Friday, March 29, 2013


The Chariot/King of Swords. The Chariot, which corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and sensitive, emotional and imaginative energy that likes to stay the same or follow the same course), Cancer (“I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody), Cheth (the fence), and the Path between Geburah (the place where forms and structure are challenged or affirmed) and Binah (female receptive energy and the origin of form and structure), and tells of having the control necessary to focus on goals, and to avoid distractions. Looks like I will need to assert my Will today, particularly over myself.  The King of Swords (cusp of Capricorn, “I build,” ambitious, cautious, cunning, authoritative, and Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause-oriented, aloof) is a good judge of people and situations.  He uses his intellect to analyze, so he may not be compassionate but he is trustworthy.  Sounds like I am being given a warning today: I will need to judge people and situations carefully, and do my best to keep my own reactions under control, for I will be tested.

My Thoth card is the Eight of Swords.  Another Swords card; this one is about “Interference.” The Eight of Swords (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable talkative, dual) tells of a confused and restrictive response to obstacles, or the interferences that happen when we just have bad luck.  This may very well be my instinctive response to any confrontations or adversarial situations today.  Forewarned is forearmed, and perhaps I will be able to prevent this discomfort from happening.  I need to remember not to cause it or impose it on others, as well. 

My Legacy card is the Ten of Swords (another one?), flavored by the Five of Wands. Oh boy, sounds like energies are going to be churning today!  The Ten of Swords (the Sun, the inner core of a person or situation, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable, dual, talkative) tells of the perception of the complete manifestation of interference, powerlessness and restriction.  Even if I am forewarned, I may believe that I am set upon by people or circumstances.  I need to remember that my own perception of what is really happening may very well be flawed.  But in any event, what I believe to be true (even if I am incorrect) is what I will be manifesting, so I’ve got to remember that my perception is not the only one.  My Ten of Swords is being flavored by the Five of Wands, which might actually be a good thing today. The Five of Wands, which corresponds with Saturn (discipline, responsibility, law and order) in Leo (“I am, passionate, dramatic, egotistical) indicates a struggle caused by annoying cross-purposes.  What I like (and need to be aware of) is that the discomfort caused by this card is not caused by negative intentions or long-term suffering, but rather, by plain old irritations and trivialities.  In the end, these things will only cause harm if I allow them to cause harm.  They can have good results; being tested is an opportunity to achieve victory!

My 6-digit date number is 9, the completeness of effect or manifestation.  This makes sense, considering my cards today. 

My horoscopes: “Nurture your artistic, romantic side today, Sagittarius. Your feet may be a little cold, but that's what you get for splashing around in the rain. Don't worry about it. Your heart and mind are finally on the same page and it's much easier to say exactly how you feel. Take off the wet socks and put on a dry pair. Take to the streets and meet up with a fun troupe of merriment tonight.

And: “Romance, particularly the physical kind, should be on your mind all day. If you're currently involved, try to talk your significant other into getting away from it all and taking you to a romantic resort outside of town. A little adventure would add just the right touch to your romantic inclinations, and you can rest assured that the phone won't ring! Lock the door of your room and have fun!

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Knight of Cups.  Today, being an emotional purist who optimistically visualizes roses and hugs for all might be a good thing.  I must see only beauty, I must see only love, and I must keep my heart filled with the Sacred Essence, and the outcome will be all I’ve dreamed of. 

It is a beautiful, sunny day.  My brother-in-law and fellow gardener is here, flower seeds in hand, and I am going to get my hands dirty, by hook or by crook.  We are going shopping later, too, and hopefully I will get a walk to the beach, and a bit of Yoga, into my day as well. 

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Thursday, March 28, 2013


The Lovers reversed/Five of Pentacles. The Lovers (Air, hot/separates and wet/adapts, quick and animated, intellectual, problems or challenges; Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, sociable, dual; Zayin, double-edged sword; and the Path between Tiphareth, the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify, and Binah, female receptive energy and the origin of form and structure) tells of duality, union, and personal choices.  This card is about love, but it is also about personal values and personal choices, and today my choices will not be effective if they are only about me.  I need to look at the bigger picture today, and look at the world at large rather than my own little place in it. The Five of Pentacles (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, skill, communication, in Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn) traditional image shows a woman and a child, one of them injured in some way, travelling in the cold wind, with a church window behind them.  I may be dealing with physical world resources today, or at least the perception of an imbalance or need within those resources.  Perhaps my Lovers reversed is offering a way to deal with that perceived lack of resources.  Perhaps if I try real hard, I will be able to tear my eyes away from the things I believe are hurting me or holding me back, and instead will be able to look at what I have.  Blessings are around me, blessings that can’t be bought with any coin; I have only to look for them and I will find them.

My Thoth card is the Seven of Swords reversed.  “Futility” will be in the air today, but I will overcome! The Seven of Swords (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, cause-oriented, the group, aloofness) in an upright position tells of the effort to maintain things as we want them, often through the use of deception and without considering the wants or needs of others.  My Seven of Swords is reversed, and once again, I am being told that my own needs are not the important ones today.  If I spend the day trying to tailor my surroundings to my own needs, I won’t be successful.  The energy flows of the day are more “out of me, to the benefit of all (including me),” rather than “into me, for my particular needs.”  Futility will only be apparent if I don’t tap into the energy flows.

