Thursday, May 29, 2014

5/29/14

Knight of Wands reversed/Five of Cups.  The Knight of Wands (cusp of Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, deep, obsessive, and Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, blundering) usually represents a person of passion, courage, enthusiasm and boundless energy; most definitely not background-type efforts.  This Fiery Knight tends to be about the goal or end result, without taking into consideration any consequences, but my Knight is reversed today.  I wonder if he just might be telling me that being focused on merely the end result could be discouraging.  Better I should aim to achieve a little victory today, rather than the entire war.  The Five of Cups (Mars, action, aggression, drive, in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, mysterious, obsessive) tells of an emotional setback or disappointment, or perhaps the belief that a wrong choice has been made.  Oh, yeah, I get this one today.  My message is the traditional one for this card: don’t focus on the things that are causing you pain.  Look around and find the good things that are coming from the situation.  They are there, waiting for you to discover them!

My Thoth cards are The Aeon/Judgement and the Eight of Wands (“Swiftness”) reversed.  Judgement corresponds with Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), Pluto (power, metamorphosis, cycles of dying and becoming), Shin (fang), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Hod (provides analysis and communication) and in an upright position represents an opportunity to tally up and pay the bill so we can have a fresh start.  Judgement is about that final step which will allow me to release the past and move forward, and this card is validating my first two cards.  I can’t move on until I clear away whatever is undone, and I need to be fair and equitable about the process, even if it costs me.  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 when upright are fast and strong, and while the dust will surely fly, the end result will be balance.  This one is kind of a Minor Arcana version of The Wheel, and since it is reversed, I can have an effect on these energies, and I need to remember that.  I’m not helpless.

My Legacy card is The Hanging Man, flavored by The Empress reversed.  I had this exact same pair this past Friday.  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 presents the kind of balance that comes to us through surrender, and through deliberately attempting to see things in a different way.  This card tells of initiation and destiny, as well as sacrifice and loss, but the interesting thing here is that in many situations, the face of the Hanging Man is not distorted by pain or suffering, as we would expect.  Instead he is serene, as if he was experiencing a quiet epiphany.  Looks like I need to look at this whole situation in a different way, not allowing my personal discomfort to color the events that are shaping my world.  The card flavoring my Hanging Man, The Empress reversed, is encouraging me to see things in a very different and inwardly-focused way.  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 (along with The High Priestess), 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. My Empress is reversed, and she is telling me to act like The High Priestess, turn away from the messages of my physical senses, and blur my eyesight for a time in order to better see the important yet subtle messages in the shadows. 

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

My horoscopes: “Don't try to force your ideas on anyone, Sagittarius. It's important to maintain neutrality so you can act from a stable state of mind when someone brings you an issue that needs to be dealt with right away. The key is to act rather than react to a situation. If you know you're right about something, keep it to yourself. There's no need to rub it in anyone's face and tell them they're wrong.”

And: “You are likely to wake up today with a compulsion to clean. This is rather unlike you. If we didn't know better we'd say that you were pregnant and the nesting instinct is kicking in early. Indulge your domestic desires today. Tomorrow you're probably going to be in quite a different frame of mind!”

Another Wild Unknown Tarot card: The Ace of Cups.  This card has a simple image on it: a chalice.  The background is blue, representing the element of Water that is represented by the Cup, and it appears that golden light is shining out of the Cup, but we can’t be sure.  Is the Cup filled with some kind of beautifully glistening Water?  Or is it empty, and what we are seeing is actually an illusion or a dream?  We can’t tell yet, but the possibility of experiencing something wonderful is there.

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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

5/28/14

Three of Wands/King of Wands reversed. The Three of Wands (Sun, the inner core of a person or situation, the deepest self and personal power, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, pioneering, assertive) is a card of planning ahead that tells of the excitement that comes with good possibilities at hand.  This card tells me that I might be able to create something good today, so I should not hesitate to take the initiative.  What’s the worst that can happen? The King of Wands (cusp of Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, nurturing, moody, and Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic egotistical) is honest and open hearted, and rules his realm through the advantageous use of his creative impulses.  He is admired by all, is able to assert authority without alienating others, and his achievements not only bring him benefits, but also increase the quality of life for those around him.  My King is reversed, however, and perhaps I won’t be able to work with potent creative impulses in a mature and effective way today.  Better I should stick with the exciting potential of the Three of Wands, rather than the responsibility and authority of the King. 

