Friday, November 29, 2013

11/29/13

Three of Pentacles/Two of Cups. The Three of Pentacles (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, cunning, competence) tells of competence, planning and teamwork.  Today I am being told that I need to get up and get back into a realistic program, after the excesses of Thanksgiving day.  I am not alone here, and perhaps I can be the catalyst to bring everyone back to life after the turkey coma induced by a huge dinner. 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.  Commonalities and affinities, and pleasurable connections to be used as fuel to make things happen.  Yes!

My Thoth cards are The Fool reversed and the Seven of Disks (“Failure”). 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 the neutral powers of creativity.  My Fool is reversed, and I could be receiving a message that today, I am better off just sticking to what has already proven to be effective, rather than striking out on my own. The Seven of Disks (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, law and order, in Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn) tells of pauses and choices and assessments.  Sometimes, these assessments end up bringing a direction change, or at least a time of considering making a change in direction. To Crowley, the pause indicated by the Seven of Disks is happening because of sloth and lethargy.  Any effort or focus has been lost, and even the tools have been thrown down.  Hence, the “Failure” as a keyword, and the slightly more negative interpretation than usual.  Maybe sticking to the known and proven path is not right after all; maybe my Fool is reversed because I’m not tapping into energies that I need. 

My Legacy card is the Six of Swords, flavored by The Empress reversed. The Six of Swords (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, communication, in Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause oriented) 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). This card is about healing by achieving a better understanding of a situation, so that we can better cope with problems or challenges.  One of the cool things about the Six of Swords is that it tells me that the knowledge and information I’ve acquired are actually causing things to happen. 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 half that 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 my significator, so her presence either upright or reversed is a huge “pay attention!” to me.  Because she is about enjoying the pleasures and the bounties of life, she needs to be reversed today, or I will slip right back into the excesses of yesterday.  It is good that she is flavoring my Six of Swords as a reversed card. 

My 6-digit date number is 8, the number that tells of the conscious effort to postpone the degeneration of the number 7, in order o maintain a bit longer the balance of the number 6.  Perfect!

My horoscopes: “Today is a day to rest on your laurels, literally. You've achieved a tremendous amount in the last few days. You've earned some time off. Call in sick and go see a movie in the middle of the day. Take yourself out to lunch and order a glass of the best champagne. Take this day to reflect on your accomplishments before you set your mind on the next project.

And: “In general, today should be a pretty good day for you. Your way of thinking is apt to be preferred over most, and you will find that the more you relax into a position of leadership, the more things will start to naturally flow your way. Take some time for yourself to simply slow down and think. Give yourself the opportunity to hear the subconscious messages that are trying to get through to your conscious brain.

What an awesome Thanksgiving.  Our trip was smooth, the meal was awesome, and the people are much-loved.  The sun is shining and it is warming up a bit; another glorious day ahead!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Wednesday, November 27, 2013

11/27/13

Six of Wands/The Universe reversed. 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. This is about achieving even more than we expected, and you could say the Six of Wands is kind of like a Minor Arcana version of The Universe. The Universe/World, which corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes, and material, stable and practical energy that is slow to change), Saturn (discipline, responsibility, limitations and resistance), Thav (mark or sign), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Yesod (the place where patterns and images emerge that may manifest into the physical world) is a card of integration and involvement and understanding, a crystallization of the entire issue at hand.  My card is reversed, but if I take into consideration the presence of the Six of Wands, perhaps the synergy of The Universe is approaching from afar.  Optimism is good.

My Thoth cards are The Universe reversed (again!) and Lust reversed. Another reversed Universe card!  Well, whether upright or reversed, the energies of this card are present today even if I’m not connecting to them.  Perhaps this card is presenting itself in a reversed position because the effects of my second Saturn Return are beginning to fade?  How is that for some optimism!  The Strength card, which Crowley calls “Lust” (Fire, hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive and energetic energy; Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, egotistical; Teth, sieve or basket, digestion; and the Path between Geburah, the place where forms and structures are challenged or affirmed, and Chesed, the place where forms and structures are stabilized and nurtured) is about having the strength and the patience to endure and focus.  Crowley sees this card as offering the traditional meanings (courage, passion, inner focus and fortitude), but he also sees it as representing the use of magick or magickal powers.  Perhaps my reversed Lust card is telling me what I need and don’t have today that is necessary to turn that Universe card right side up.