My Legacy card is the Queen of Wands, flavored by the Eight of Swords reversed. The Queen of Wands (cusp of Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, soul growth, spirituality, and Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive) is energetic and enthusiastic, gives 100% of herself, and always has a smile on her face and humor in her heart. Today I will be at home in a garden or a board room, and I will gain much pleasure from sharing what I have, including my joy for life and my sense of humor. My Queen is being flavored by the Eight of Swords in a reversed position.  The Eight of Swords (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable talkative, dual) in an upright position tells of a confused and restrictive response to obstacles, or the interferences that happen when we just have bad luck.  My card is reversed, and it is flavoring my already-alert and enthusiastic Queen of Wands, and these two cards together predict a bit of excitement, to say the least!

My 6-digit date number is 8, the number that tells of a conscious and deliberate response to the beginning of degeneration that is the number 7, most likely in order to attempt to preserve the harmony of the number 6 for a bit longer. 

My horoscopes: “You might spend a lot of time in conversation with friends who share your interests. Their insights could lead to new insights on your part, Sagittarius, and vice versa. This process could bring all of you closer together. Good news could come through the mail, email, or phone regarding goals you've been trying to reach. You're also likely to send out a lot of communications yourself.

And: “Freedom of speech is likely to be a big theme for you. Don't be surprised if you find yourself up on your soapbox in support of the rights that you believe in. Others are apt to listen to you attentively, so be clear and concise in your arguments. Imagine yourself as someone who is giving a pep talk for a group of revolutionaries who are ready to launch a fight for an important cause. You can inspire others with your positive and encouraging nature.

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Ace of Cups.  Potential today for all kinds of emotions, and all kinds of “seeing” or “understanding.”  This card is about the possibility of connecting to others, and it is about the potential for feelings and emotions that are connected to connections.  It can also be hinting at a deeper connection to “Self,” too.  Everyone may end up happy!

I am looking forward to this long weekend with family.  I will be gardening, I will be visiting Higbee Beach and Sunset Beach, and I will be sharing some single malt Scotch while taking part in great meals and great conversations.  If my cards for today are any indication, things should be pretty exciting, and rewarding, too.

I won’t be totally abandoning my responsibilities, though.  As always, my Tarot cards will come with me (and I will throw Transparent Oracle, too), and my YTT homework will come with me too.  I will carve out some time to work with both.

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Wednesday, March 27, 2013


The Chariot/The Wheel of Fortune reversed.  The Chariot, which corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and sensitive, emotional and imaginative energy that likes to stay the same or follow the same course), Cancer (“I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody), Cheth (the fence), and the Path between Geburah (the place where forms and structure are challenged or affirmed) and Binah (female receptive energy and the origin of form and structure), and tells of having the control necessary to focus on goals, and to avoid distractions.  The Chariot tells me that success is available to me, if I have the Will to attain it. The Wheel of Fortune (Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), Jupiter (expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune), Kaph (grasping hand), and the Path between Netzach (the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration) and Chesed (the place where forms and structure are stabilized and nurtured)) in an upright position also tells of sudden movement, but not movement caused by us or controlled by us. Because my Wheel is reversed, things may not move or progress in an unexpected way, or I might be able to have an effect on what is happening.  This validates the power of The Chariot. 

My Thoth card is the Five of Swords.  “Defeat” is the keyword for this one, but I am hoping I can prevent this if I am forewarned.  The Five of Swords (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, pleasure, in Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, cause-oriented, the group, aloof) shows what happens when we insist that our way is right, or when we impose our needs or wants onto a situation.  Disdain can be damaging, as it causes separation; the defeat could come because no one is willing to connect.

My Legacy card is the Two of Cups reversed, flavored by the Six of Swords reversed.  The Two of Cups (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, family and home oriented, tenacious, moody) in an upright position tells of about love and connections, usually having to do with feelings, relationships and commonalities. My Two is reversed, and this brings separation, solitude, and even disagreement.  The Six of Swords (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, communication, in Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause oriented) in an upright position is about balance, healing, moving towards a better place, and even about learning the science behind things that work (because understanding why they work makes them more effective).  My reversed Six of Swords, which is flavoring my reversed Two of Cups, brings a bit of fortitude and resolve into the picture.  I may feel the need to function in a solitary manner, but I will be effective. 

My Pearls of Wisdom Full Moon card is the Ace of Wands.  Woohoo!  I need this one today.  The Ace of Wands (Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, egotistical, Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, sensible, orderly) tells of the initial emanation of enthusiasm or inspiration that could very well energize an entire process or project.  I am being told to have courage, and to go for what I want.

My 6-digit date number is 7, the number that tells of a pause as growth slows and degeneration approaches, usually requiring a choice or crossroad of some kind. 

My horoscopes: “New earning or investment possibilities could have you in a quandary over which one is the best for you, Sagittarius. There are a number of solutions - technology may be one of them - but this isn't the time to make any important decisions. Everything may seem equally attractive to you! Professional advice might help, but even so, don't feel you have to make a decision right away. Wait a few days.

And: “Ideas for your own personal self-expression might be fueled today by ideas and visions that come from foreign countries, possibly from the distant past. You'll probably put a lot of effort into your own projects, at least for part of the day. Sports or exercise could also play a major role in your activities at this time, as your physical energy is high and is going to need an outlet. Have fun!.