My Thoth cards are the Prince of Cups reversed and the Five of Wands (“Strife”) reversed. 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.  Upright, this Prince appears calm to others, but inwardly he feels things strongly.  He is reversed today, and this might mean those strong feelings aren’t so reliable, or maybe they won’t manifest the way I want them to manifest. 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.  Because my Five of Wands is reversed, the seemingly irrational irritations might not be so irrational after all.  I can solve this, and make good use of a little pause in order to examine things.

My Legacy card is the Eight of Coins, flavored by Judgement reversed. The Eight of Coins (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.  This might be the most important card in my spread today because if I pay attention to the details, I can avoid any potential discomfort.  My Eight of Coins is being flavored by the reversed Judgement card. Judgement corresponds with Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), Pluto (power, metamorphosis, cycles of dying and becoming), Shin (fang), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Hod (provides analysis and communication) and in an upright position represents an opportunity to tally up and pay the bill so we can have a fresh start.  Because Judgement is reversed, that final step which will allow me to release the past and move forward is not quite available to me.  This reversed card is offering me encouragement to adhere to the message of the Eight of Coins.  Pay attention!

My 6-digit date number is 2, the number of balance, polarity, and the energy of “distance between.”

My horoscopes: “It's possible that you're missing the essential message as the Sun squares Neptune. There are two, three, even four sides to everything. Mercury in last degrees aspects Venus tonight, and it isn't the night to begin a romantic relationship with a cosmic "now isn't the time" connection, even though it's a New Moon.

And: “Today you have a strong spirit of cooperation which inspires you to pitch in and help others even without being asked. Your romantic partner may be surprised to see you arrive in the garage and pick up a socket wrench to help work on the car. Never mind that you don't know what the wrench is used for, you'll figure it out. Others will be impressed to see you going above and beyond what you have been asked to do. Your efforts on all fronts do not go unnoticed.

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Tuesday, May 27, 2014

5/27/14

The Wheel reversed/The Magician.  Ooooh, watch out!  The Wheel of Fortune (Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), Jupiter (expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune), Kaph (grasping hand), and the Path between Netzach (the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration) and Chesed (the place where forms and structure are stabilized and nurtured)) tells of sudden movement, but not movement caused by us or controlled by us.  The Wheel reminds us that nothing is permanent and everything is always in motion, motion that we can’t control.  The thing is, if I can perceive that motion and understand it, I can adjust my focuses to be in line with that motion, and tap into its power.  The Magician corresponds with Air (hot/separates and wet/adapts, and quick and animated energy which usually presents problems or challenges), Mercury (reason, intelligence, orderliness, communication), Beth (house; builder) and the Path between Binah (female, receptive energy and the origin of form and structure) and Kether (the source, limitless possibility).  The Magician works hard to perfect his abilities, to make use of those abilities in unexpected ways, and to focus and carry through to the end of a task (which is pretty important to him).  This card is personally significant to me, and since he represents the manifestation of tangible knowledge (and the ability to control that manifestation); I am being told to think independently, and to manifest my Purpose with my own hard-earned skills, so that I can tap into what is happening around me, and benefit from everything!

My Thoth cards are The Empress and the Three of Swords (“Sorrow”) reversed.  More power!  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 the other 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. My Empress is telling me that the outer world offers many pleasures today, as well as fertile opportunities to create something new.  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, when upright usually indicates the possibility that logic, rationalizing and the intellect could end up causing harm if they are not used with balance and compassion.  Thankfully because my card is reversed, I should be able to deal with any uncomfortable situations that may crop up. 

