Wednesday, February 25, 2015

2/25/15

Knight of Swords/Eight of Cups.  The Knight of Swords (the cusp of Taurus, “I have,” sensual, stubborn, cautious, and Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, dual, intelligent) is outspoken, assured, alert, and logical, as well as rude, domineering, critical and sarcastic.  His daring and courage are impressive, but he can also be disruptive, too.  While all of the Knights can be considered as mercinaries, the Knight of Swords truly personifies this career. Today I may need to manage my time well, as situations requiring quick decisions will be the rule. The Eight of Cups (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, limitation, law and order, in Pisces, “I believe,” feeling, duality, suffering, soul growth) 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 am being told that if feelings or emotions don’t serve me in a positive way, I should release them and walk away. 

My Thoth cards are Lust and the Five of Disks (“Worry”).  The Strength card, which Crowley calls “Lust” (Fire, hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive and energetic energy; Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, egotistical; Teth, sieve or basket, digestion; and the Path between Geburah, the place where forms and structures are challenged or affirmed, and Chesed, the place where forms and structures are stabilized and nurtured) is about having the strength and the patience to endure and focus. In the end, the lion from the traditional image of this card is offering a service just by being itself; we are offered the opportunity to tame that beast.  Crowley sees this card as offering the traditional meanings (courage, passion, inner focus and fortitude), but he also sees it as representing the use of magick or magickal powers.  And perhaps inner strength can be seen as a magickal power, eh?  The Five of Disks (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, skill, communication, in Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn) tells of some loss or need within the physical world.  This card tells of wandering aimlessly looking for help and not finding it.  The image on the Thoth Five of Disks shows an upside-down pentacle, showing me that Spirit may not be my main focus today, and perhaps it should be.  Success is not just measured by material possessions, and material possessions are empty if they are not accompanied by love and passion and spirit.  The Worry of this card can have a positive effect, if we allow our Worry to cause us to test us, we will determine if we have the strength to endure.  Hmmmm . . . perhaps it is good that these two cards have appeared together today.

My Legacy card is the Two of Wands, flavored by the Five of Wands reversed.  The Two of Wands (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, pioneering, assertive, enthusiastic) tells of power, influence and authority, and the implementation of the Will.  This is a card of action and ownership, personal power and authority, and the manifestation of these things, hopefully in order to obtain a good result.  My Two of Wands is being flavored by the Five of Wands in a reversed position.  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, or this discomfort could be caused by growing pains. The traditional image on this card makes me laugh, and makes me remember setting up a tent in order to camp.  LOL, talk about cross-purposes!  But my Five of Wands is reversed today, and that tells me that I will be able to take advantage of the conflicts of Will that appear, and turn the conflict itself to a good purpose.  And isn’t it handy that my Two of Wands tells me that I am in control??!!

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

My horoscopes: “Double-check any plans you've made with those you hold dear today—and confirm your work meetings while you're at it. With foggy Neptune opposing the Moon in your house of partnerships, miscommunications could crop up left and right. You may think you have all the times and meeting spots correct, only to miss something important still. If you've been working on a business deal, take note: It's not a good day for signing contracts or finalizing anything. Hold off until things feel less fuzzy.”

And: “A rally or other sort of mass meeting could take place in your near neighborhood today and it could well be the most exciting thing that's happened to your community in a long time. Expect to meet a number of interesting people. Social events, perhaps connected to this rally in some way, could take up a lot of your time today, almost to the point where you wear yourself out. Pace yourself and don't try to do too much.”

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Monday, February 23, 2015

2/23/15

The Chariot/Six of Wands.  Woohoo; look out, world! The Chariot, which corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and sensitive, emotional and imaginative energy that likes to stay the same or follow the same course), Cancer (“I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody), Cheth (the fence), and the Path between Geburah (the place where forms and structure are challenged or affirmed) and Binah (female receptive energy and the origin of form and structure), tells of having the control necessary to focus on goals, and to avoid distractions.  My Chariot brings a sense of motion to the day, and motion (and the control of that motion) is his forte.  Comparing him to say, The Emperor, would be a learning experience here. I am also being warned; while I have conrol over the vehicle and the motor, I am to some extent insulated.  If I look away for a moment, everything might tumble, and focusing on the goal, way off in the distance, could end up creating problems. The Six of Wands (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, noble, authoritative) expresses the celebration we feel when we have passed some test or successfully met a challenge.  This card is about the sense of accomplishment and the recognition that happen when we stick to our own plan despite adversity.  Good standing and recognized authority, and the hands on the reins.  Nice pair.