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Knight of Pentacles.  Perfect!  This Knight is reminding me that I can’t allow the shinys and sparklies to distract me from my goal.  Those things are for another day, or for another person; today I will stick to the plan no matter what, for that is my job. 

Insanity rules today, LOL.  The Hubs and I are crazy busy with work, and we are trying so very hard to clean everything up so that we can head to Cape May for the holiday weekend.  I have a Yoga class tonight, then a Full Moon Esbat.  And then, if I can still keep my eyes open, I will do a bit more on this month’s YTT homework. 

Full Moon Blessings!

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Monday, March 25, 2013


King of Wands/Five of Pentacles reversed. The King of Wands (cusp of Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, nurturing, moody, and Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic egotistical) is honest and open hearted, and rules his realm through the advantageous use of his creative impulses.  He is quite resourceful; his best talent is making the world around him fit his dream, and that is what he is encouraging me to do.  We create our own reality, after all. The Five of Pentacles (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, skill, communication, in Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn) traditional image shows a woman and a child, one of them injured in some way, travelling in the cold wind, with a church window behind them.  This card in an upright position tells of loss or need within the physical world, but my Five of Pentacles is reversed.  This could mean that despite the necessity to give 150% I will end up feeling strong and supported; a nice reward for a busy day!

My Thoth card is the Four of Cups reversed.  “Luxury” is the keyword for the upright card.  The Four of Cups (the Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, nurturing, tenacious, moody), which tells us that too much pleasure deadens the senses.  Thankfully my card is reversed, perhaps satisfaction can happen without that deadening of the senses.

My Legacy card is the Ten of Coins reversed, flavored by the Two of Wands. The Ten of Coins (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, communication, in Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented) represents physical world wealth and bounty. In an upright position, this card lets me know that it is okay to enjoy my bounty for a bit, but in the end I need to do something with what I have.  My card is reversed, and thus I have not yet received the end result. The Two of Wands (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, pioneering, assertive, enthusiastic), which is flavoring my Ten of Coins, tells of power, influence and authority.  This card is related to the Will, and it could be telling me just how I can turn that Ten of Coins around.

My 6-digit date number is 5, the number that tells of movement that might bring a bit of discomfort, but it also gets rid of stagnation.

My horoscopes: “Pour yourself a comforting cup of tea today, Sagittarius. Take a hot shower or a long bath. In short, pamper yourself. You may be picking up on the extra tension of the people around you. Be conscious of this and make a mental note to strip away the garbage that others dump on you. You're a sensitive individual. Pat yourself on the back and look out for sudden moves from others.

And: “The keywords for today, are love and creativity. If you're currently involved romantically, you can anticipate a wonderful day with your loved one, and an even better night. In between, however, you can expect to be engrossed in a fascinating project that means a lot to you. Children might be involved in some way. You might discover new ways to express yourself in any field you want, from cooking, to sports, to the arts. Enjoy!

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Three of Wands.  Take the step, and believe!  That is the message of this card.  Simple, but scary.  As long as I believe there will be something to step onto, it will happen!

A busy day!  Hubby has lots of work, and that is a good thing.  I made my Yoga class tonight, then came back and worked for Hubs a bit more.  Now, I will spend a bit of time with my YTT homework, then to bed.  I’ve got another busy one tomorrow.

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Sunday, March 24, 2013


Transparent Oracle Sunday! 

35, Landscape: Forest (North). North is the direction of Earth, and thus of the physical or physically formed or manifested world, and of nurturing, health, finances and security, and the wisdom associated with living simply, being well-grounded, and being in touch with our physical body.  Forest is about the results over the long term, results which happen because of fertility and nurturing and patience; Forest represents the manifestation of age and wisdom and patience, connections (and results) that are not openly apparent but rather, like roots under the ground, are all around us.  Different energies can work together; a Forest is proof of that. 

10, Elemental: Sylph (East). East is the direction of Air (dignities: hot/separates and wet/adapts), and thus of fresh ideas and new beginnings, the intellect, the mental force that strives to manifest, challenges which bring opportunities for growth, spiritual guidance, and the striving for balance between the mind and the heart. Sylphs personify these concepts, and they encourage the use of imagination in an original way, they tell us to shift as needed in order to take advantage of the prevailing winds, and they tell us to fly free, filled with joy and unencumbered by life’s burdens (at least for a little while).

34, Time of Day: Midnight (North). The dignities associated with Earth are: cold/binds and dry/shapes, and the energies are stable, material, practical, and slow to change or try something new.  Earth is about security and stillness, and knowing what to expect; it is about strength, discipline, and physical manifestation of all kinds, and about enjoying the fruits of our labors.  Midnight is a time of peace and serenity and lack of effort (in a good way); we are done with the previous day, and the new day is just barely thinking about beginning.  This time of darkness is filled with secrets and mysteries, and dreams of things to come. 

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  What a beautiful, serene image!!  Moonlight over the woods, with the denizens of the night out to play.  The Sylphs are barely visible, hidden by the foliage of the Forest and the dark sky of Midnight, but they are there!  I have only to learn how to perceive them, and I will be able to also perceive their messages.  Sylphs remind us that those messages connected to the direction of North and the element of Earth are about well-known and tried-and-true methods, but these messages are also about creativity and fertility, and originality.  Specialties of the Sylphs.