My Legacy card is the Page of Swords reversed, flavored by The High Priestess.  Oh. My. Goddess.  Both sides of the Sacred Feminine ~and~ The Magician in one day!  Page of Swords reversed, flavored by the Seven of Swords reversed.  More reversed Swords cards.  The 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) in an upright position encourages us to use our mind and intellect to analyze our situations as well as our emotions and feelings.  Apparently, analysis and the working of the intellect will not be my strong points today.  My reversed Page of Swords is being flavored by The High Priestess.  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 (who is also in my spread today), the feminine version of The Hierophant, and the Keeper of the Mysteries.  She is the Gatekeeper who determines whether I am ready to experience the Mysteries, and she is somewhat removed from everyday life.  Looks like that kind of introspection and isolation might serve me. 

My 6-digit date number is 10, which tells of the ending of a cycle; this number can be reduced further to 1, the number of position and potential. 

My horoscopes: “Strong forces may be acting up and asking you to stand up a little straighter than usual, Sagittarius. Keep your shoulders back and be proud. Don't think of yourself as any less of a person just because there is disagreement between you and the people around you. Maintain respect for yourself and your opinions. Say things with confidence. Don't back down, but be prepared to fight.

And: “Today you will have to let go of your usual drill sergeant manner and simply let the day unfold as it will. Try as you might, even you will not be able to direct the course of the day. You may find that your attention gets diverted first to one project, then the other. It is not an unpleasant day, merely a disjointed one. Remain open to all the possibilities that the day brings; you may be surprised by the way things turn out.

I had a glorious unplugged weekend, and spent hours in my beloved garden.  Now comes the catching up.

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Saturday, May 24, 2014

5/23/14

Four of Pentacles/Nine of Wands. The Four of Pentacles (the Sun, the inner core of a person or situation or the deepest self, in Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, authority, caution, cunning) tells of very solid foundations and an awareness of the value of our possessions.  The danger here is that once we realize how valuable things have become, we might expend too much energy protecting things and keeping them just as they are right now. 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 order and control, and it suggests that we plan for possible hostilities to come, the way a seasoned warrior would plan.  It looks like that Four of Pentacles isn’t crying wolf.  I should not completely fear change however, because stability needs change in order to be effective.

My Thoth cards are the Queen of Cups and Death reversed. 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 comfortable with her own feelings (whatever they are), and she nurtures and encourages the dreams of others, too.  She is reminding me that sometimes the best response might be compassionate passivity.  That response allows us to still be engaged in the situation and still be able to hear our own Inner Voice. 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.  My Death card is reversed, and perhaps today I might not be ready to charge forward and embrace transformation.  I do need to remember that while I certainly can pause for a moment, the evolution represented here cannot be held back for long, and even trying might make things way worse.

My Legacy card is The Moon reversed, flavored by the Queen of Coins 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 may tell of falsehood and illusion and the Dark Night of Soul, but it also tells of magick and mystery.  Things may not end up as they seem on the surface today, but I can’t allow the unknown to frighten me.  My reversed Moon card is being flavored by another reversed card, the reversed Queen of Coins. The Queen of Coins (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 in order to bring comfort and security to all.  But today it looks like I need to serve myself, rather than focusing on the well-being of others.  These cards seem to be hinting at the approach of something big, but today I might feel a bit unsteady.  Can’t face a big event without a good foundation, and while I might be making progress, the work is not over.

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

My horoscopes: “Today's prospects should suit the dynamic, idealistic being that you are, especially right now. There will be some criticism in the air, and you won't miss an opportunity to punctuate your comments with your famous irony. Your viewpoints on corporate rigidity and conformist attitudes are well known, but today your sense of humor prevails and people listen to you with pleasure!

And: “If you are not careful there is a strong possibility that you will overindulge today. Your career frustrations may manifest themselves in the form of overeating, excess drinking or reckless spending. These are just symptoms that are masking the real problem. If you can take some time to meditate, you will find that your nerves calm and the root of your frustrations are revealed. Once you are working with the facts, it will be easier to devise an effective solution.