My Thoth cards are the Two of Cups (“Love”) reversed and the Ace of Cups. The Two of Cups (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, family and home oriented, tenacious, moody) in an upright position tells of about love and connections, usually having to do with feelings, relationships and commonalities, 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 about attachment, sincerety and affection, however it is reversed.  This could indicate cross-purposes in love, or even empty passion and lust without emotions of the heart.  But my other Thot card is the Ace of Cups.  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) tells of the potential to experience deep emotions, a connection to my Inner Voice, and a connection to those around me.  Interesting that this potential shows up alongside the reversed Two of Cups; that tells me my Two of Cups might right itself if I take care of this potential in a good way. 

My Legacy card is the Ten of Wands, flavored by the Page of Coins reversed. 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 that must be climbed.  This card can also tell of a passion or idea that has taken a life of its own and then gotten out of control or taken over everything else.  Sometimes success can be oppressive; if we get lucky and we are not prepared to take on what we’ve been given, the burden can seem crushing.  Today I may need to swallow my pride and ask for help if things get too crazy..  My Ten of Wands is being flavored by the reversed Page of Coins, and perhaps this is why the Ten is reversed. The Page of Coins (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. This Page loves to learn new things and have new experiences, but he also can see the big picture in an optimistic way.  When he is reversed, as he is today, he might be allowing his responsibilities to weigh him down.  Sound familiar?  I just might need to inject a bit of fun into the day because a light-hearted approach might make the burdens less onerous.  Even those uncomfortable responsibilities can be lightened if I approach them with a smile on my face.

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

My horoscopes: “Picky, picky! Your inner perfectionist emerges today as the Moon in your house of efficiency links up with powermonger Pluto. You may be tempted to be "all work, no play," but that's a fast track to burnout. Take your work seriously, but when the day is done, enjoy some well-deserved downtime. This evening may be better spent solo or in equally quiet company than with a group out on the town. Pluto's intense energy has everyone feeling extra sensitive, and your standard bluntness could cause some hurt feelings.”

And: “Worries about health and work might be on your mind today. You could well be stressed out over whatever it is you're doing, and this might have you feeling a little less energetic than usual. It could be a good idea to work a little on lessening the stress in your life, but this feeling is going to pass whatever you do. Try to rest a little and have some fun in spite of the stress.

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Sunday, February 22, 2015

2/22/15

Transparent Oracle Sunday!

37, Guide: Raven (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.  Raven is a clever bird, often portrayed as a trickster.  Raven is also known for assisting us in the transformation from one realm to another, and known as a skilled communicator.

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

66, Telepathy (Within). Within is the direction of the Self, and thus the cards associated with this direction deal with the ways our Self connects to the world and perceives the world, and the Self.  This direction is mostly abstract, and yet is our bridge to the Universe around us. Telepathy corresponds to the brow chakra, the element of Air, and Spirit.  It is about transmission and reception, and reminds us of the power of thoughts, ideas, visions and intentions; most importantly it is about connections of all kinds.

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  The Lightning strikes, the Ravens take wing, and I listen for the unspoken messages of Air and Spirit!  Looks like I am in for some sudden changes, and while they might be downright scary at first, if I pay attention to my needs, and my state of mind/body/spirit, the way will be clear and the road will be smooth and straight, once the dust settles.

This has been a frigid two weeks!  When it gets this cold outside, my old house is drafty and chilly, and all I want to do is cuddle on the couch wrapped in a blanket, reading a good book and munching on something that is probably bad for me but brings comfort.  Today, however, is the first day in a looooong time that the thermometer has gone way above freezing.  I won’t see my lawn yet, and this warm spell is not going to last long, but I’ve got some energy, and thus here I am, posting once again.

My apologies for disappearing.

