Friday, February 28, 2014

2/28/14

The Empress/Five of Swords reversed.  Niiiice!  The Empress (my significator card, 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.  I am being reminded just how effective it can be to allow expansion to happen, and to enjoy the processes and effects of expansion as they occur. The Five of Swords (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, pleasure, in Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, cause-oriented, the group, aloof) in an upright position shows what happens when we insist that our way is right, or when we impose our needs or wants onto a situation. This card in an upright position could be telling of what seems to be overwhelming opposition, or being made to suffer the sins of others.  However, my card is reversed, and no matter what presents itself to me today, I will be able to resist the temptation to impose my own beliefs onto others. 

My Thoth cards are the Ten of Wands (“Oppression”) reversed and the Eight of Wands (“Swiftness”).  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.  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, and while the dust will surely fly, the end result will be balance . . . once that dust settles.  These two Wands cards, one reversed and one upright, support each other and the entire spread nicely.  After all, the erupting energy of the Eight of Wands does not come from my own inner Fire (although it looks like I certainly will be feeling the effects of that Fiery volcanic eruption).

My Legacy card is the Ace of Wands reversed, flavored by the Three of Cups reversed.  Makes sense to me.  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 the upright card would that something will be manifesting soon.  However, because my Ace is reversed, this attempt at manifestation may end up more like a car attempting to get out of an icy parking space: wheels spinning but no traction.  Looks like I won’t be good at controlling or directing that Fiery energy.  My reversed Ace of Wands is being flavored by another reversed card, the reversed Three of Cups.  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 is seen as the friendship card, and because it is reversed, I may feel emotionally isolated today (not that this is a bad thing in itself).  Because the reversed Three of Cups is flavoring the reversed Ace of Wands, I am sensing that today will be more about a connection to my body and to my subconscious, rather than a connection to friends and enthusiastic new creations.  That’s okay with me, and if I go with the flow and work with whatever situations present themselves, I will be smiling as I go to bed tonight.  After all, The Empress is with me today.

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

My horoscopes: “If a friend or colleague seems to be in trouble, you may not want to interfere for fear of being too intimate. But this isn't a time to hold back, Sagittarius. It's likely that this person really does need your help. Your intervention will be much appreciated and possibly even rewarded. Be sure to get some rest tonight. You're emotionally and physically drained.

And: “It's on days like today that it's important to take time out to reflect upon the events of the past few days. Is it possible you've decided to change certain things about yourself and your behavior? If you could just devote a few minutes a day to all the little details in your personality, the changes will go much more smoothly. The atmosphere today may help you think about this.

It is coooold today, and they are calling for another major snowstorm beginning on Sunday evening.  The good news is that Mercury has finally gone direct, and maybe I can get some things done!  I am off to a good start, tweaked my Yin Yoga script and my Gentle Yoga script, answered some homeworks, and got this blog post up.  Yay!!  And Happy Friday!!

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Thursday, February 27, 2014

2/27/14

Page of Pentacles/Two of Cups. The Page of Pentacles (Aries, “I want,” assertive, action oriented, Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn, and Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable, dual) is down-to-earth and responsible, and a listener and a learner. The Page of Pentacles loves to learn new things and have new experiences, but he also loves to also be a catalyst for change in the physical world, change for everyone.  Today is a good day for me to buckle down and get some things on my To-Do list accomplished.  I should make certain that I have some fun too; all work and no play makes me a dull person, after all. 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, and a recognition or acknowledgement that a bond is beginning to happen, or is beginning to be restored after forgiveness is offered and received.  This card can be considere the Minor Arcana version of The Lovers, and it tells of entwining energies and friendships or alliances with emotional components.  These two cards have an innocence about them that is comfy. 