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Thursday, May 22, 2014

5/22/14

The Hanging Man/The Empress reversed.  Hmmm . . . interesting pair!  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 presents the kind of balance that comes to us through surrender, and through deliberately attempting to see things in a different way.  This card tells of initiation and destiny, as well as sacrifice and loss, but the interesting thing here is that in many situations, the face of the Hanging Man is not distorted by pain or suffering, as we would expect.  Instead he is serene, as if he was experiencing a quiet epiphany.  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 (along with The High Priestess), 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. My Empress is reversed, and she is offering us instructions as to how to get the most from our Hanging Man today.  She is telling us to turn away from the messages of the senses and the world around us, and blur our eyesight for a time.  Perhaps by dimming or quieting the sometimes overwhelming messages of the physical senses, we just might be able to perceive our world in a new and exciting way.

My Thoth cards are the Nine of Disks (“Gain”) and the Queen of Swords reversed.  The Nine of Disks (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented) tells of accomplishment through the imposition of discipline.  This card literally purrs with satisfaction, and it suggests that my efforts and discipline within the physical world might be showing initial signs of manifestation.  I’m not done, not by any means, but this might be the time to assess.  I should get a real and valid impression of what is happening.  The Queen of Swords (cusp of Virgo, “I serve,” practical, sensible, work and service oriented, and Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation, grace) can be considered a Minor Arcana representation of the Justice card, which is about responsibility and the relationship between “cause” and “effect.”  The main difference is that while Justice is about the law, the Queen of Swords is about the intent behind the law.  My Queen of Swords was in my card throw yesterday, too, but in an upright position.  Perhaps the time of being alert and focused is passing, and I need to look at how things are rather than analyzing the process of how they got here.

My Legacy card is the Three of Swords (eeep!), flavored by The Hermit.  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.  The Threes of the Tarot Minors correspond to the sephira of Binah, at the top of the Pillar of Form, and perhaps that is the hint for the day regarding this uncomfortable card.  We often think we are creating the right environment but if we impose Form onto a situation without emotion (which is how the suit of Swords operates), the end result might be a feeling of betrayal, or of being “stabbed in the heart,” the customary image of this card.  The Legacy Three of Swords shows a tear flowing down a cheek, and tears are certainly associated with the manifestation of this card, either because of harm done to us, or because of the regret caused by harming another.  My Three of Swords is being flavored by The Hermit, and that brings some interesting concepts into the interpretation.  The Hermit corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes, and material, practical and stable energy that is slow to change), as well as Virgo (“I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented, orderly), Yod (open hand, touch), and the Path between Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) and Chesed (the place where forms and structure are stabilized and nurtured), and is about searching within for a deeper meaning, often through solitude bordering on discomfort.  The presence of the energies of The Hermit actually makes me believe that no matter how that Three of Swords manifests, if I examine my inner landscape I will walk away with some new knowledge about myself.

My 6-digit date number is 5, the number that tells of the imposition of motion onto stability in order to prevent stagnation. 

My horoscopes: “Your strong opinions might come into conflict with strong emotions today, Sagittarius. Be aware that fountains of intensity are likely to spring from you as if you were a bottomless well. Realize that you might need to pay less attention to your logic today and concentrate on your heart. It could be hard to reason with people. If your heart doesn't support what you say, you might as well not say it.”

And: “Group activities, perhaps with a social, ecological, or humanitarian focus could take place today somewhere in your neighborhood, Nanci. You might decide to attend with your romantic partner. You could encounter some friends in the process, and all of you could well be caught up in the excitement generated by those in the spotlight. Listen well and think about what you learn today. It could make a difference to your future.”

My next Wild Unknown Tarot card is: The Five of Cups.  The image on this one is a bit different than the usual Five of Cups image because all five Cups are upright.  The background is white at the top of the card, but immediately below the row of five Cups it begins to darken quickly.  The only other image on the card is the head and neck of a horse, bowed as if the horse was so exhausted or hopeless or so hungry that he didn’t even have the strength to look up.  The image has a very dejected feel to it, but if the horse would only raise his gaze, he would see those five Cups, all lined up nicely and waiting for him.  Instead, he chooses to allow his pessimism to draw his gaze downward and into the darkness, and that is all he sees. 