I spent all afternoon yesterday (after a powerful Yoga class in the morning), in my much-loved garden, doing the first Spring clean-up.  LOL, I did a lot of the stuff that is not fun to do once the mosquitoes come out, like cleaning behind the cypress trees.  I cut the dead canes from the rose bushes (which are already sprouting tiny red leaves), and cleaned up around the iris patch.  Unfortunately, it’s going to snow tomorrow, so no seeds or plants are down yet, but I am crossing my fingers for next weekend.

Tonight, I met again with Rebecca, my private belly dance student.  She is preparing to enter a talent contest for Vets.  Rebecca is a vet of he Gulf War, and she is an great dancer, a pleasure to work with. 

I'm sore but happy; now back to my YTT homework!

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Friday, March 22, 2013


Five of Swords/The Hanging Man. The Five of Swords (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, pleasure, in Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, cause-oriented, the group, aloof) shows what happens when we insist that our way is right, or when we impose our needs or wants onto a situation.  The thing I need to remember about these kinds of situations, whether I am the catalyst or a participation, is that in the end, any victory won is empty. The Hanging Man corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and emotional, sensitive and imaginative energy that tends to move deep, and attempts to take the same path as in the past), Neptune (inspiration, spirituality, magick, enchantment, dreams, altered states), and the Hebrew letter Mem (water, stability and balance, the reflective quality of thought); this card presents the kind of balance that comes to us through surrender, and through seeing things in a different way.  My Hanging Man is reminding me that by hanging back and attempting to view the situation in a new way, I just might get the answers that won’t come to me if I force the issue.

My Thoth card is the Two of Cups.  “Love” is Crowley’s keyword for this card, and since love heals all, this is a good one to be a part of my spread today. The Two of Cups (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, family and home oriented, tenacious, moody) tells of about love and connections, usually having to do with feelings, relationships and commonalities.  The Thoth card shows a lovely bounty of water, balanced nicely.  There is enough water to nurture all, yet not so much that things become soggy, nor so little that things dry up.

My Legacy card is the Six of Swords reversed, flavored by The Empress. The Six of Swords (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, communication, in Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause oriented) in an upright position is about balance, healing, moving towards a better place, and even about learning the science behind things that work (because understanding why they work makes them more effective).  Looks like I won’t be empowered by my own knowledge today.  Perhaps healing will appear more quickly if I am passive?  My reversed Six of Swords is being flavored today by The Empress. The Empress (which corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes, and stable, material, practical energies that are slow to change), Venus (beauty, allure, pleasure, relationships), the Hebrew letter Daleth (door or womb) and the Path between Binah (female receptive energy and the origin of form and structure) and Chokmah on the Tree of Life (dynamic male energy and the origin of vital force and polarity)) is one half of the Major Arcana representation of the Sacred Feminine.  The Empress is about creativity, fertility of all kinds, a deep connection to Nature and the nurturing of others, and an enjoyment of the senses.  She is validating this passivity, and she is telling me to cherish the pleasures of my physical senses, and the world around me.

My 6-digit date number is 11 (Archangel Uriel), which reduces further to 2, the number of balance, polarity, and “distance between.”

My horoscopes: “You won't feel particularly social today, Sagittarius. You'd be happiest at home with a good book, a good meal, and no contact with the outside world. Alas, such solitude isn't always possible. You may have to balance your need for isolation with obligations to colleagues. Part of your grumpiness might be due to a physical imbalance. Make it an early night and you will wake tomorrow with a new attitude.

And: “Your energy, enthusiasm and sense of adventure are at an all-time high today. You along with a few friends might be planning to go together on an unusual outing, or perhaps a trip to a distant land. Extraordinary information could come your way, sparking a new interest, while exhilarating news from friends, neighbors or relatives increases your optimism for the future. All in all, this should be a busy and interesting day.

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Eight of Cups.  I love the image on this card!  Sometimes the best response is to turn away from whatever is uncomfortable, and head towards quiet and serenity and relaxation and peace.  Okay . . . I can do that!

Finally made it to the beach; lovely evening in front of the fireplace, with my Dahling and my 93 year old mother-in-law.  Good stuff!!

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Thursday, March 21, 2013


Ten of Swords reversed/Three of Cups.  The Ten of Swords (the Sun, the inner core of a person or situation, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable, dual, talkative) tells of the perception of the complete manifestation of interference, powerlessness and restriction.  My Ten of Swords is reversed today, and I am being reminded just how easy it is to change my entire outlook by refusing to expect the worst.  The Three of Cups (Mercury, reason, intelligence, orderliness, communication, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody) is about connections, emotional abundance, and about blessings.  This card is validating the message of my reversed Ten: see the blessings I have because I not only have connections and support but also I am aware of those connections and that support

My Thoth card is The Aeon reversed.  The Aeon/Judgement corresponds with Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), Pluto (power, metamorphosis, cycles of dying and becoming), Shin (fang), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Hod (provides analysis and communication) and represents an opportunity to tally up and pay the bill so we can have a fresh start. 

My Legacy card is the Three of Swords reversed (whew!), flavored by the Page of Swords.  The Three of Swords (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, limitations and resistance, in Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation) in an upright position usually indicates the possibility that logic, rationalizing and the intellect could end up causing harm if they are not used with balance and compassion.  This Swords card, in some ways similar to my Ten above, is about the perception of isolation and separation and melancholy.  Also like my Ten above, my Three of Swords is reversed, and being flavored by the exciting Page of Swords.  Page of Swords (Capricorn, “I build,” ambitious, competent, cautious, cunning, Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, society, cause-oriented, and Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, soul growth, spirituality) tells us to use our mind and intellect to analyze our situations as well as our emotions and feelings.  We need to think out of the box during this process of analysis, and we need to remember that expectations often manifest as reality, so we must think carefully as we analyze and remain aware that we just might be mistaken in our expectations.