My Thoth cards are The Moon and the Ace of Cups reversed. 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.  This card tells of falsehood and illusion and the Dark Night of Soul, and about magick and mystery; they are also difficult to pin down and define.  There could be a warning here; nothing is as it seems, and an uncomfortable change could be on the way. The Ace of Cups (Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation, Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, deep, mysterious, obsessive, Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, adventurous, blundering) in an upright position tells of the potential to experience deep emotions, a connection to my Inner Voice, and a connection to those around me.  The card is reversed, however, and these deep emotions just might not serve me well.  Combined with The Moon, there is too much Water here.

My Legacy card is the Four of Swords reversed, flavored by the Three of Swords.  Eeep!  And things were going so well.  The Four of Swords (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation) in an upright position can represent a pause or truce or mutual deterrent, or a time of silence and isolation used to prepare for challenges to come.  The card is reversed, and thus it tells of the resuming of some activity after a pause, and perhaps a sense of ease or calm.  My reversed Four of Swords is being flavored by a rather uncomfortable Swords card, the Three of Swords. The Three of Swords (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, limitations and resistance, in Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation), my least favorite card in the entire deck, usually indicates the possibility that logic, rationalizing and the intellect could end up causing harm if they are not used with balance and compassion. I need to remember that this card does not bring uncomfortable emotions, but rather it brings analysis gone bad.  Looks like the ease or calm being brought by the reversed Four of Swords might not be a reality.  Oh well, forewarned is forearmed. 

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

My horoscopes: “It’s likely that you’re feeling ready for a change, Sagittarius. It isn’t that you’re dissatisfied with your job or environment, rather that your mind is hungry for new challenges. You may be able to satisfy this hunger by taking on more responsibility at work or signing up to attend some evening classes after work. Any new and different activity will give your mind the stimulation it craves

And: “A new and highly compelling interest may have captured your imagination. You might find it difficult to think of much else, and so it might be a good idea to try to find the most beneficial ways to pursue this subject. Your abilities for in-depth study are enhanced by intuition, so reading could well prove especially beneficial right now. Classes and workshops could also give you assistance as well as information. Find what works best for you!

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Wednesday, February 26, 2014

2/25/14

Two of Swords reversed/Eight of Pentacles. The Two of Swords (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation) in an upright position represents a time of not looking or of shutting out the world.  The serenity of this card happens because we choose to not receive or acknowledge as valid the information that comes to us from the outside, or maybe because we choose to not listen at all, whether the information is valid or not. Looks like unplugging from the world might not be productive for me today. The Eight of Pentacles (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.  Schedules and deadlines will be a part of this day, and I should be able to manage them nicely. 

My Thoth cards are the Six of Cups (“Pleasure”) reversed and The Hierophant reversed. The Six of Cups (Sun, the inner core of a person or situation in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, compulsive, deep, obsessive) in an upright position is a card of innocence, emotional balance and harmony, of simple joy that begets even more simple joy by infecting all that is around us at this moment.  Because my Six of Cups is reversed, any satisfaction I experience today will not be innocent in nature, and I might need to keep an eye on my emotions in order to keep them balanced.  A bit of focus just might be in order here. 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 in an upright position reminds us of the value of tradition, ritual and ceremony.  Marchetti renamed this card “Faith” so that it could expand beyond its traditional meanings (in some decks, this card is called “Pope”).  Because my Faith card is reversed, tradition and ritual just might end up stifling innovation.  I need to remember that sometimes, tradition, ritual and ceremony can bind us rather than inspire us.  Granted, tradition is a good foundation, but surprises can shake us up in a good way.

My Legacy card is The Ace of Wands reversed, flavored by the Five of Coins reversed.  Hmmm . . . mostly reversed cards today, but that is not all bad, is it? 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 the upright card would that something will be manifesting soon.  However, because my Ace is reversed, this attempt at manifestation may end up more like a car attempting to get out of an icy parking space: wheels spinning but no traction.   My reversed Ace of Wands is being flavored by another reversed card, the reversed Five of Coins.  The Five of Coins (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, skill, communication, in Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn) in an upright position tells of some loss or need within the physical world.  Sometimes this card can indicate an inability to balance personal issues with professional issues; whatever the issue, the upright card presents the hidden reminder that there may be light in unlooked-for places.  Because my card is reversed, I am being told that a careful budgeting of resources might be in order.  Perhaps if I manage my resources in a more responsible way, I will be able to turn that Ace of Wands around in the future.  Discipline and focus, and a need to pay attention to details, seems to be the theme of this reading today.