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Wednesday, May 21, 2014

5/21/14

Ten of Swords reversed/Justice.  Lots of Swords cards lately, both upright and reversed. The Ten of Swords (the Sun, the inner core of a person or situation, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable, dual, talkative) in an upright position tells of the perception that interference, powerlessness and restriction will rule the day.  This card can be seen as representing a breakdown of the thinking and analyzing process, but thankfully any perceived breakdown will not manifest itself.  Justice is a card of adjustment, and it corresponds with the element of Air (hot/separates and wet/adapts, and quick, animated energy that usually brings problems or challenges that bring growth), Libra (“we are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation), Lamed (ox goad; training or teaching), and the Path between Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) and Geburah (the place where forms and structures are challenged or affirmed).  This card also has a sword in its image, and it presents two important concepts: balance and truth.  Justice reminds us that the purpose of the law is to implement and manifest these two concepts.  I get this; this concept is very relevant to my focuses today, and I’m glad that Ten of Swords is reversed, and not upright.

My Thoth cards are the Ace of Swords reversed and the Four of Wands (“Completion”) reversed.  The Ace of Swords (Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution authority, cunning, Aquarius and Pisces, “I believe,” feeling, duality, soul growth, artistic) tells of the birth of ideas and concepts. This Ace in an upright position offers the power to analyze that is necessary in order to make good choices, and in order to react correctly to events in our day.  I may have trouble with the choices, or maybe the reaction.  Awareness of this possibility might allow me to short-circuit the problem. The Four of Wands (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, enthusiastic) is about building enough to become established, about the results of harmony and effort and creativity combined.  Because it is reversed, I need to keep in mind that the foundation is not strong enough to be built upon.  Maybe the cement needs to cure a bit, so my focus might be better directed elsewhere.

My Legacy card is the Seven of Coins reversed, flavored by the Queen of Swords.  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.  My card is reversed, and perhaps today is not a day for assessing any situations in the physical world.  I might not be able to decide if now is the time for action, or for pausing in preparation for action.  My reversed Seven of Coins is being flavored by the Queen of Swords.  Aaaahhh, at last; she will get me some answers!  The Queen of Swords (cusp of Virgo, “I serve,” practical, sensible, work and service oriented, and Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation, grace) can be considered a Minor Arcana representation of the Justice card, also in my spread today, which is about responsibility and the relationship between “cause” and “effect.”  The main difference is that while Justice is about the law, the Queen of Swords is about the intent behind the law.  Perhaps that is why my Seven of Coins is reversed; maybe I am having trouble seeing what effects are causing manifestations, and where those effects are coming from.

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

My horoscopes: “You will find that disciplined actions are the best way to go about your day today, Sagittarius. Stay focused on your path. You can accomplish many tasks at the same time if you play your cards right. Try not to get bogged down with details. People might cause you to worry too much. Don't let their energy get in the way of your progress.

And: “If you've been worrying about having spent too much recently, after today you should put those worries behind you. There are plenty of opportunities waiting for you that could bring an increased level of income, and possibly a new job, or even a new career. A lot of phone calls, e-mails, or other communication could bring news of these possibilities your way. Be sure to keep a record of the ones that seem the most promising.

And another Wild Unknown Tarot: The Mother of Swords.  This image is similar to that of the Daughter of Swords, except that this is obviously an adult owl, and because the sky behind this owl is not a night sky, rather it is lit.  We cannot tell if it is morning or afternoon, but this owl is “illuminated,” and she knows enough of her surroundings (and is confident enough in that knowledge she has obtained through experiencing her environment in order to thrive) to relax a bit.  Her feathers are a bit puffed, enough to hide her feet, which to me indicates that she is relaxed.  Her eyes are soft, as if she wants to appear sleepy, but she is not asleep!  She is alert, and she is aware, without pre-judgment of any kind, and ready to become active, should the need appear.