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Wednesday, February 11, 2015

2/11/15

Seven of Wands/Ten of Cups reversed. 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.  This card also reminds me to choose my projects carefully, and then stand by them until the end, because I just might be experiencing a test of some kind.  I need to be brave, determined and creative, and maybe even take a calculated risk. The Ten of Cups (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Pisces, “I believe,” feeling, duality, spirituality, suffering and growth) in an upright position offers the manifestation of happiness, simple joys, and fulfillment. The number Ten is about the completion of a cycle or manifestation, and the suit of Cups is about emotions, feelings and the inner self, so this card offers the bounty that comes with the successful experiencing of all the lessons of the Cups cards. Because my Ten of Cups is reversed, there is the potential for enotional exhaustion in the day.  That exhaustion could set up stress or crankiness.  These two cards together remind me that I don’t like to take risks, even though today could be a good day to do so.  Lottery tickets, anyone?

My Thoth cards are the Ten of Wands (“Oppression”) and the Knight of Wands reversed.  Wands cards are in play today. 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 that must be climbed.  This card can also tell of a passion that has taken a life of its own and then gotten out of control or taken over everything else.  In other words, sometimes success can be oppressive, especially when pride won’t let us take a rest.  I need to be careful about that, and get help when needed.   In the Thoth Tarot, the Knights are the Kings. The King of Wands (cusp of Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, nurturing, moody, and Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic egotistical) in an upright position 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.  Because my King is reversed, I may have trouble modifying my plans today if something unexpected crops up.  These two cards together are warning me not to get too full of myself.

My Legacy card is the Page of Cups, flavored by the Eight of Wands. The Page of Cups corresponds to Libra (“we are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation), Scorpio (“I desire,” intensity compulsion, mystery) and Sagittarius (“I seek,” philosophic, adventurous, blundering) and is a card of soft and tender energies and of getting fulfillment through connections to others, and through innocent and simple joys.  This Page can be seen as a more immature version of the Queen of Cups, and that means he might be seeing the world through rose-colored glasses.  He is Earth of Water, and thus all about feelings and sensations, particularly pleasant feelings and sensations, and he is about relationships of all kinds, both love and friendship  My Page of Cups is being flavored by the Eight of Wands. The Eight of Wands (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, skill, communication, in Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, adventurous, blundering) is a card of action, of quick developments, and of pulling it all together so things can be completed.  The energies of this card are fast and strong and sudden, and while the dust will surely fly, the end result should be balance.  This one is kind of a Minor Arcana version of The Wheel, and it is interesting that I have both the Seven and the Eight of Wands in my cards today, both paired with Cups cards.  Fire and Water are not friendly toward each other, so I had better watch for imbalances, eh?

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

My horoscopes: “Hey, chatterbox! Your social charms are out in full force today as talkative Mercury sets sail through extroverted Aquarius and your house of communication. Don't be surprised if you need to charge your phone by lunchtime since you'll be texting and tweeting up a storm. Just make sure to keep it positive. A juicy piece of gossip may reach your ears, and you don't want to lose someone's trust or be seen as two-faced by repeating it. Your attention span could be a bit short today, so fight to stay focused at work.

And: “There is a great deal of air to fuel your fire today. You will find that conversations light up upon your arrival on the scene. Dreams, fantasy and inspired wishes may be coming to the surface, asking you to digest them with your open, adventurous mind. Use this fuel to keep things burning red hot within you. Bring your dreams to the surface and turn them into realities by joining forces with others.

Yay, Mercury goes direct today, and already a log jam seems to have released.  I was notified this morning that I will be teaching a chair Yoga class for Parkinson’s Disease patients, and I am thrilled.  I will be adding this to my mat class for cancer survivors, my chair class for seniors, my basics mat class, and my private chair/mat class for a man with cerebral palsy.  I get such fulfillment from showing people they can do Yoga!  Especially those people who for whatever reason believe that Yoga is not available to them.  Life is good, and I am blessed.

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Tuesday, February 10, 2015

2/9/15

Page of Pentacles reversed/Judgement reversed. 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 in an upright position loves to learn new things and have new experiences, and he loves to share the excitement created through experiencing new things.  Because my Page is reversed, I might need to ground myself today and pay attention to the details lest my enthusiasm distract me. Judgement corresponds with Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), Pluto (power, metamorphosis, cycles of dying and becoming), Shin (fang), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Hod (provides analysis and communication) and represents an opportunity to tally up and pay the bill so we can have a fresh start. “Judgement intervenes for the purpose of distinguishing the spiritual from the material . . .” is how Oswald Wyrth puts it.  Crowley sees it as representing a final step that ends an issue of the past and at the same time brings us forward.  His definition reminds us of the profound relief to be achieved if we truly release that which no longer serves us, and if we balance out what we owe with what we have. My card is reversed, though, and this means there could be some delay to be dealt with, or perhaps some circumstances that are beyond my control.  But tomorrow is another day. 