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

My horoscopes: “You’ve been working especially hard and you’re beginning to wonder if all your effort has been for naught. A restructuring at work leaves you wondering just exactly where you fit in or if you even fit in at all. You may have a troubling few days, Sagittarius, but will be relieved to learn that the higher-ups have big plans for you in the newly organized, streamlined company.”

And: “Dreams could shed light on some personal ambiguities you've been trying to make sense of. Your thinking is especially clear and logical now, and work should therefore be a snap. Money matters should go fairly smoothly today, particularly if legal documents or other paperwork are involved. You should have practical insights that are stronger than usual, especially regarding finance, and so you could end the day feeling more than satisfied with what you've accomplished.”

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Monday, February 24, 2014

2/24/14

Two of Pentacles/Judgement reversed. The Two of Pentacles (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution, cunning) reminds us that everything always ebbs and flows, and we need to do the same in order to remain dynamically balanced.  The Llewellyn Welsh Two of Pentacles tells me that timing and dexterity are important because something might be abit tricky to initiate.  I am also being reminded to keep my sense of humor this day; sometimes all we can do is sit back and laught. 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.  This card is reversed, and perhaps I will misjudge a situation today.  It’s interesting how a lack of faith can affect an outcome.

My Thoth cards are The Devil and The Universe.  Wow!  Now there is an interesting pair of Major Arcana cards. The Devil (Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes, and stable, material, practical energies that are slow to change), Capricorn (“I build,” ambitious, competent, cautious, cunning), Ayin (the eye, senses), and the Path between Hod (which provides analysis and communication) and Tipareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) tells of being caught up in the physical world and the effects of the physical senses, to the point of being bound or addicted to those things.  Crowley sees The Devil as representing blind ambition or overwhelming obsession.  This card also tells of secrets kept and impulses that cannot be controlled. 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.  Interesetingly enough, Crowley sees this one as also telling of opposition or obstinacy.  The completeness of manifestation in this instance is set in stone; while it may also be the catalyst that begins the new cycle, the current cycle cannot be changed.  Both cards correspond with the element of Earth, one for ambition and one for limiting to the matter at hand, no matter how crystallized that matter is (for it is the culmination of what has happened thus far, and because it represents the past, it cannot be changed).  Here is an instance where The Universe is not necessarily a good influence.

My Legacy card is the Seven of Wands, flavored by The Lovers. 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.  More opposition!  But here there is a chance of overcoming the opposition, a chance of passing the test.  My Seven of Wands is being flavored by The Lovers. 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 our personal values and how they affect our choices, and the promises we make to others.  The Lovers present the two halves that when united are greater than the sum of their parts.  The concept of completion that is presented by this card is powerful indeed, and different from that presented in The Universe/World, for this is a union of male and female, true creativity.  I am being told that it is the successful overcoming of the challenge that brings the new beginning, not the crystallization of the situation.  I must not be too hung up on details!

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

My horoscopes: “Keep your eyes wide open today, Sagittarius, as you may meet the person of your dreams! Or you could stumble, literally, upon a stack of cash. It’s likely to be a most unusual day, so keep your wits about you and your mind open to all possibilities. If an intriguing new business opportunity comes your way, don't accept it right immediately. Take down all the information and review it when life has settled down somewhat.

And: “New ideas that you have been studying over the past few days might have your mind turned in a different direction. Thus, you are shifting away from the concepts that you have always accepted toward others, which you may have just learned. This could lead to projects of your own, perhaps involving writing or speaking. Open and honest communication with a lover might lead to an intimate evening spent together. Expect some intense conversation - among other things!

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Sunday, February 23, 2014

2/23/14

Transparent Oracle Sunday!

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.