My Pearls of Wisdom Ostara card is the Page of Wands.  This Page is holding a mask of flames up over his face, hiding what he really looks like.  The Page of Wands (Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody; Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic noble egotistical; and Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented) tells of the coming of a spark that could create a mighty flame, if there is enough kindling and air to feed it.  And the Page of Wands is the perfect person to fan these flames!  The Pearls of Wisdom Page of Wands is holding a mask of flames over his face (so you can’t see his physical features); this is also an awesome message!  My creativity can remain a bit more anonymous; without the flavoring of my expectations things might turn out pretty good in the end.

My 6-digit date number is 10, which represents the completion of a project and the end of a cycle.  This number reduces further to the number 1, a number of potential and position, without manifestation as yet.

My horoscopes: “Your career is about to take a turn for the better, Sagittarius. New professional possibilities may come your way today. Be receptive to any invitations or offers. Your advancement may not come in the most traditional way, so you need to pay close attention. Don't overlook something that seems beyond your capabilities. Your reach should always exceed your grasp. Stretch!”

And: “There are opportunities in the aggression that may arise today, so don't necessarily look upon conflict as a bad thing. Regardless of the situation, there is a great deal of passion that is present above and below the surface, so don't underestimate the power that is available to you today - either through your own efforts, or through others'. The temperature is likely to rise quite a bit whether you like it or not.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding The Star.  No bright Sun, no illusory Moon; just gentle and soft light.  No judgment, no stress, just calm.  Stars guide us as we navigate our way home, and that is what we should anticipate when we see this card.  Hope for a time of peace, of being surrounded by security, and being surrounded by those we love. 

Yesterday was Ostara, the Spring Equinox, a day of balance and serenity and enlightenment.  For me, it was another busy day in a busy week, filled with positive efforts.  I started working on my assignments for YTT, and despite the fact that work is incredibly busy, I’ve found the time each day to maintain my Yoga practice. 

I have heard back regarding the extra work I did for my Third Degree Lesson 8, and have been given the go-ahead to move on to Lesson 9.  I am looking forward to moving on to the next Lesson.  I looked back in my records, and I have been in Third Degree Training for longer than I realized.  It was on March 20, 2007, six years ago yesterday, that I first gained access to Third Degree Training!  More than half of the time I have belonged to Sacred Mists!  Each Third Degree Lesson has ended up directly connecting to events in my physical-world life.  Beginning the year of my Saturn Return, and right around when Saturn goes retro?  Shadow Work, Lesson 8, which I just completed.  Beginning Yoga Teacher Training?  Healing and serving, which is the focus of my next Lesson, Lesson 9. 

I have needed every month of this time, of these years, to get to where I am right now.  So much growth!  So many mind-blowing experiences!  Without the awesome training I am receiving, I would never have achieved what I’ve done over the past six years.  I am once again so very glad that I found Sacred Mists.  Without this journaling that I’ve been doing since the beginning of 2007, many of the details of these amazing years would have been gone, lost in the dusty corners of my mind.  I am once again so very glad that I kept up with my journaling.

I have reached the point when I am feeling the need to get this training completed.  Maybe this is all part of my Saturn Return, which is happening this year; or maybe it is due to the recent Shadow Work I did, Shadow Work that is still having an effect on me.  Whatever the reason, things are happening within me that are nudging me forward, and that are reminding me to carefully pack away the things that are to be stored, so they don’t get lost.  This is the process that is happening within me now, this tying up of loose ends so that everything important is put in its place, before the “big move,” whatever that turns out to be.

Interesting!

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Tuesday, March 19, 2013


The Moon reversed/Ten of Pentacles. The Moon of the Tarot Major Arcana corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, emotional and sensitive energy that strives to stay the same), Pisces (“I believe,” feeling, suffering, soul growth, duality), Qof (the back of the head), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Netzach (the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration), is about feelings and emotions and instincts and the subconscious.  When upright, this can be a card of discomfort or fear, but my Moon is reversed today.  Thus, instead of the possibility of discomfort because of illusion, I might be able to make use of the inconsistencies that may abound. The Ten of Pentacles (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, communication, in Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented) represents physical world wealth and bounty, and the attempt to maintain the status quo.  Today that “pause and enjoy” might work for me, considering the possible discomforts that may appear.  Yes, those discomforts may in the end have no real effect, but focusing on what I have rather than what might be “out there” may be more productive.

My Thoth card is the Four of Wands reversed.  “Completion” is the keyword for this one, but not a final completion.  The Four of Wands (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, enthusiastic) in an upright position is about building enough to become established.  My Four of Wands is reversed, and it is telling me that I have not yet reached that first plateau.  But this is one of those cards that is no necessarily uncomfortable when reversed.  That plateau is there, I just haven’t reached it yet.