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Monday, May 19, 2014

5/19/14

Two of Wands reversed/Four of Wands reversed.  Hmmm . . . The Two of Wands (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, pioneering, assertive, enthusiastic) in an upright position tells of power, influence and authority, and the implementation of the Will.  Apparently I may have doubts about my ability to manifest things in a positive and effective way today.  The Four of Wands (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, enthusiastic) is about building enough to become established, about the results of harmony and effort and creativity combined.  This card has good vibes when upright because it presents Fire and a stable foundation, a great platform for creativity.  However, this Wands card is also reversed, validating the reversed nature of the Two of Wands.  I can’t be effective without a good, solid foundation, and there won’t be a good, solid foundation available to me today.

My Thoth cars are The Empress reversed and the Five of Swords (“Defeat”).  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 the other half of the Major Arcana representation of the Sacred Feminine (as well as The High Priestess), 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. My Empress is reversed, and telling me that the outer world might not offer many pleasures today; striving to please the senses just might bring about a dangerous distraction.  The Five of Swords (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, pleasure, in Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, cause-oriented, the group, aloof) shows what happens when we insist that our way is right, or when we impose our needs or wants onto a situation. This card could also be telling of what seems to be overwhelming opposition, or being made to suffer the sins of others.  This is my only upright card today, and in some ways it corresponds to the reversed meanings of The Empress.  I do need to be cautious.

My Legacy card is the Page of Swords reversed, flavored by the Seven of Swords reversed.  More reversed Swords cards.  The 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) in an upright position encourages us to use our mind and intellect to analyze our situations as well as our emotions and feelings.  My Page is reversed, however, and it looks like I might be tempted to react in a childish manner to challenges.  My reversed Page of Swords is being flavored by another reversed Swords card, the Seven of Swords reversed.  The Seven of Swords (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, cause-oriented, the group, aloofness) tells of the effort to maintain things as we want them, often through the use of deception and without considering the wants or needs of others.  This card can also be referring to the effort necessary to maintain things, or lack of effort thereof.  These concepts are “aiding and abetting” my reversed Page of Swords, and unless I’m careful, a temper tantrum just might be on my To Do list today.

My 6-digit date number is 2, the number of balance, polarity, and the energy of “distance between.”

My horoscopes: “Overall, the climate is tense at work and at home, Sagittarius. You'll sense a feeling of restlessness and a longing for change, but you'll also feel a reluctance to make any real moves in that direction. Your judgment tells you that complaints that don't lead to action are meaningless. So why not be the catalyst that provokes some action?

And: “Today you might receive an invitation to a social event that you'll really want to attend. People who might prove to be important contacts might be there. Nonetheless, you might find that other responsibilities could interfere with your plans, and therefore you might experience a wave of disappointment. Still, if you think creatively, you could find a way to fulfill your obligations and attend the event as well. Think about it!

My next Wild Unknown Tarot card, one that is appropriate for today, considering my card throw:  The Four of Swords.  The image on this one is a lamb, all curled up and serene, beneath four Swords hanging point-down above him, with a brightly-glowing third eye chakra.  What a powerful image!  This tender, untried youth is resting below four Swords hanging precariously above him, and yet he does not appear frightened.  He is alert, so he knows those Swords are there even though he does not even spare them a glance, but he is not even prepared to run should they come loose.  Perhaps his stillness is part of his protection.  It is as if he is keeping those Swords up there with his serenity, his stillness, his awareness of what is going on around him, and his belief, his mental force . . . his Will! 

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5/18/14

Transparent Oracle Sunday!

54, Guide: Giant (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.  Giant corresponds quite a bit with the element of Earth and Earth energies, and is about the stability of the ground below us, and about the huge geological forces that formed our world and even now, changes it.  In most fairy tales, the Giant ends up being a great big bump in the road for the hero of the tale, and without these kinds of challenges, we would never get the chance to be brave or to see if we have courage.

40, Elemental: Gnome (North). North is the direction of Earth, and thus of the physical or physically formed or manifested world, and of nurturing, health, finances and security, and the wisdom associated with living simply, being well-grounded, and being in touch with our physical body.  The Gnome is about hard work, strength and patience; Gnome is the guardian of the Earth who meets each responsibility fully and completely; he may appear serious, but he is capable of some mischief.  And woe is the person who damages what he guards! 