43, Sun (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.  The Sun brings light and warmth into our world, and thus life can exist.  The light illuminates truth, and the warmth brings wealth, success and happiness.  Our sun has a corona, so The Sun tells of charisma and brilliance.

1, Gateway: Spring (East).  East is the direction of the rising sun, and thus of new beginnings and fresh ideas, as well as knowledge, intellectual ideas and thoughts.  The Gateway of Spring brings us fresh new beginnings and the first blossoming of creativity.  There is an innocence about the energies of this Gateway, and an optimism, and perhaps these lovely energies will bring new insights, as well as new creativity.

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  This one is a tight circle, and it just screams “time to renew!” at me.  The Sun is the center of the mandala, and the six rays shoot outward.  Three of the rays are between each of the Ancestors/Dark Goddesses, and three go right over the mouths and right through the hoods of the Ancestors/Dark Goddesses.  The Gateway of Spring daffodils connect the edge of each hood, and right in the center of the brow chakra of each Ancestor/Dark Goddess, while the primroses are in the center of the Sun’s rays between each Ancestor/Dark Goddess.  This presents to me a validation of everything I am considering and attempting to implement in my life right now, right down to the daffodil blossoms, the first powerful and visible proof that Spring is indeed beginning to manifest, despite the snow still on the ground.  Renewal cannot happen effectively unless the foundation is strong, and unless the detritus of life was spread onto the ground as fertilizer, way back in the Fall.  Since the work was done correctly in the past, it is time to begin the actual manifestation. 

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Friday, February 21, 2014

2/21/14

The Tower/The High Priestess.  Well, that’s an interesting pair! 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.  I do understand what this card is about. The Tower shows the destructive effects of that element, while the Water on The High Priestess card is serene and calm and still. The High Priestess (Water; the Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination; Gimel, the camel who safely crosses Da’ath, the Abyss, and thus, has the secret of life; and the Path between Tiphareth, the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify, and Kether, the source, limitless possibility), is one-half of the Major Arcana representation of the Sacred Feminine, with The Empress being the other half. The High Priestess is the source of the power of The Magician, the feminine version of The Hierophant, and the Keeper of the Mysteries. The interesting thing about both of these Llewellyn Welsh cards is that both images have Water in them.  Feelings and emotions have lots of power today.

My Thoth cards are The Fool reversed and the Six of Cups (“Pleasure”). 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; he is above, beyond and before the world and all its extremes. The Six of Cups (Sun, the inner core of a person or situation in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, compulsive, deep, obsessive) is a card of innocence, emotional balance and harmony, of simple joy that begets even more simple joy by infecting all that is around us at this moment.  In an upright position, this is a card filled with harmony and an awareness of blessings

My Legacy card is the Nine of Coins, flavored by the Seven of Coins reversed. The Nine of Coins (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented) in an upright position tells of accomplishment through the imposition of discipline.  My Nine of Coins is being flavored by another Coins card, the reversed Seven of Coins. The Seven of Coins (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, law and order, in Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn) in an upright position tells of pauses and choices and assessments within the physical world.  The pause and assessment of this card reminds us that blossoms need to fade in order for seeds to appear.  Timing is important to the energies of this card, and since it is reversed, I need to not only check things out carefully (for there is a potential for me to make a bad investment of some kind) but also I need to be patient without being lethargic.

My 6-digit date number is 10, the completion of a cycle, which reduces further to 1, the number of potential and position.

My horoscopes: “Friction or other trouble on the job could cause you to want to quit, Sagittarius, but worries about money might keep you from doing it. You definitely need to reassess your situation. Perhaps a change of position is just what you need now. You may have untapped talents that could make you more marketable, and you might also want to train those talents. Think about this! And if you really think you want a change, go for it.

And: “A rosy glow over your recent career successes could cause you to congratulate yourself over your growing bank account. This trend should continue for a while, if you keep on working as you have and maintain a positive and optimistic attitude. Your relationships with others around you, particularly the opposite sex, should be especially warm and loving right now. This should prove to be a thoroughly gratifying day. Use it to your advantage.