My Legacy card is The Empress reversed, flavored by the Knight of Coins.  Hmmm . . . a bit of an unbalance today. The Empress (which corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes, and stable, material, practical energies that are slow to change), Venus (beauty, allure, pleasure, relationships), the Hebrew letter Daleth (door or womb) and the Path between Binah (female receptive energy and the origin of form and structure) and Chokmah on the Tree of Life (dynamic male energy and the origin of vital force and polarity)) is one half of the Major Arcana representation of the Sacred Feminine.  My Empress is reversed today, and I may find that the world has lost its sparkle. The Knight of Coins (cusp of Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, egotistical, and Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented), which is flavoring my reversed Empress, tells of persistence to the point of being stubborn, and caution to the point of being boring.  This may not be a good pairing; he is boring and she is bored. 

My 6-digit date number is 8, the number that tells of a conscious and deliberate effort to hold off the beginning of degeneration that is the number 7, in order to maintain for a bit longer the balance of the number 6.

My horoscopes: “Intuition could prove extremely valuable when it comes to dealing with a sticky situation, Sagittarius. You know all the rules, you know all the proper methods for whatever you do, but today you could be driven to make decisions based on gut feelings rather than rules or logic. Think of it as a valuable new tool for understanding how to deal with people and make the most of it.

And: “Someone whom you care for very deeply may be having financial problems. You may want to help this person, but you could also have some worries as to whether or not they'll appreciate your efforts. Whatever form of assistance you're considering, use your intuition. If you sense that they want help, offer it - within reason. If they resist, let it go. Sometimes people have to work things out for themselves.

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding Strength.  This is not about having massive physical muscles.  Even the slightest of girls can hold back the crowd, if she has the Will to do so, and if she believes that she will succeed.

Busy, busy, and even more busy.  I am hoping that soon enough, I will adjust to the new things in my life, but in the mean time, I am getting my card descriptions posted!

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Sunday, March 17, 2013



Transparent Oracle Sunday!

55, Guide: Mermaid (Below).  Ascension and escape from the physical world seem to be our tasks for this life; however, in order to ascend, we need to first understand this word we are attempting to grow out of.  The cards of Below assist us in that endeavor.  Mermaid tells us of many non-physically manifested concepts: feelings, emotions, love, compassion, and healing.  Like Water, none of these can be held in place by our hands, and yet all are important ingredients within a balanced and harmonious and satisfying life.  Learning to access these ingredients and use them for our benefit without “over-spicing” the recipe takes focus and Will, and loss of control can bring obsession and destruction, but it is well worth the risk.

14, Time of Day: Midday (South). South is the direction of the midday sun and the peak of power and illumination; this direction is associated with passionate drive and creativity.  Midday is also a time of peak power, the peak of light and illumination for the current day.  This is a time when shadows are small and seeing clearly is easy, but this moment of clarity is not permanent.  Soon enough, the shadows will begin to grow once more.

63, Touch (and Taste) (Within). Within is the direction of the Self, and thus the cards associated with this direction deal with the ways our Self connects to the world and perceives the world, and the Self.  This direction is mostly abstract, and yet is our bridge to the Universe around us.  Our senses connect us to the physical world, and the sense of Touch is the most solid and least deceptive sense; touch is the method we use to find our way around and to dispel illusion.  Taste is a part of Touch, for it is by bringing things into contact with our tongues that we Taste them.  Contact is the key here, and connection; they can be pleasant or violent.

I then stacked my cards to create my mandala.  For some reason, this one feels contained yet powerful.  Steam can be powerful in this way; if we create steam in a container the pressure can move a train.  I think these cards are talking about power that comes to us from without, from what we have experienced and from what we have learned to control, but this power can also come from within us.  It can come from our intentions and our Will, and it can come from the ways that we personally perceive the world and interpret our perceptions.  Today is a day for me to perhaps understand these two concepts, so I should take advantage of this.

Today I attended my first Yoga Teacher Training Intensive, which lasted from 11 am to 7 pm.  Wow, did I learn a lot already.  I have assignments to do over the next weeks, before the next Intensive in April, and I can’t wait to dig in.  But for tonight, I am giving my brain a break, so I can absorb what I’ve learned.

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Friday, March 15, 2013


King of Pentacles/Two of Cups reversed.  The King of Pentacles (cusp of Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive, and Taurus, “I have,” sensual, stubborn, cautious, physically oriented) is the expert on the physical world, on physical world resources, and on physical manifestation.  He is reliable, good with money, and not only has knowledge but is able to manifest that knowledge as skills and abilities.  He tells me to be brave, but to act using by-the-book and proven methods. The Two of Cups (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, family and home oriented, tenacious, moody) tells of love and connections, usually having to do with feelings, relationships and commonalities.  Reversed, this card tells me that in order to make the best use of my physical world resources today, I may need to think on my own, and be a bit more firm than compassionate.

My Thoth card is the Princess of Swords.  The Princess/Page of Swords (Capricorn, “I build,” ambitious, competent, cautious, cunning, Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, society, cause-oriented, and Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, soul growth, spirituality) tells us to use our mind and intellect to analyze situations as well as our emotions and feelings, and the messages of our senses.  This card has a lot in common with my King of Pentacles, but my Princess also is able to think out of the box, even if she tends to analyze rather than connect to the world around her.