My Thoth cards are the Two of Cups (“Love”) and The Devil reversed. 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 about attachment, sincerety and affection. 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) in an upright position 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.  My card is reversed, and instead of bondage, there may be freedom.  I like these two cards together, because the emotions told of by the Two of Cups are good ones, especially when paired with an ability to focus on physical pleasure in a balanced way.

My Legacy card is Faith, flavored by the Nine of Swords reversed. Faith is the Legacy version of The Hierophant.  The Hierophant corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes), Taurus (“I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn), Vau (the nail which holds tradition in place), and the Path between Chesed (the place where forms and structures are stabilized and nurtured), and Chokmah (dynamic male energy, the origin of vital force and polarity).  This card is an archetype of Spirit (with The Emperor as archetype of the Sacred Masculine, The Empress as archetype of the Sacred Feminine, and all three representing the supernal triad) that reminds us of the value of tradition, ritual and ceremony, and conforming to the rules and traditions with the aim of presenting the highest good of the group.  There is duty to be found in this card, as well as morality, and a suggestion that tradition should not be accepted blindly, for there is a level of attainment to be had from within a spiritual practice. Ritkual, ceremony and tradition are important for me today, as well as learning in a group setting.  Hopefully I will be able to live according to my own Purpose, and offer clarity and encouragement to others. My Faith card is being flavored by the Nine of Swords, also reversed. The Nine of Swords (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, social, dual) represents brooding and worrying, usually self-caused, and usually unproductive.  Often the worrying attached to this card is connected to insecurity or suspicion, or it is connected to things that are over and done with, and thus unchangeable.  Thankfully my card is reversed, so I should be able to avoid the agony of the mind that is needless worry.  My reversed Nine of Swords is flavoring my Faith card, and that tells me that when I live in accordance to my own beliefs, with honor and in Perfect Love and Trust, I will know in my heart that I have done my best to bring the highest good to all.

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 harmony of the number 6. 

My horoscope (only one today): “You might find that other people's strong opinions are dictating today's actions. The overall atmosphere of things is quite intense so you might just want to lay low and let others have their way. Don't try to put up a fight. Unexpected opposition may come out of nowhere and take control. There is a powerful force at work asking you to do things with more passion than usual.

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Sunday, February 8, 2015

2/8/15

Transparent Oracle Sunday! 

38, Guide: Owl (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.  Owl is a night hunter, and thus is very good at perceiving things, even in the dark.  Because Owl can fly silently, he is also associated with silence; dark silence can be uncomfortable for some.  Owl tends to be solitary, but this nature allows Owl to be objective and detached, and to gain much wisdom from life experiences.

6, Guide: Butterfly (East).  East is the direction of Air, and thus of fresh ideas and new beginnings, knowledge, information and thoughts.  Butterflies are about metamorphosis, and about seeing in all directions at the same time.  Butterflies are strong!  Monarchs, with wings basically the consistency of tissue paper, fly hundreds of miles to the South in the Fall, winter over, and then return Northward.  Butterflies are an interesting combination of potential and sacrifice.

40, Elemental: Gnome (North).  Earth represents stable, material, practical energies that are slow to change; its dignities are cold/binds and dry/shapes.  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!

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  Owl and Butterfly look merged in this one, as if they were one creature with beautiful wings and antennae; this unique creature is being guarded by the Gnomes who stand in a circle looking outward.  These three cards seem to be telling me that now is the time to look deep within myself and realistically assess what has happened over the past quiet, cold and snowy Winter weeks.  This assessment has a “now or never” feel about it; soon enough the warmth and light of Spring will arrive, and the messages being offered right now will fade away if I don’t access them.  I may find that I have done better than I thought I would, and in the end I will walk away from this Winter with much to value.