So far, I have taught two classes at the Studio with which I am striving to be affiliated, as a sub.  One class was a Yoga basics class, and one was a Gentle class.  The Gentle class I will be teaching for the next few weeks as a sub.  I am still in the middle of my 11-week stint as a Yin Yoga teacher, and this may end up being the version of Yoga to which I am drawn the most.  My 200 hour training seems to have prepared me to teach this kind of Yoga, and I am enjoying the process of going deeper into human physiology in order to understand how Yin is able to be so effective. 

I treated myself to a professional grade Irish whistle, an O’Brien three-piece composit whistle, and it has ended up to be a temporary setback because it is set up for adult hands.  I am having trouble once again with middle D (that is the note that gave me the most trouble when I first started to play my Dixon whistle).  This temporary slowdown is worth the effort, because the whistle has a great sound.  Hopefully by next week I will be back to the same level of playing that I was at on the day before I received my O’Brien.   

I am champing at the bit, pining for my garden.  Daffodils are about 3 inches high right now, but more cold weather is on the way next week so I won’t do cleanup yet.  Soon, though!!!  Soon.  I am hoping to see the first buds on my Lenten rose when I walk my garden tomorrow.  Spring is on the way!!

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Thursday, February 20, 2014

2/20/14

Two of Swords/Queen of Pentacles.  The Two of Swords (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation) represents a time of not looking or of shutting out the world.  The serenity of this card happens because we choose to not receive or acknowledge as valid the information that comes to us from the outside, or maybe because we choose to not listen at all, whether the information is valid or not. Rather, we decide to unplug.  Some see this card as representing an armed peace, a peace created by receiving only a limited amount of information. The Queen of Pentacles (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.  She has a “greatness of soul” and can easily manifest this greatness around her.  My Queen is good at protecting others, and she is good at creating a quiet and safe place for herself and for those around her.  Interesting pair.

My Thoth cards are Death and the Two of Swords (“Peace”) again. The Death card of the Major Arcana 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. Many people fear this card, but Death can be seen as representing natural change through alchemic putrefaction. For Crowley, the Death card offers the illusion of destruction, illusion because this very destruction creates new life. The Thoth Two of Swords tells of silence and calm, but it also tells of the need for vigilance, for there is deception afoot.

My Legacy card is The Hanging Man reversed, flavored by the reversed Five of Wands.  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), and this card presents the kind of balance that comes to us through surrender, and through deliberately attempting to see things in a different way.  The Legacy Hanging Man also tells of initiation and destiny, as well as sacrifice and loss.  Because my card is reversed, the pause associated with this card won’t hold; action will overcome this pause. 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.  My Five of Wands is reversed, and thus it brings calmer and less-chaotic energies to my reversed Hanging Man.

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

My horoscopes: “The workplace could be very hectic today as a colleague prepares to leave on an important business trip, Sagittarius. Nerves could be strained and tempers short. Try to stay focused and get everything necessary done without making yourself crazy. You may be the one who keeps everyone else from going crazy, although you might consider hiding in the closet yourself. Say a prayer of thanks when your colleague finally rides off in the taxi.

And: “An unexpected phone call, perhaps from an old friend, could come your way today. This person is apt to have good news for you, though he or she may be in a rather melancholy mood himself. A long conversation could result, the outcome of which is going to change your life, albeit in a subtle way. Nonetheless, this is apt to be a day full of pleasant surprises. Enjoy it!

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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

2/19/14

Temperance reversed/Nine of Wands. Temperance corresponds with Sagittarius (“I seek,” philosophic, adventurous, blundering) Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive, energetic change), Samekh (the tent post), and the Path between Yesod (the place where patterns and images emerge that may manifest into the physical world of action and outer reality) and Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify), and this card presents one version of the concept of balance: balance achieved through knowledge and experience of extremes. My Temperance card is reversed, and maybe my first impulse may be to fight rather than adapt.   The Nine of Wands (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, adventurous, blundering) tells us that the final challenge approaches, and we need to ready ourselves so we can guard our assets.  This card also tells of wisdom that is only obtained by long-term focus, and it reminds me that assets sometimes need to be guarded (guarded from both the effects of the past and the possible effects of the future).  In a way, the Nine of Wands supports the Temperance card in a reversed position.