My Legacy card is the Two of Wands reversed, flavored by the Ten of Wands reversed.  Hmmm . . . personal power and overdoing it, both reversed. The Two of Wands (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, pioneering, assertive, enthusiastic) in an upright position tells of power, influence and authority.  This card is related to the Will, and it tells me that today is not a day to exercise my Will in an unbalanced manner.  My reversed Two of Wands is being flavored by another reversed Wands card. The Ten of Wands (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, limitations and resistance, in Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, blundering) in an upright position tells of being taxed to some perceived limit, or of feeling as if we are out of gas at the bottom of a hill.  My Ten of Wands is reversed, and along with my reversed Two of Wands, I am being told that perhaps things are not as dire as I perceive them to be.  Even so, since both of these active cards are reversed, I may need to stop and assess, carefully.

My 6-digit date number is 4, the number of depth and stability.

My horoscopes: “If you've been concerned about your health for any reason, Sagittarius, today your medical professional could give you a clean bill of health. You will believe it, because you're likely to feel wonderful. Stress has vanished, at least for now, and your energy and enthusiasm are higher than they've been for a long time. Enjoy yourself. Go out with some friends. You've earned it!

And: “If you are feeling in a bit of a rut, there is no one to blame but yourself. Why not get out in Mother Nature for a bit today? You can go for a brisk walk, or arrange to meet friends at an outdoor jazz concert. Sometimes last-minute plans are the most fun. Your friends will be delighted with your initiative, and you are all bound to have a great time. A break from routine and some fresh air are just what you've needed.

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Queen of Wands.  This Queen loves to showcase her creative abilities; she is comfortable in the spotlight, and in fact, she glows when she shares her energies in this way.  She exudes confidence and skill, and a great sense of humor; she is not arrogant but rather, confident in all of her abilities.  Including the ability to laugh at herself. 

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Thursday, March 14, 2013


Eight of Wands reversed/The Sun. The Eight of Wands (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, skill, communication, in Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, adventurous, blundering) in an upright position is a card of action, of quick developments, and of pulling it all together so things can be completed.  This one has the power of force behind it, and it is reversed.  Things may not be moving too quickly today, and even if they appear to be moving, I had better hold back.  The Sun corresponds with Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), our Sun (the inner core of a person or situation), Resh (the face; reason), and the Path between Yesod (the place where patterns and images emerge that may manifest in the physical world) and Hod (provides analysis and communication), and tells of a time of enlightenment and peace that comes after the completion of some ordeal.  This card has been appearing for me lately, both upright and reversed.  Today it is here with my reversed Eight of Wands (which is also a Fire card), and since the energies of The Sun are also about pausing, I will bask in the warmth from without today, rather than using activity to warm my core.

My Thoth card is the Ace of Disks reversed. Aces present potential only, and the Ace of Disks (Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive, Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn, and Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, dual, social) tells of the presence of potential that is connected in some way to the physical world.  My Ace is reversed today, and this might be a warning that I don’t know what I think I know.  Wealth is not always good; it can be a heavy burden that holds us back.

My Legacy card is the Ace of Wands reversed, flavored by The Star reversed. Another reversed Ace, and another reversed Wands card.  The Ace of Wands (Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, egotistical, Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, sensible, orderly) in an upright position tells of the initial emanation of enthusiasm or inspiration that could very well energize an entire process or project.  Since my Ace is reversed, the seed may be there but circumstances are not encouraging germination.  My reversed Ace of Wands is being flavored by The Star, also reversed. The Star (Air, hot/separates and wet/adapts; Aquarius; Qof, back of head; the Path between Malkuth, the physical world of action and outer, physical reality, and Netzach, the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration) is the “good will to all” card.  Upright, The Star is about optimism and faith, synergy with the world, and an awareness of that synergy.  My Star is reversed today, and that could mean suppressed expectations, or a flat, humdrum feeling.  This makes sense because of the reversed cards in my spread today.

My 6-digit date number is 3, the number that tells of a new creation out of the potential and position of the Ace, and the balance, polarity and “distance between” of the number 2.

My horoscopes: “You may feel rather introspective today, Sagittarius, and decidedly out of step with everyone else's frenzied pace. You're a thoughtful person with deep spiritual beliefs. It's understandable that you may sometimes feel disheartened by all the consumerism and conspicuous consumption that fills society. Try not to let this get you down. Try to focus instead on your reasons for being happy.

And: “Household chores might be more of a drag than usual today. Still, you're apt to feel that you have to get them done so they won't be hanging over your head - and this could put you into a very downhearted frame of mind. As a result, you might work far too hard and render your mood even worse. Pace yourself, get help, and don't worry about what's left undone. There's always tomorrow.

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding Strength.  I had this one the other day, too.  This card is telling me that I can’t just be physically strong; I must also be emotionally strong.  I must believe that all will be well, and that I will succeed in the end. And I must believe that the journey itself is worthy.

This has been a rough week for me.  I don’t “Spring Ahead” very well, as I am not a morning person.  I have had trouble sleeping all week, and I have had trouble getting up in the morning.  Hopefully I will be able to regulate myself this weekend.

My first YTT Intensive is this Sunday!  If that doesn’t rev me up, nothing will.

Happy Pi Day, everyone!