I’ve had a productive weekend by myself in my beloved Blue Moon House.  I’ve got a 9-page first draft completed of my next 3rd Degree Training lesson.  I’ll let that digest a bit, then re-read it and make any necessary tweaks.  I’ve also completed my homework for the last Advanced Yoga Intensive I attended, and will be submitting that either tonight or tomorrow morning. 

I’ve also walked each day along the beach and in town, and did my lovely Yin/Flow Yoga practice each day in front of the fireplace.  I feel recharged!!

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2/7/15

Five of Pentacles/Five of Wands.  Oy, better not plan on accomplishing a lot today, or at least accomplishing a lot on my plan for the day. The Five of Pentacles (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, skill, communication, in Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn) tells of some loss or need within the physical world.  This card tells of wandering aimlessly looking for help and not finding it. The traditional image on this card is a destitute mother and child walking through snow, with a lit stained glass window behind them.  The message of this card is simple: don’t depend on physical world resources alone, because life is more than that. Success is not just measured by material possessions, and material possessions are empty if they are not accompanied by love and passion and spirit.  Even if things seem dire, there is something positive to be had from the situation; I just need to look at it in a different way. The Five of Wands, which corresponds with Saturn (discipline, responsibility, law and order) in Leo (“I am, passionate, dramatic, egotistical) indicates a struggle caused by annoying cross-purposes, or this discomfort could be caused by growing pains. The traditional image on this card makes me laugh, and makes me remember setting up a tent in order to camp.  LOL, talk about cross-purposes!  Upsetting a stabilized system is never comfortable, but if I see this as a “sweet discomfort,” I might be able to get something good from it.  Again, I am being told to look at things in a different way in order to find the silver lining. 

My Thoth cards are The Universe and The Chariot. 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.  I love the image on the Thoth Universe; the figure looks as if she is dancing gracefully.  But “completion” is too simple a word to apply to such a complex card.  Like the Seven of Pentacles, this card tells of a slowing down of movement and effect; this time the slow-down is happening because the manifestation is complete.  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. The Chariot, which corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and sensitive, emotional and imaginative energy that likes to stay the same or follow the same course), Cancer (“I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody), Cheth (the fence), and the Path between Geburah (the place where forms and structure are challenged or affirmed) and Binah (female receptive energy and the origin of form and structure), tells of having the control necessary to focus on goals, and to avoid distractions.  My Chariot brings a sense of motion to the day (and maybe counteracts that slowing down and pausing of The Universe).  It also reminds me that in order to move forward, I need to control those contrary horses that are offering me mobility by getting them to move. I am also being warned; while I have conrol over the vehicle and the motor, I am to some extent insulated.  If I look away for a moment, everything might tumble, and focusing on the goal, way off in the distance, could end up creating problems.  These two cards tell me that I have a lot of options, and I have the skill to make good choices; I just need to pay attention. 

My Legacy card is the Five of Coins reversed (Bookmarks!), flavored by the King of Coins reversed.  The Legacy Five of Coins asks us to look at the possessiveness of the card preceding it, the Four of Coins, and warns us that a focus on material possessions alone could leave us abandoned and destitute.  Reversed, my Legacy Five of Coins tells me that while things will be tight, because I am carefully budgeting my resources, things won’t be that bad.  My Legacy reversed Five of Coins is being flavored by the King of Coins, also reversed. The King of Pentacles (cusp of Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive, and Taurus, “I have,” sensual, stubborn, cautious, physically oriented) is the clever expert on managing resources, maintaining energy, and on the physical world manifestation of all kinds.  The King is the steward of Nature and the generous and supporting boss, but he is reversed today, which means his traits will manifest in a detrimental manner rather than a helpful one.  Yes, I may have resources and I may have the ability to allocate those resources in a good and effective way, but if I get caught up in that process, I will bog myself down with the details and everything will come to a grinding halt.  Thankfully my Five of Coins is reversed here, and it just might be enough to balance out my King and remind him that Spirit is as important an element as Earth. 