My Thoth cards are The Star reversed and the Seven of Disks (“Failure”). The Star (Air, hot/separates and wet/adapts; Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, cause-oriented, the group, aloofness; 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) in an upright position is the “good will to all” card, and while it can hint at some unexpected darkness, it also reminds us that things will turn out okay in the end. Since my card is reversed, this could turn out to be a hum-drum kind of day, or worse, a day containing a bit of darkness. The Seven of Disks (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, law and order, in Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn) tells of pauses and choices and assessments. To Crowley, the pause indicated by the Seven of Disks is happening because of sloth and lethargy, and the image on the card is dark and heavy, even stagnant.  My card is reversed, though, and perhaps I am being told that the darkness of The Star can be useful to me, and it won’t drag me down. 

My Legacy card is the Queen of Coins reversed, flavored by The Emperor. The Queen of Coins (cusp of Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, blundering, and Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution, cunning, authoritative) in an upright position is very good at sustaining the physical world, keeping things dry and cozy and safe and orderly.  She has a “greatness of soul” and can easily manifest this greatness around her.  However, she is reversed, and thus is reminding me that an inner focus could be ineffective in my physical world.  This is very much validated by The Emperor, who is flavoring my reversed Queen of Coins today. 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, form and structure onto the fertility and creations of The Empress, and the Queen of Coins could be seen as one Minor Arcana interpretation of The Empress.  My Emperor tells me that an outer focus will better serve those around me, which in the end will serve me as well. 

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

My horoscopes: “Group activities involving meditation, psychic or spiritual topics, or artistic pursuits are probably very appealing to you right now, Sagittarius. This is the perfect day to start a class or attend a lecture on such subjects. You could meet some interesting people who become close friends. You’re likely to feel a psychic bond with anyone you meet today, and you're likely to get the feeling that your life has changed for the better. Enjoy!

And: “Are you going out shopping today? If so, expect at some point to be confronted with a wonderful luxury item you'd give your eyeteeth for - but can't really justify purchasing. Don't be impulsive, but don't hold back unnecessarily either. Will you really enjoy the item? Or is it something you'd look at for a while, then put away or ignore? Do what you want - but be sure you know what it is! Think about it!”

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Sunday, February 16, 2014

2/16/14

Transparent Oracle Sunday!

20, Elemental: Salamander (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.  Salamander is also intense in personality, but this one is about consumption of fuel, and the changes and transformations that happen through consumption of fuel.  The changes presented by Salamander are more transmutation than transformation or metamorphosis.  Salamanders are actually known for putting out fires!  This is because they consume all fuel and then the flames themselves.  They are true experts, and know just how to handle Fire and its tricky nature.

17, Guide: Stag (South). The element of Fire manifests as spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change; its dignities are hot/separates and dry/shapes.  Stag is an impressive Guide at any time of the year, but during the Summer, when he is at his peak, he is the epitome of pride and leadership and competition.  Stag is an archetype for the Sacred Masculine, and of the God in my spiritual tradition.  Stag tells of magnificent demonstrations of prowess, and of regenerative properties and the cycles of life.

2, Weather: Wind (East).   East is the direction of the rising sun, and thus of new beginnings and fresh ideas, as well as knowledge, intellectual ideas and thoughts.  Wind brings chaos and unpredictability; a stiff breeze can disrupt order, or it can clear away the cobwebs of stagnation.  What we need to remember is that we can’t control the effects of the Wind, only deal with them.  Sometimes we are rewarded for bravely accepting the effects of Wind, by receiving inspiration.