My Legacy card is the Nine of Cups, flavored by the Two of Cups reversed. The Nine of Cups (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, suffering, soul growth) is about emotional satisfaction and the ability to find pleasure in feelings and emotions, and in our expectations for the day. The Legacy Nine of Cups also tells of sensual pleasures, pleasures experienced in the physical world as well as the emotional plane.  LOL, nice card to have on the day before Thanksgiving, eh? 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 of Cups is reversed, and is flavoring my Nine of Cups.  Looks like all those pleasures are going to be solitary, rather than shared with another.  That might be a good thing, because one good way to prepare for a weekend of being around people is to take a bit of time on my own.

My 6-digit date number is 6, the number of vertical and horizontal balance.

My horoscopes: “Keep your wits about you today. You could be privy to some important information. You might get a good investment lead or a hot tip on the stock market. Even though it seems that your finances are about to take a marked upturn, don't plunge rashly into anything. Haste makes waste!”

And: “Today you may feel a powerful urge to get out and be with your friends, even if nothing definite is planned. There won't be any pressing reason for this, as you shouldn't be feeling particularly lonely. You'll just want to indulge in the light conversation and good-hearted banter that you always share with others. Someone may have some exciting news to relate. Get out of the house, go to your favorite meeting place, and have fun.

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Tuesday, November 26, 2013

11/26/13

The Hierophant reversed/Justice.  The Hierophant corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes), Taurus (“I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn), Vau (the nail which holds tradition in place), and the Path between Chesed (the place where forms and structures are stabilized and nurtured), and Chokmah (dynamic male energy, the origin of vital force and polarity).  This card is an archetype of Spirit (with The Emperor as archetype of the Sacred Masculine, The Empress as archetype of the Sacred Feminine, and all three representing the supernal triad) that reminds us of the value of tradition, ritual and ceremony.  The Hierophant is both the authority and advocate of tradition, but today, tradition, ritual and ceremony will hold me back rather than inspire me.  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). Justice is not blindfolded here because this justice comes from the Divine, and thus has clear perception.  Today I am being told to weigh circumstances carefully; I am also being told that I should not allow tradition to influence my efforts to obtain balance. 

My Thoth cards are the Two of Wands (“Dominion”) reversed and the Prince of Wands reversed.  Oh-kay then!  The Two of Wands (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, pioneering, assertive, enthusiastic) tells of power, influence and authority, and the implementation of the Will.  My Two is reversed, and there might be some surprises today.  Control will not be easily implemented.  In the Thoth Tarot, the rank of Prince equals the rank of Knight.  The Prince/Knight of Wands (cusp of Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, deep, obsessive, and Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, blundering) in an upright position usually represents a person of passion, courage, enthusiasm and boundless energy; most definitely not background-type efforts.  My Knight is reversed, and indulging my impulses could get me into trouble.  These two reversed Wands cards tell of an imbalance and that imbalance will be veeery difficult to deal with.  I’ve got to be alert and grounded

My Legacy card is The Emperor reversed, flavored by the Ace of Wands.  Oooooh, okay, now I get it!  The Emperor corresponds with Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive, energetic change), Aries (“I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive) and the Hebrew letter Heh (window, illumination), and represents confidence, authority, and the archetype of the Father.  The Emperor instills balance, but he is reversed.  Could there be ineffective micromanaging going on, to the extent that efforts are expended but the big picture is not being considered?  My reversed Emperor is being flavored by the Ace of Wands. 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. This pure Fiery energy can be unpredictable, and it only presents the potential for confidence and authority, not the manifestation of that confidence or authority.  My only other upright card is Justice, and I need to be aware, light on my feet, and ready to improvise today!