49, Saturn (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 planet Saturn is about structure and boundaries, and about constricting energies within a particular format, often involving time. 

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  Hmmmm . . . Giants are looking inward, Gnomes are looking outward, and Saturn patrols the outer perimeter.  I am being told that there may be a huge challenge happening for me, most likely in the sphere of influence of the element of Earth.  I need to remember that often, a spell takes time to manifest, and dreams do not become reality the moment I awaken.  As I am guarding my dream and working toward manifestation, if a challenge appears, no matter how big or seemingly insurmountable that challenge may be, I must tell myself that the challenge has a purpose.  I should also remember that the rules of another are in place for a reason, and I must respect those rules, even if they seem to be thwarting me.

I spent the entire weekend at an advanced Yoga intensive, learning how to offer Yoga to cancer survivors. I am excited about the potential to give back to the Yoga community that has changed my life, and to the people who are struggling with much more difficult challenges than I am.  I enjoyed being with like-minded people. 

Back to reality!

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Friday, May 16, 2014

5/16/14

Three of Wands/The High Priestess reversed.  The Three of Wands (Sun, the inner core of a person or situation, the deepest self and personal power, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, pioneering, assertive) is a card of planning ahead that tells of the excitement that comes with good possibilities at hand.  This card tells me that today is a good day to take the initiative and maybe do something new.  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.  She is the Gatekeeper who determines whether I am ready to experience the Mysteries, and because she is reversed, I am being told, “Not yet.”  The High Priestess is somewhat removed from everyday life, but that isolation will not serve me. 

My Thoth cards are The Empress and The Sun reversed.  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 the other 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. My Empress is validating the interpretation of the reversed High Priestess above, and telling me that the outer world offers many pleasures today. The Sun corresponds with Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), our Sun (the inner core of a person or situation), Resh (the face; reason), and the Path between Yesod (the place where patterns and images emerge that may manifest in the physical world) and Hod (provides analysis and communication), and upright it tells of a time of enlightenment and peace that comes after the completion of some ordeal.  Even reversed, The Sun is not a bad card, just a bit less intense in its illumination.  Perhaps the day will not be as long as I would like it to be, eh?

My Legacy card is the Six of Swords reversed, flavored by the Six of Cups.  The Six of Swords (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, communication, in Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, the group, cause oriented) in an upright position is about balance, healing, moving towards a better place, and even about learning the science behind things that work (because understanding why they work makes them more effective).  Because my card is reversed, I might be dealing with some changes in plans. My reversed Six of Swords is being flavored by an upright Six card, the Six of Cups.  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.  Maybe I’m being told not to work so hard, or not to expect everything to have a serious purpose; just sit back and don’t worry, even if it doesn’t seem like I am getting anywhere.  Hmmm . . . that might be the theme for the day.

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 of the number 6.

My horoscopes: “You may feel hemmed in by the role models that society currently offers, Sagittarius. As you struggle to find your own definition of the truly modern human being, the people around you sometimes criticize your liberated attitude. Just because their ideas aren't in sync with yours in no way invalidates them. If your ideas are a tad too radical, theirs are too conventional. There's room for both points of view.

And: “You are likely to find people somewhat irritating today. It's as though nothing is good enough, and nobody seems to know exactly what he or she wants. You will reign supreme within this maze of overt conflict and dissatisfaction. You may be even asked to step in and restore order. If the conflict is on the domestic front, go ahead. But tread carefully if you're asked to take on the role of sheriff at work!

Another Wild Unknown Tarot card: The Son of Wands.  Here is a snake circling around a Wand; the point of the Wand is either emanating energy or drawing energy in.  The snake is focused completely on this Wand and its powers, entranced by this energy and wanting to own it.  The best way to learn how to use the ability to entrance (which is both emitting and attracting, after all) is to focus completely on the ability and practice it without distraction.  The flow of energy from the tip of the Wand acts as a wall between the snake and the outside world, telling me that this energy can be a distraction in its own right and merely through its own manifestation.  That is both enabling me to be more efficient ~and~ preventing me from attaining the necessary grounding and ability to perceive reality.

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