More about my Bookends card, the Five of Coins.  The number 5 brigs motion into the picture, and within the naturally stable suit of Coins/Pentacles/Disks, that motion can be particularly uncomfortable and confusing.  Thus, the images of people lost and wandering in snow or a storm makes sense, for the sudden loss of physical world rsources could certainly make us feel abandoned.  The Thoth Five of Disks offers a symbolic explanation for this discomfort: the image on the upright card is five Disks, in the shape of an upside-down pentagram, with the elements of Fire and Earth superior to the element of Spirit.  Crowley’s keyword for this card is “Worry,” most likely worry about where our next meal will come from.  The Shadowscapes Five of Pentacles tells of spiritual poverty, another interesting interpretation of this card.  The Five of Coins reversed could present an opposing situation, where spirit is placed above physical world belongings, or perhaps it could present a more balanced situation, where physical resources are budgeted but not placed above such concepts as love and compassion.

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

My horoscopes: “Enough with "I'm sorry," Archer! Today's hookup of accommodating Venus and independent Pluto urges you to declare today a "no apologies day." Making excuses every time you turn down an unreasonable offer, drop a fork or do something nice for yourself is not exactly empowering. Unless you've genuinely made a huge error, just suck it up and move on. Practice this act of self-sovereignty with folks in your inner circle by owning your choices instead of expressing regret for them.

And: “You have a tendency to want to explain everything that goes on around you. You rationalize everything in an instant, and group all your experiences into great theories. But you have been very quiet for quite some time now. It's as if something was keeping you from opening your mouth and speaking. Today, you'll get a few words in, don't worry.

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Friday, February 6, 2015

2/5/15

Nine of Swords/Ten of Cups reversed. The Nine of Swords (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, social, dual) represents brooding and worrying, usually self-caused, and usually unproductive.  Often the worrying attached to this card is connected to insecurity or suspicion, or it is connected to things that are over and done with, and thus unchangeable.  This card represents the “agony of the mind,” and the poison created by this agony can overshadow everything else.  This kind of cruelty does not leave physical wounds, but that does not mean it does not hurt.  I will need to watch my thoughts and my words today, and I will need to make sure I am not hard on myself. The Ten of Cups (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Pisces, “I believe,” feeling, duality, spirituality, suffering and growth) in an upright position offers the manifestation of happiness, simple joys, and fulfillment. The number Ten is about the completion of a cycle or manifestation, and the suit of Cups is about emotions, feelings and the inner self, so this card offers the bounty that comes with the successful experiencing of all the lessons of the Cups cards. When upright, the only letdown of this card is that we have achieved our goal, and now we wonder what comes next.  Since my card is reversed, all these Cups could bring an emotional imbalance, and perhaps these two cards together are helping each other out, not in a comfortable way. 

My Thoth cards are the Seven of Disks (“Failure”) and the Seven of Cups (“Debauch”) reversed. 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.  Failure can happen due to a lack of success, but it can also happen due to non-performance.  Is the effort worth the end result?  This is the question of the day, apparently. The Seven of Cups (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, obsessive, mysterious) represents the distraction, sensory overload and dissipation that can happen when we are presented with too many enticing choices.  Crowley sees this one as being drunk on pleasure, so drunk that we are not able to focus enough to make sensible choices.  Just looking at the image on this card makes me feel uncomfortable; sensual pleasure can certainly corrupt, but since my Cups card is reversed, I should be able to shake any emotional lethargy off. 

My Legacy card is the Two of Wands reversed, flavored by the King of Cups. 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.  This is a card of action and ownership, personal power and authority, and it is reversed.  Today is not about my own power; today is not about using my Will to benefit just myself.  I need to be aware that there may be a tendency to think about myself and my own needs; sometimes we do need to think about ourselves, but not today.  My Two of Wands is being flavored by the King of Cups, my only upright Cups card of the day. The King of Cups (cusp of Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation, and Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling mysterious, obsessive) is the expert on emotions and the subconscious, mainly because of his life experiences.  He is able to be calm, caring and diplomatic, and still get things done by getting others working together in a productive way.  My King is reminding me that taking actions for the betterment of others can often also bring us better times.  Today I may be very effective as a shepherd of others, and I should do my best to oblige the requests of others, and to work toward providing them with happiness and serenity.  My King is validating the need to care for others today; in the end, by serving others I am also serving myself.

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

My horoscopes: “When serious Saturn entered your sign on Dec. 23, you started hatching some lofty ideas. Today, with expressive Mercury in your communications center angled with Saturn, it's time to put your money where your mouth is. Just as the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, your grandiose vision unfolds one piece at a time. So get those thoughts and images down on paper (or capture them digitally). And do your research! Some targeted web searching could lead to an aha moment!