My 6-digit date number is 5, the number that introduces motion to stability in order to prevent stagnation. 

My horoscopes: “Do you often act as if the world is static and nothing ever changes? Sometimes you may think that humankind is a certain way, the world is a certain way, and so this is what you're going to do. Have you ever heard of evolution? The human race is constantly evolving, and so is the world. Look around!

And: “This isn't the moment to adhere to one particular philosophy, whatever it may be. You may feel frustrated by your inability to figure out which path to take, but ultimately this is very good for you. Continue to search around with your little flashlight, as weak as it may seem to you, because this is how you are going to get solid faith back again! Best of all, it will be a faith tailored just for you!

Another lovely Chair Yoga class!

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Monday, November 25, 2013

11/25/13

Seven of Wands/Eight of Swords.  Yep, I get this. The Seven of Wands (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, natural leader, egotistical, selfish) reminds me that my own judgment is worth relying on, so I should have confidence in that judgment and take a stand and see things through to the end. Fear is the mind-killer . . . . 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 maybe perceived obstacles.   This card tells me that I am feeling powerless to control things that are coming from without, but what I need to remember is that I can only control my reaction to things, not the things themselves.  I need to take the first step, and I need to believe I **can** take that first step.

My Thoth cards are the Ten of Cups (“Satiety”) and the Eight of Disks (“Prudence). The Ten of Cups (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Pisces, “I believe,” feeling, duality, spirituality, suffering and growth) offers the manifestation of happiness, simple joys, and fulfillment.  Uncle Al sees this card as warning us to wish carefully because once we get what we wish, we might not like it.  The Eight of Disks (Sun, the inner core of a person or situation, in Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, sensible, orderly) tells us that diligence and an awareness of details is important.  Uncle Al sees this one as advising us to put something away for a rainy day; the focus of this card is the conscious care of the details, and perhaps the fulfillment to be had here is a combination of both cards.

My Legacy card is the Two of Cups reversed, flavored by the King of Coins. 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.  It also has to do with recognizing these things and the effects they have on us.  My card is reversed, and perhaps there will be a sense of isolation infused in my day.  No matter, this is not a debilitating isolation.  The King of Coins (cusp of Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive, and Taurus, “I have,” sensual, stubborn, cautious, physically oriented) is the expert on managing resources and on the physical world manifestation of all kinds.  The King is the steward of Nature and the generous and supporting boss, and he is flavoring my reversed Two of Cups.  This tells me that I can’t allow my feelings to control my decisions today.  Rather, I should manage my resources and not allow events to make me feel too bubbly, or too put upon.

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

My horoscopes: “Finally, today, you'll know what it feels like to be in charge of things. You'll even feel that you were born to do it. In any case, you'll beautifully coordinate the day. You're the maestro conducting a full orchestra. You'll tell those around you what to do all day long. Isn't it fun to feel such personal power?

And: “The thing to do is celebrate, and the time to do it is now. Today marks the beginning of a new period for you in which you will have a greater connection with your loved ones and the people around you in general. All social activities are extremely favored so make sure to RSVP to every party invitation you get and tell the host or hostess that you will be attending.

Another Wild Unknown Tarot card: The Hanged Man.  How perfect!  The image on this Major Arcana card is fitting: a bat hanging upside down, wrapped cozily in his wings, with red, glowing eyes.  This bat appears at first glace to be totally surrendering to his upside-down pose, but actually he is quite alert, looking around and perceiving all.  Perceiving all from a unique perspective, and maybe seeing things that we aren’t seeing from our right-side-up stance.  The bat is not forced to assume this hanging position; he actually chooses to see the world this way, and is able to benefit from his choice.  And when he is ready to move on, all he has to do is let go, and he is immediately, effortlessly, able to soar.