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  Cool, Salamander appears to be the pulsing heart of Stag!  It is almost as if the heat of Salamander is emanating from the center of the mandala, and each of the three tails are passing across the brow of each Stag, offering passion and inspiration, and possibly fueling the Wind that swirls around.  These cards have a lot of power, but they also offer a bit of a warning.  Fire is unpredictable, and Wind can cause chaos and a lot of damage; together they can truly wreak havoc.  Just imagine an out-of-control wildfire on a dry, windy day and you will get the picture.  If we approach these effects with an awareness of both the good they can do and the harm they can cause, then we can use the power and ride the wave(LOL, despite my Watery metaphor), and end up possibly in a better place.  Even if that “better place” happens because everything around me is charred beyond saving. 

I’m having a wonderful weekend with friends, filled with good food and lots of laughter.  The sun is shinign, although it is cold, but hey, my daffodils are up!  More than three inches tall!  Can Spring be far behind??!!

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Friday, February 14, 2014

2/14/14

Eight of Cups reversed/Queen of Cups.  Clear message. The Eight of Cups (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, limitation, law and order, in Pisces, “I believe,” feeling, duality, suffering, soul growth) in an upright position tells of an ending or a decline or a change of direction, often one associated with emotions, and it offers one possible response to that decline or change: moving on.  I love this phrase from the LWB of the Llewellyn Welsh Tarot regarding the reversed Eight of Cups: “A timid nature attracts predators.”  There you go; whether I decide to go or stay, I need to be decisive.  No wishy-washy emotions.  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.  She is the perfect Valentine’s Day card, because she is comfortable with her own feelings (whatever they are), and she nurtures and encourages the dreams of others, too.  I may feel a bit uncertain, but in the end I should look within for the decisions I need, and trust what I find there.

My Thoth cards are the Prince of Cups and the Knight of Disks reversed.  Hmmm . . . pretty clear message there, too. The Prince/Knight of Cups (cusp of Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause-oriented, and Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, suffering, soul growth) is about feeling things strongly and without restraint or grounding.  He may appear calm, cool and collected to others, but my Prince of Cups responds deeply to life, and he dreams big dreams. The Knights of the Thoth Tarot are actually the Kings.  The Knight/King of Disks (cusp of Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive, and Taurus, “I have,” sensual, stubborn, cautious, physically oriented) is the expert on physical world manifestation of all kinds.  He is good at managing physical world resources, but he focuses a lot on the business end of things. My Knight/King is reversed, however, and paired with the most intense dreamer of the Tarot Court, so his kind of focus may be restrictive rather than grounding.

My Legacy card is the Six of Wands, flavored by the Ten of Wands. 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.  This card is about realizing that we’ve established our reputation with others, perhaps through an uncomfortable process.  My Six of Wands is being flavored by the Ten of Wands. The Ten of Wands (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, limitations and resistance, in Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, blundering) tells of being taxed to some perceived limit, or of feeling as if we are out of gas at the bottom of a hill.  Since Wands are connected with Fire, this could very well be a warning that unbridled passions could have a high cost today.  Victory is wonderful, though, even if that victory comes at a cost.  In fact, it is the victory that comes through struggle and through passing a difficult (even draining) test that is the sweetest!

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

My horoscopes: “A little foreign culture could be the thing you need right now to spice things up a bit, Sagittarius. It could be that you aren't feeling a very strong connection with the environment around you. You could be anxious to spread your wings and explore your freedom. Start small but think big. Get out of your rut and do more exploring on your own. There’s a sobering, disciplined feeling to the day that could help you think realistically about your situation and where you want to go with it.

And: “A business or romantic partner could be in a rather schizoid mood today. You'll probably spend a lot of time together, and during the course of the day your friend could jump between total enthusiasm and total gloom. This could drive you crazy, as you won't know how to respond. All you can do is make sure all attention stays focused on the issues at hand. This changeability should burn out by the end of the day.

Full Moon Blessings to you all, and Happy Valentine’s Day.  To quote the Beatles, “All you need is love, love.  Love is all you need!”  True, dat!

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