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Tuesday, March 12, 2013


The Queen of Cups reversed/The Fool. The Queen of Cups (cusp of Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable, dual, and Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody) represents the energies of Water and The High Priestess manifested into the Minor Arcana.  In an upright position, she encourages me to face my feelings and emotions, for I should be able to interpret them in an effective way.  However, she is reversed, so I may be dealing with illusion rather than instinct The Fool corresponds with Air (hot/separates and wet/adapts, and challenges that tend to require the use of the intellect to solve), Uranus (technology, science, radical change), Aleph (the head, youthful learning) and the Path between Chokmah (male in the electric sense, dynamic energy and the origin of vital force and polarity) and Kether (the source; limitless possibility).  The Fool is the spark that begins the idea, and his powers and energies are neither positive nor negative, but they are optimistic.  This card is about beginnings of all kinds, and about not having a plan but rather, listening to impulse.  The problem with this is my reversed Queen of Cups; if she was upright all would easy, but she is reversed.  I can certainly take advantage of The Fool’s energies, but I need to remember that I might not make the right decisions so I need to think twice. 

My Thoth card is the Eight of Swords reversed. “Interference” is the keyword for the upright Eight of Swords (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable talkative, dual) which tells of a confused and restrictive response to obstacles, or the interferences that happen when we just have bad luck.  My card is reversed, so it looks like I won’t be comfortable with this self-imposed isolation.  I may need to break free, and thankfully luck will be with me.

My Legacy Card is Justice reversed, flavored by the Six of Wands. Justice is a card of adjustment, and it corresponds with the element of Air (hot/separates and wet/adapts, and quick, animated energy that usually brings problems or challenges that bring growth), Libra (“we are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation), Lamed (ox goad; training or teaching), and the Path between Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) and Geburah (the place where forms and structures are challenged or affirmed). This is also a card of karma, and of being accountable for our decisions and actions, in other words, of a willing acceptance of responsibility. My Justice card is reversed, though; and it means that there is a potential today that a lack of integrity will be in plan. The Six of Wands (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, noble, authoritative) expresses the celebration we feel when we have passed some test or successfully met a challenge. The Six of Wands is about victory, and it is about those people standing by the side of the road, watching the parade and cheering.  Which will I be?  Since the Six is flavoring the reversed Justice, I may end up the winner in the end, but I had better be real careful about the methods I use to win.

My 6-digit date number is 10, which represents endings; it reduces further to the number 1, the number of position and potential. 

My horoscopes: “A friend could be having financial troubles and ask you for a loan, Sagittarius. You like this person and understand what he or she's going through, so you want to help. But it could be a while before your friend is solvent again. If you make the loan, remember the adage about never lending anything to a friend that you aren't willing to consider a gift. Don't depend on immediate repayment.

And: “Expect to see heads turn as you walk down the street. You have a mysteries quality about you today, and both men and women respond. Who is that woman in the dark glasses? You laugh it off, thinking that the real mystery is why they're responding this way to you. It's just one of the quirks of life that just when you're feeling frustrated and low people interpret your despair as mystique. Go figure. Know that your dour mood will pass soon enough.

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding Strength.  This card is about courage and about calm composure, and the patience to let things happen.  This card is telling me to have faith that success will come, even if I can’t quite see it yet.  Perfect card for today, valuable message!!

It has been a strange day.  Busy as can be, and productive.  No time for more of a post than this, but as you can see from my cards, things are strange. 

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Sunday, March 10, 2013


Transparent Oracle Sunday!  My cards:

26, Guide: Otter ((West).  West is the direction of Water, and thus, of feelings and emotions, relationships of all kinds, cleansing and healing, the wisdom associated with natural endings, and the bubbling up of pure joy.  The first thing I think of when I see the Otter card is joyful playing.  Otters are known for their play, and play is a sign of intelligence and awareness.  Otters are at home both on Earth and in Water; they form strong family bonds, and work hard to protect their group of family or friends.   All while playing tag!

13, Element: Fire (South). The element of Fire manifests as spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change; it’s dignities are hot/separates and dry/shapes. Fire has often been used as a representation of Spirit or the Divine, and this makes sense.  Fire brings transformation, animation or life, courage, and intent.  Fire has its dangers, though; it brings transformation through destruction that brings new birth.

29, Guide: Turtle (West). Water is emotional and sensitive energy that strives to stay the same; its dignities are cold/binds and wet/adapts.  Water is Turtle’s environment, but not only Water, for like Otter, many Turtles are at home on Earth (and in fact, Turtles lay their eggs on Earth).   Turtle offers us an opportunity to learn about protection; not the kind of protection that shuts out the world but rather, the kind of protection that allows us to dive deep and explore the unknown without fear.  Turtle is also slow and steady, is patient, and endures; Turtle has a long lifespan, and has existed relatively unchanged since ancient times.  Turtle’s shell shows us how to exist in spite of the churning eddies of life, without being affected by them.

I stacked my cards and created my mandala.  This one is a bit chaotic; Fire is in the center, Turtle seems to be emanating from the points of the Fire triangle, and Otter is circling around, creating an outer boundary.  If Fire represents transformation and new birth that comes out of destruction or stress, then perhaps I am being told that the transformation is happening now.  Because I have been able to look within, with patience and with the knowledge that I am safe (and well-supported by others), I am able to bravely turn outward and accept my transformation process.  My “family” is by my side, and if I am able to keep in touch with the simple joys associated with experiencing life and living, nothing can stop me. 

I saw lots and lots of raptors, driving home from Cape May yesterday. All kinds of hawks, and a bald eagle in Cape May County!  Are they coming back early?  Does this mean an early Spring?  I hope so.

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