And so, I begin my 59th year in this body.  I’m really hoping that the effects of my second Saturn Return will be fading now.

I saw so many bird of prey today on the way home from Cape May.  Lots of turkey vultures, all circling above the road; several hawks sunning themselves in the trees.  And a beautiful bald eagle appeared suddenly, right over the treetops, as he circled above the Parkway once, and then nearly brushing the uppermost branches of the trees on the side of the road, disappeared once more.  Cool!

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Sunday, November 24, 2013

11/24/13

Transparent Oracle Sunday!  Today is also my 59th Solar Return, during my second Saturn Return.  Should be an interesting reading, eh?

52, Guide: Ancestors/Dark Goddess (Below). The direction of Below is not easily associated with spirituality, yet it is a powerful symbol representing the opportunity to create a strong foundation, and to connect to the tools and powers of the Underworld.  This card is about the ancestors who came before us, but it is also about the Goddess of the Underworld, and to some, it is about Hecate, the Triple Goddess of the Crossroads. This card can be about death, but it can also be about renewal.  Our personal history, where we’ve gone and what we’ve learned, helps us to make choices in the future.  This card is telling me these things are important.

46, Mercury (Above).  The direction of Above takes us up and out of the four traditional elements of Air, Fire, Water and Earth, and reminds us that we are but a small part of the Cosmos.  Above also reminds us that while the Machinery of the Universe is huge, it does have an effect on each of us, and each of us is an important part of the workings of that Machinery.  Whatever happens, it will happen quickly, and maybe in an unexpected manner.  The effects associated with this card (and this planet) are quick to manifest; they are about connections and communications, about travel, and about the way it all happens through what seems like magick!  I associate Mercury with the Internet, and thus, with the astral realms.

12, Weather: Lightning (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. In the T-O, the weather associated with the South is Lightning, and oh boy, does this make sense.  After all, South is about Fire, and Lightning is about a sudden eruption of heat and flame and light.  The energies of this card are full of drama, and maybe even a bit scary at times, but they are a great way to break down and end the effectiveness of blockages.

And the cards do not disappoint!  The majority of the cards in this Oracle have images set up in threes, but a few of the cards are square in their setup.  This can be disconcerting.  This mandala has a strength to it, but that strength is being tested by a card whose image does not overlay nicely: Lightning.  These cards talk about where I’ve been, where I’m going, and the possibility of an unexpected effect that might break down or totally change my life.  Whatever this is, it will erupt suddenly and with seemingly magickal power.  The effect will transport me in some way, to a new place and a new time. 

Another Wild Unknown Tarot card: The Daughter of Cups.  This Cups Court Card has the most active feel to it of the family of the Cups Court.  The swan is standing and flapping her wings, while surrounded by multi-colored stars with a black background.  Before her is an ornate cup, but we cannot see what if anything is in that cup.  The swan knows, and she fans her wings as if to send to us a bit of the fragrance of what is in the cup. This way, we close our eyes , breathe in deeply, and then interpret what we have perceived, using our personal unique pattern catalogue.  This card reminds us that often the important messages come from within; we each have in our possession the skills set necessary to get the message.  We just need to open ourselves to the possibility.

I ended up hosting some dear friends for the weekend, a last-minute arrangement that worked out really well.  We spent lots of time walking around, even putting our feet into the ocean (**brrrr**).   We had some great pizza for dinner (and breakfast, LOL), and some great bread from the Breadstand.  We made mulled wine, and drank lots of prosecco. 

Happy Solar Return to me!!!

