balance, of the many outlets of interest in my life, of my many self-imposed obligations, these two cards – Two of Pentacles and Temperance – always come to mind. I’ve come to expect and relish the sight of these within my readings. Their appearance gives me hope of being close to that wonderful moment of balance, moderation, and sanity, if you will.

Two of Pentacles

Two of Pentacles - The individual juggles his concerns, his obligations, and his problems. Notice the infinity sign loops around these, making it impossible for him to let go of either side of the coins. He must make it work, or drop them both. His expression is one of concern, but as he jostles around from foot to foot, there’s no doubt he will win the battle. Yet, behind him two ships are tossed about upon the sea, appearing to be on the same route, destined to collide. By finding a balance within his directions and interests, the sea will calm and the two pentacles shall become one.

Temperance

The Temperance – The winged angel stands balanced between the physical world (dry land) and the subconscious (the water). Within her hands, she holds two cups, alternating their contents back and forth, creating a balanced mixture. The Temperance offers a higher balance than the two of pentacles. While the first card deals with the physical portions of life, the Temperance represents peace and balance within the soul, the mind, the subconscious and super-conscious. She does not struggle, but works slowly in an attempt to make life calm and stress-free.

As I fight to find my own balance, I work to blend my interests, to create a foundation which will support it all. Yes, I could give up something and let one pentacle fall. But, in the spirit of the Two of Pentacles, it could and probably would all come falling down.

My writing is a part of me; it is a driving force which must be allowed to grow. The tarot is a motivational tool, a source of higher learner, a guiding star in life’s journey. Together, they supply a physical, a mental, and a spiritual journey.

However, as I move forward, life itself imposes limitations, a need for balance and moderation. In attempt to find such, I’m cutting back my blog posts, on both Tarot Guidance and Footsteps of a Writer, to twice a month.

This balancing of obligations and time is not only an attempt to allow more time for my fiction writing, but also to allow my creativity more room to grow.

Ideas for further exploration of the tarot continue to sprout but as it is now, I don’t have the time to take these journeys. Some of these roads lead toward tarot-based fiction, but also tarot-based non-fiction. I’ve spent the last couple of years, jotting notes as they come to me. Now it’s time to explore these notions further, so I can eventually share them with you.

As I move into a new phase of this journey of life, I thank all of you who have shared your thoughts, followed my writings and supported my steps. I’ve met many interesting people along the way, and look forward to meeting more.