And: “Your playful attitude will be a welcome addition to the sober, restrictive tone of the day. On the other hand, it may behoove you to join in with the seriousness in order to accomplish what you need to get done. The choice is up to you; however, you would probably be wise to spend this day taking care of chores and nagging errands that you have been putting off for quite some time.

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Wednesday, February 4, 2015

2/3/15

The High Priestess reversed/Four of Wands.  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 this pair), 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 although her mind is receptive.  She is not about mental analysis at all; when upright, she tells me that in order to access the Mysteries she guards, I must know my inner self completely, and accept the messages of my Inner Voice, even if they defy analysis.  She is reversed today, and while she may be able to balance the outer realms with the inner realms in an effective way, I won’t be able to do the same.  Her tools are not my tools today, and I would be better off looking around me in the physical world for messages.  The Four of Wands (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, enthusiastic) is about building enough to become established, and about the results of harmony and effort and creativity combined.  I’m not being told that the job is done; rather, I am being told that I’ve done some good work so far, and today I shoud take a moment to celebrate my accomplishments.  Once I have established my foundation, I will be ready to move forward once more.  And maybe that High Priestess will turn herself around for me.

My Thoth cards are the Nine of Cups (“Happiness”) and the Nine of Wands (“Strength”).  Cool; I’ll take them both!  The Nine of Cups (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, suffering, soul growth) is about emotional satisfaction and the ability to find pleasure in feelings and emotions, and in our expectations for the day.  This card is about getting what you wished for, but it reminds us that we need to be detailed in our visualizations if we want to receive exactly what we are wishing for.  Yes, it is one of the best cards in the pack, but I would do well to remember Crowley’s keyword for the next card, Satiety, and how easily being sated can slide into being lethargic.  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 the order and control that helps us to plan for possible challenges or hostilities to come, the way a seasoned warrior would plan.  The Nine of Wands also tells of the ability to adapt to changes on the drop of a dime.  In order for this creative strength to be effective, it must be mobile, and today I should look to both the Sun and the Moon in a more literal, exoteric sense for direction (rather than the esoteric tools of The High Priestess, who is reversed today).

My Legacy card is Strength (there’s that word again!!), flavored by the Page of Coins.  . The Strength card (Fire, hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive and energetic energy; Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, egotistical; Teth, sieve or basket, digestion; and the Path between Geburah, the place where forms and structures are challenged or affirmed, and Chesed, the place where forms and structures are stabilized and nurtured) is about having the strength and the patience to endure and focus.  Endurand and focus, patience and strength, are also skills necessary to use magick or magickal powers, another meaning for the Strength card.  Often, the focus and the taming of our wild nature represented by this card is taking place in order to obtain a result that is more than mere physical survival.  We have tamed Nature, we have food and shelter, but we want to test ourselves further, without having to worry about the basics.  Today I will deal gracefully with whatever life offers, just as I did yesterday (which was a day filled with minor, harmless irritations), and once again I will go to bed with a smile of accomplishment on my face.  Not a smile because I obtained “stuff,” but rather a smile because I responded to everything in a productive and positive way.  My Strength card is being flavored by the Page of Coins, a perfect companion!  The Page of Coins (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. This Page loves to learn new things and have new experiences, but he also can see the big picture in an optimistic way.  He is reminding me today that much can be accomplished in the physical world, but I needt o be willing to try new things, and I need to accept that I might need to work my way up the ranks in order to achieve my goals.  Again I am being told to deal with life’s isses realistically and in a grounded way, yet still remain open to trying a new method.

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

My horoscopes: “With vociferous Mercury retrograde in your zone of communication and cooperation, it's a miracle that anything comes out right! Since the expressive planet went off-course on Jan. 21, various projects have gotten mucked up, and you may feel ready to pull the plug on one close to your heart. But don't, Archer! This is a temporary setback. You've got one week left in this cosmic cycle, and you might be surprised how much damage you can undo with simple, open dialogue.

And: “Take a step back from the line of fire today and examine your position. You have made some bold moves, and now it is time to pause and evaluate. Listen to the reactions of other people, and take their observations and comments to heart. Other people may see things about your current situation that you do not. Don't let yourself get boxed in by narrow-minded ways of thinking. Digest what you learn, and expand your horizons.

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