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Friday, November 22, 2013

11/22/13:

Queen of Wands/The Universe 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, adaptable and enthusiastic; she is filled with persistent energy and calm authority at the same time, and because of this she draws others to her.  This Queen could be seen as a self-made woman who has earned her standing in her world through her own hard work, but who has not forgotten where she came from.  She tells me to enjoy the fruits of my labor, but to find more fulfillment from leaving my mark on the world. The Universe/World, which corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes, and material, stable and practical energy that is slow to change), Saturn (discipline, responsibility, limitations and resistance), Thav (mark or sign), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Yesod (the place where patterns and images emerge that may manifest into the physical world) is a card of integration and involvement and understanding, a crystallization of the entire issue at hand.  My card is reversed, and one of the descriptions of the reversed Llewellyn Welsh Universe card is “. . . being unable to maintain one’s center.”  Yes, I do understand that.  I’ve been dealing with a Fog on and off for the past few months, in part I am certain due to my second Saturn Return.  These two  cards present an important message: The Fog will be there (with good purpose), and the way to deal with it is to focus on accomplishments rather than “stuff.”

My Thoth cards are the Nine of Wands (“Strength”) and the Five of Wands reversed (“Strife”). The Nine of Wands (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, adventurous, blundering) in an upright position tells us to prepare for the worst, but to wait before being aggressive. The Five of Wands, which corresponds with Saturn (discipline, responsibility, law and order) in Leo (“I am, passionate, dramatic, egotistical) in an upright position indicates a struggle caused by annoying cross-purposes. These discomforts can be beneficial, but they aren’t fun.  Growing pains?  have good results in the end, the process of getting there might be uncomfortable.  I need to remember that at times like this, my biggest opposition is myself.  I can only choose my reactions, not the situations that require those reactions.  Perhaps today I can react in a good way to these annoyances, since my Five of Wands is reversed.

My Legacy card is the Four of Cups reversed, flavored by the Eight of Wands. The Four of Cups (the Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, nurturing, tenacious, moody) tells us that too much pleasure, or maybe too much nurturing or overprotectiveness, deadens the senses. This is a card that describes what can happen when nothing goes wrong in our lives: we become numb to pleasure and serenity and can’t find satisfaction in our lives.  Thankfully, my Four of Cups is reversed, so I should be able to appreciate what I have, rather than focusing on what I don’t have.  My Four of Cups is being flavored by the Eight of Wands. The Eight of Wands (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, skill, communication, in Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, adventurous, blundering) is a card of action, of quick developments, and of pulling it all together so things can be completed.  The energies of this card are fast and strong, but they do tend to attempt to bring some stability, albeit in a roundabout and sudden way.  The end result will be balance . . . once the dust settles.  In many ways, the Eight of Wands echoes The Tower, which has been appearing for me of late.  The difference is that the Eight of Wands represents the action happening immediately after the way has been cleared, while The Tower tells of the clearing of the way.  In any case, my Eight of Wands is validating the reversed nature of the Four of Cups, telling me that now is not the time to sit and dream about what I don’t have.

My 6-digit date number is 10, the number that tells of the end of a cycle, which reduces further to 1, the number of potential and position.
           
My horoscopes: “When it comes to topics of love and romance, your feelings continue to be intercepted by words and opinions from others. What you want to keep private is suddenly made more public by mouths that just don't stop talking. Relax into the sensual element of love instead of getting caught up in more political aspects of the situation.

And: “You're likely to be looking and feeling beautiful and sexy today, and you're also likely to be "feeling your oats," as you are particularly aware of your own inner power. If you've been thinking about asking for something that you want, do it now. If you've been hoping for a romantic getaway, this is the day to plan it. Whatever you start right now is likely to be successful, more because of your own determination than anything else.

I went out with two of my Yoga buddies last night after Yoga Class, for a drink and some conversation.  We were given even more than that.  One of my friends is a technician at Englewood Hospital, working in Radiology giving PET Scans to cancer patients.  Not long after we arrived at the pub, we were sitting with full cosmos before us, chatting, when a gentleman walked over to where we were sitting from the other side of the room.  I noticed him approaching with a determined look on his face, walking confidently in a straight line toward us.  As he got close, my friend the technician suddenly began to smile.  The gentleman wrapped his arms around my friend, hugged her powerfully, then pulled back with a smile on his face.  He told my friend that he had to come over, he didn’t even know her name but he knew who she was and wanted to acknowledge how much she had helped him while he was being treated for cancer at Englewood Hospital.  He told her how well the treatment had worked, how optimistic he felt, and then he introduced us to his girlfriend.  He thanked my friend once more, and then the couple left.  As they walked away, the pair seemed to glow with love.  They had obviously discovered that life and the living of life is the gift, and because we don’t know how much time we have, we need to live each moment with awareness and gratitude.

Wow.  I am still amazed at what happened.  We, the three of us, were meant to be there last night, for so many reasons.  We were meant to be there so that this man could offer gratitude to my friend.  We were meant to be there so that my friend could be shown that she is making a positive difference in the world by just being herself.  We were meant to be there so my other friend could be reminded, during an emotionally challenging time in her life, that even difficult situations can be empowering in a wonderful way.  We were meant to be there so that I could feel awe for a petit, diminutive, soft-spoken woman who has experienced life-altering challenges in her life, challenges that might topple a stronger person, and yet can still be in a place where she gives 150% at all times, and is taken by surprise when gratitude is offered because of what she gives. 

Life is amazing sometimes. Every day, we are offered opportunities to grow and evolve, to offer love, to receive compassion, and to remember that each of us is connected to every other life on this planet.  Sometimes these opportunities are huge, but sometimes they are simple day-to-day interactions.  Our responsibility is to notice them, to be aware of them, and to honor them.

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Thursday, November 21, 2013

11/21/13

The Tower/Page of Cups reversed.  Hmmm . . . The Tower has been showing up lately.  The Tower (Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive, energetic change), Mars (action, spontaneity, aggression, drive), Phe (mouth or speech), and the Path between Hod (which provides analysis and communication) and Netzach (which offers the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration)) is one of the Major Arcana cards that talks of adjustments.  This one tells of a violent or explosive correction in the way things are going that usually happens after more gentle corrections don’t bring the needed result.  This card can also represent breakthrough as well as breakdown, and the destruction of old values is not a bad thing!  The Page of Cups corresponds to Libra (“we are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation), Scorpio (“I desire,” intensity compulsion, mystery) and Sagittarius (“I seek,” philosophic, adventurous, blundering) and is a card of soft and tender energies and of getting fulfillment through connections to others, and through innocent and simple joys.  My Page is reversed, and perhaps today I need to be a bit more of a grownup.  Especially with that Tower hanging around!

My Thoth cards are the Nine of Cups (“Happiness”) and Judgement.  Another Cups card, and Judgement has been showing up lately, too.  The Nine of Cups (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, suffering, soul growth) is about emotional satisfaction and the ability to find pleasure in feelings and emotions, and in our expectations for the day.  Crowley sees this card as a good luck card, and indicating that there is a good possibility the future will be as good as the present. 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) represents an opportunity to tally up and pay the bill so we can have a fresh start.  Some type of resolution is attempting to make itself known to me these days, either dealing with the past or the future.  Today at least, I think this resolution is a good thing.

My Legacy card is the Knight of Swords reversed, flavored by the Page of Wands reversed.  The Knight of Swords (the cusp of Taurus, “I have,” sensual, stubborn, cautious, and Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, dual, intelligent) is outspoken, assured, alert, and logical, as well as rude, domineering, critical and sarcastic.  His daring and courage are impressive, but he can also be disruptive, too, and since he is reversed today, I had better keep my eye out for this kind of disruption.   The Legacy of the Divine Knight of Swords is said to be similar to a tornado: lots of focused effects, yet the path of a tornado is erratic and not easy to predict.  Enthusiasm could turn into disruption today.   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) in an upright position is fun to be around, unless you have a migraine. The upright Llewellyn Welsh Page of Wands brings an important message: a positive and exciting phase has arrived and it is time to enjoy this phase.  My Page is reversed, though, and flavoring my reversed Knight of Swords, validating the possibility for disruption or the scattering of energies today.

My 6-digit date number is 9, the number that tells of the completeness of manifestation or effect. 

My horoscopes: “A letter or other communication serves as a sort of wake-up call today. A long-term goal is finally going to be reached. Your ambition should take on a new dimension, possibly going for a second career either in addition to or instead of the one you have. You might not be sure where you want to take it, but it's worth pursuing.”

And: “Love is not something that is going to happen spontaneously at this time. Don't sit around waiting for someone to come down with a magic wand and instantly make everything better. Love and relationships with close friends and family are things that you are going to need to work for. Keep in mind that this work doesn't necessarily need to be tiring or gruesome, but it is a form of effort on your part.”

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Wednesday, November 20, 2013

11/20/13

Queen of Wands reversed/Judgement 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, adaptable and enthusiastic; she is filled with persistent energy and calm authority at the same time, and because of this she draws others to her.  The upright Queen could be seen as a self-made woman, but that is not the focus that will be effective for me today, for I can’t do it all myself.  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) in an upright position represents an opportunity to tally up and pay the bill so we can have a fresh start.  My Judgement card is also reversed, and that means conventional, unquestioned wisdom could very well offer something important, even though it might not appear important today.

My Thoth cards are the Princess of Swords and the Queen of Disks reversed.  Okay, not a Queen kind of day today!  I had this pair last month, too.  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) encourages us to use our mind and intellect to analyze our situations as well as our emotions and feelings. She does tend to be a bit defensive, but that should not be an issue today.  The Queen of Disks (cusp of Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, blundering, and Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution, cunning, authoritative) is very good at sustaining the physical world, keeping things dry and cozy and safe and orderly.  Crowley sees this Queen in an upright position as striving to manifest pleasurable surroundings, without going overboard.  That kind of diligence would normally be effective, but her conservative nature might cause her to miss out on something important.

My Legacy card is the King of Swords reversed, flavored by the Knight of Coins.  Court Cards!  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, and he can be trusted to fiercely stand by his decisions.   My King is reversed, and I might not be very impartial today; this could increase a tendency to insist on applying my own methods. The Knight of Pentacles (cusp of Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, egotistical, and Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented) tells of persistence to the point of being stubborn, and caution to the point of being boring. He is flavoring my reversed King of Swords, and he is not quite the mercenary I would offer to that reversed King today.  Be careful!!

My 6-digit date number is 8, the number that tells of a conscious and deliberate reaction to the slowing of growth and approach of degeneration of the 7, in order to maintain for a bit longer the balance and harmony of the number 6.

My horoscopes: “A loving, supportive letter or call from a close friend could be just what the doctor ordered today. You may feel overworked and a little pessimistic about any plans you've made. Your friend should lift your spirits and motivate you to push on ahead in spite of whatever obstacles you encounter. Remember this kindness. Your friend may need the same from you sometime in the future.”

And: “A group of your neighbors may be displeased with events or policies in your community and decide to start an action group, and they could try to recruit you. A number of short trips in your community, perhaps connected with these matters in some way, may be necessary at this time. Your innate idealism could be put to work in some kind of humanitarian cause, and you could find it more fulfilling than you'd thought.”

Did my second Chair Yoga class with the Ladies of the Lake; they are awesome!  I’m really enjoying working with them. 

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Tuesday, November 19, 2013

11/19/13

The Moon/Judgement. 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.  The Llewellyn Moon card tells of disorientation and wild visions, primordial instincts, powerful mood swings, and even hysteria. This is actually a creative card, but the creativity needs to be controlled.  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) in an upright position represents an opportunity to tally up and pay the bill so we can have a fresh start.  I love the Llewellyn interpretation of this card: “A clearing away of dogma, outside expectations, propaganda, and conventional, unquestioned wisdom that has accumulated and entombed ones life.”  Perhaps it is through visions and being disoriented that I will be able to break away from that which is holding me back.

My Thoth cards are The Moon and Death reversed.  Hmmmm . . . lots of Moon cards these days.  Crowley assocates The Moon with illusion and deception, the unconscious mind and the astral plane. This card tells of hidden knowledge that is more uncomfortable than that represented by The High Priestess, knowledge that is accessed through dreams and trances.  When repressed, this knowledge can hint at neurosis and depression, but in any event these are truly magickal experiences. Death corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and sensitive, imaginative energy that strives to stay the same or take the same course), Scorpio, Nun (fish head; liberation), and the Path between Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) and Netzach (the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration), and tells of natural change that cannot be stopped, and that usually involves the potential to step upward on the evolutionary ladder. Crowley sees Death as representing natural change through alchemic putrefaction. My Death card is reversed, and this makes sense when combined with The Moon.  I am being reminded here that while the idea of facing the unknown can be frightening, it is after all the first step toward a new life.  Both of these cards tell me that I am fearing the unknown, to the point of maybe struggling with the natural cycles of my life.

My Legacy card is the Ten of Swords, flavored by the Six of Wands reversed.  LOL, as usual, this deck offers a different way to see the day.  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.  This is defeat with overkill, and often it is only extreme defeat because I believe it to be.  Former ideas are no longer valid, but this is as bad as it gets, so I need to be more optimistic. The Six of Wands (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, noble, authoritative) in an upright position expresses the celebration we feel when we have passed some test or successfully met a challenge.  My card is reversed, and flavoring my Ten of Swords.  There is the celebration of accomplishment I am seeking, right there in that card.  But the card is reversed; perhaps I can’t access that celebration because I am too busy focusing on what has gone wrong. 

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

My horoscopes: “An increase in your technical skills could bring you a new job or an increase in income. You may have felt a bit nervous and stressed lately, but this should balance out now. You feel focused and you're aiming carefully toward your goals. You'll succeed if you keep going as you are.”

And: “Don't make any commitments to groups or organizations of any kind today. It may be that you are asked to do more than is realistic. If you accept you will be obliged to see the project through until the end, and that could be a long time indeed. You would be better of pursuing your own goals rather than helping others trying to attain theirs. At least this way you are in control of the outcome.”

For the second day in a row, I saw a red tailed hawk while on the way to the grocery store.  Cool!  Plus today, I had the added pleasure of watching a whirlpool of leaves form and then move across the street right in front of me; the Sylphs are out to play!!

Yay, it’s back.  I am able to once again sense the background hum of energy that is the Sacred.  For a bit of time, I was so focused on the physical world that I could not spare even a bit of energy to tune into that Essence that fuels me and keeps me striving upward.  But this morning, as I sit at my desk, looking out the window at the beautiful lace that is the maple tree across the street without its leaves, I feel the optimism once more. 

We are in the dark part of the Wheel, and I do understand these foggy times, their benefits and their challenges.  This is the time to look within, and I think that is validated by how many times The Moon is appearing in my daily throw, both upright and reversed. Soon enough, I will begin to anticipate the birth of the new year and sense the Essence of the Sacred Masculine, growing stronger within the Womb of the Goddess.  But for now, things are at the quiet stage.  Less and less are the effects of the Holly King, as my memories of Him fade; not yet apparent is that anticipation of the birth of the Oak King.  It is as if the ebbing tide is approaching its peak and yet the tidal bore of the waxing tide is still far out to sea; all is quiet and there is much to experience and learn during this brief time of solar passivity. 

I read this lovely quote this morning by Herman Hesse, a reminder that life and all of its challenges is the gift, and it is the living of that life and experiencing those challenges that is what it is all about.

Man is not by any means of fixed and enduring form. He is nothing else than the narrow and perilous bridge between nature and spirit. His innermost destiny drives him on to the spirit and to God. His innermost longing draws him back to nature, the Mother. Between the two forces his life hangs tremulous and irresolute.

Nothing is permanent, no matter how hard we want it to be.  The Wheel of the Year turns!

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